Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and paired with many different foods and drinks. From salads and sandwiches to burgers and pizzas, blue cheese adds a punch of flavour. Its bold, sharp, and tangy flavour with grassy notes and hints of mushroom also complement many drinks, from wines to whiskies. So, what are some of the best pairings for blue cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food | Salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, steak, beef, chicken breast, potatoes, sprouts, rosemary flatbread, polenta, quesadillas, crostini, mac and cheese, apple slices, pies, gingerbread cookies, baguette, crackers, dates, chocolate |
| Drinks | Red wines, sweet dessert wines, port, Vin Santo, whiskey, mulled wine |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Blue cheese with fruit
Blue cheese is known for its bold, sharp, and tangy flavour with grassy notes and hints of mushroom. It comes in a variety of textures and mouthfeels, from buttery to crumbly. This style of cheese can be paired with a variety of fruits, spreads, chutneys, and savory jams.
When it comes to fruit, blue cheese is a perfect match for autumn/winter fruits like persimmons or pears. Fresh figs, apples, and apricots are also great choices, especially if you're looking for a crunch. If you're a fan of dried fruit, dates and apricots are excellent options as well. For a more unique combination, try blue cheese with gingerbread cookies, a traditional Swedish treat during Christmas.
To enhance the flavour of blue cheese, consider pairing it with fruit spreads, chutneys, or savory jams. Quince paste, fruit compotes, and honey are classic choices that complement the sharpness of the cheese. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over blue cheese stuffed into dates or crumble it over apple slices. If you're feeling adventurous, explore the world of chutneys and pickles, such as fig chutney or red onion marmalade, to add a tangy twist to your blue cheese experience.
When creating a cheese board, remember that sweeter wines tend to pair better with more mature blue cheese. If you're serving a younger, more acidic blue cheese, look for wines that can complement its acidity, such as Gewurztraminer or off-dry Vouvray. For a classic combination, indulge in a glass of port with a very mature blue cheese—a match made in heaven.
Carrabba's Blue Cheese Dressing: Is It on the Menu?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese on pizza
Blue cheese is a popular topping for pizza, and it can be combined with a variety of other ingredients to create a delicious meal. Here are some ideas for blue cheese pizzas:
Olive and Blue Cheese Pizza
This pizza combines the sharpness of blue cheese with the brininess of olives. It also includes shaved parmesan cheese, fresh jalapeno peppers, and garlic. This pizza does not use any red sauce or olive oil, allowing the flavours of the toppings to shine through.
Blue Cheese, Pear, and Walnut Pizza
This pizza features the classic combination of blue cheese and walnuts, with the addition of sweet and crunchy pears. The pears are diced to a similar size as the blue cheese crumbles and walnuts, ensuring the pizza retains its identity. A rosemary, mustard, and garlic vinaigrette can be drizzled on top for added flavour.
Blue Cheese, Chicken, and Jalapeno Pizza
For those who like a spicy kick, this pizza features a ranch sauce base, topped with blue cheese, chicken, and jalapenos. It also includes a dusting of mozzarella cheese and artichoke hearts, with green olives providing a salty contrast to the sour notes of the blue cheese and artichokes.
Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Honey Pizza
The salty, tangy flavour of blue cheese pairs well with sweet ingredients, such as honey. This pizza features a combination of blue cheese, bacon, arugula, and honey, creating a symphony of delicious flavours.
Blue Cheese, Butternut Squash, and Caramelized Onion Pizza
This pizza uses a roasted or pureed butternut squash sauce, topped with caramelized onions, spinach, and a mix of mozzarella and blue cheese. The tanginess of the blue cheese and the saltiness of the bacon go well with the sweetness of the butternut squash.
Blue Cheese: An Italian Delicacy?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese with meat
Blue cheese has a natural meatiness that makes it a great partner for red meat. A creamy blue cheese is a perfect choice for a burger or a roast beef sandwich. You could also try a grilled burger with blue cheese, caramelized onions, and sautéed greens on a pretzel bun.
For a more sophisticated take on the blue cheese and meat combo, try a steak with a blue cheese sauce, or a steak frites with Roquefort sauce. If you're feeling experimental, you could try blue cheese with fresh fig, salami, and dried sausages.
For a vegetarian option, blue cheese is a great addition to a grilled vegetable sandwich. Or, for a lighter option, a salad with blue cheese, apples, and walnuts is a great choice. You could also try a salad with roasted butternut squash, a bright, lemony dressing, and blue cheese.
When it comes to drinks, blue cheese is a classic match for red wines, especially sweeter, more mature varieties. For dessert, try a sweet wine with a mature blue cheese, or even a port—just make sure it's a very mature blue cheese, as the strong flavor can be overwhelming.
Blue Cheese Pasteurization: US Standards and Safety
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blue cheese with wine
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, but what wines go well with it?
When it comes to wine, the traditional pairing for farmhouse blue cheeses is a classic red. For a sweeter option, dessert wines are also a good choice, especially Sauternes and Italian Vin Santo. Port is another wine that is commonly enjoyed with blue cheese, but it is important to note that only a very mature blue cheese, such as Cashel Blue, will work with this wine. For a more subtle pairing, an aged Tawny Port is recommended over a fruit-driven Ruby or Late Bottled Vintage. In general, sweeter wines tend to complement mature blue cheeses better, while younger, more acidic blues are better matched with wines that have their own acidity. For example, a young, acidic Crozier Blue can stand up to the zingy flavours of a Riesling, especially if the wine has a touch of sweetness. If you're looking for a red to pair with your blue cheese, the "Old World" wines of France, Italy, and Spain are a better choice than New World wines as they tend to be earthier, less fruity, and less alcoholic, which makes them a better match for blue cheese. Some specific recommendations for reds include Syrah-based Northern Rhone wines, Nebbiolo wines from Piedmont in Northern Italy, and Amarone della Valpolicella.
In addition to these wine pairings, blue cheese also goes well with other drinks. A Swedish Christmas tradition is to pair blue cheese with gingerbread cookies and hot mulled wine. For those who enjoy cocktails, a Blue Cheese Martini made with gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a blue cheese-stuffed olive is a unique option.
Is Blue Cheese Pasteurized? What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Blue cheese with honey
Blue cheese and honey is a simple combination with a serious flavour punch. It is a perfect match, with the sweetness of the honey balancing out the saltiness of the blue cheese.
To make a quick and easy appetiser, start with a good-quality blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola Piccante, Stilton, or Valdeón. Bring the cheese to room temperature, then crumble it onto a plate or slice of bread. Drizzle honey over the top, and serve with warm, sliced baguette or crackers.
For a more indulgent treat, dip a wedge of blue cheese into flour, then beaten egg, and finally into panko crumbs. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden. Drizzle with hot honey and serve immediately with bread or crackers.
Blue cheese and honey can also be combined in a variety of other dishes. Try drizzling over Brussels sprouts with cranberries, bacon, and walnuts, or serve with sliced apples or other seasonal fruit, such as persimmons or pears. For a sweet treat, drizzle over a slice of warm apple pie or even gingerbread cookies.
For a simple, elegant dish, blue cheese and honey is a perfect pairing.
The Pasteurization of Saputo Blue Cheese: Is It Safe?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is often paired with red meat, such as steak, beef or burgers. It can also be used as a topping for pizza, salads, sandwiches, or crackers. Blue cheese can also be melted over grilled or roasted meats, or used as a sauce for steak or wings.
Blue cheese is often paired with sweeter wines, such as dessert wines or port. It can also be paired with fruits such as pears, apples, persimmons, or dried fruits like dates and apricots.
Blue cheese is often paired with red wine, especially more mature cheeses. Younger, more acidic blue cheeses can be paired with wines that have their own acidity, such as Gewurztraminer or Riesling.
Blue cheese is often paired with nuts, such as walnuts and pecans, or with honey. It can also be paired with butter, or used in a cheese fondue with other cheeses such as ricotta and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
