Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, ranging from salads to burgers and even desserts. It is made by adding cultures of edible moulds, which create blue-green veins throughout the cheese. Blue cheese has a distinctive smell and flavour that can be attributed to the presence of various bacteria and moulds, such as Penicillium roqueforti, which give it a rich aroma and taste. With its unique characteristics, blue cheese is a popular ingredient for those looking to add a tangy, savoury, or creamy element to their meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blue cheese recipes | Burgers, grilled cheese, salads, dips, desserts, steaks, mac and cheese bites, pies, pastries, and crackers |
| Blue cheese types | Cabrales, Danablu, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Blue Stilton |
| Blue cheese origin | Discovered by accident when cheeses were stored in caves with naturally controlled temperatures and moisture levels |
| Blue cheese mold | Created by the addition of cultures of edible molds, which form blue-green spots or veins through the cheese |
| Blue cheese flavor | Varying from mild to strong, slightly sweet to salty or sharp |
| Blue cheese color | Varying from pale to dark |
| Blue cheese consistency | Varying from liquid to hard |
| Blue cheese smell | Distinctive, either from the mold or from specially cultivated bacteria |
| Blue cheese preparation | Some are injected with spores before the curds form, while others have spores mixed in with the curds after they form |
| Blue cheese aging | Aged in temperature-controlled environments |
| Blue cheese regulations | The Canadian Food Inspection Agency specifies a minimum milk fat content of 47-50% and a maximum moisture content of 46-47% |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese on burgers
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. One of the most popular ways to use blue cheese is to incorporate it into burgers.
When using blue cheese on burgers, it is essential to consider the flavour profile and texture of the cheese. Blue cheese has a strong, tangy, and creamy flavour that can be a dominant presence in a burger. It is also crumbly and tends to melt easily.
One method of using blue cheese in burgers is to crumble and melt it on top. This adds a rich, savoury element to the burger and allows the cheese to be the star of the dish. To do this, form the beef into a patty, cook it on a grill or in a pan, and then top it with crumbled blue cheese. You can also add other toppings like arugula, tomato, red onion, and condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, or ketchup.
Another popular approach is to incorporate the blue cheese directly into the burger patty. This infuses each bite with the tangy flavour of the cheese and ensures even melting throughout the burger. To do this, mix ground beef with mustard, garlic, onions, blue cheese, water, an egg, and seasonings. Form the mixture into patties, grill or pan-fry them, and serve on hamburger buns with your choice of toppings and condiments.
When choosing blue cheese for your burger, it's worth noting that different types of blue cheese offer a wide range of flavours. Sampling different varieties can help you find the one that best suits your taste preferences and complements the other ingredients in your burger.
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Blue cheese dip
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to burgers. One popular way to use blue cheese is to make it into a dip. This dip is typically cold, creamy, and savoury, with a distinctive blue cheese flavour that is not overpowering. It goes well with buffalo chicken wings, celery sticks, carrot sticks, bell peppers, and chips.
For a lighter version of the dip, you can use Greek yogurt or natural yogurt instead of sour cream. To thin the dip, milk can be added, although some prefer to use lemon juice for added flavour. For those who do not like mayonnaise, extra sour cream can be used instead. Chives can also be substituted with spring onions or green onions, and horseradish can be added for a unique flavour.
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Blue cheese desserts
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including desserts. While it may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when making a sweet dish, blue cheese can add depth and complexity to desserts with its tangy and savoury flavour.
One unique dessert option is a Smokey Blue Cheesecake. The blue cheese crumbles in this cheesecake create a sharp, salty contrast and an earthy complexity to the creamy dessert. It is paired with Hazelnut Pear Flambé, which has spicy-sweet tones, creating an inviting dessert experience.
Blue cheese can also be used to make ice cream. This dessert option may seem unusual, but it is a traditional French dessert, combining sweet and salty flavours. The type of blue cheese used can be varied based on preference, as the cheese's flavour profile carries over into the ice cream. For instance, a mild and slightly spicy blue cheese like blue d'Auvergne can be used, or a bolder and more intense option like Gorgonzola.
Blue cheese can also be incorporated into pastries and baked goods. For instance, it can be paired with fruits like cherries, apples, or pears in a pastry similar to a Danish. Additionally, blue cheese can be used to make a pie by creating a confit of tomatoes and onions flavoured with basil and oregano. This mixture is then combined with crumbled blue cheese and mozzarella and baked in a pie crust.
Overall, blue cheese can be a versatile ingredient in desserts, adding a unique savoury and tangy twist to sweet dishes.
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Blue cheese in salads
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and flavour to a variety of dishes. Its creamy taste and texture make it a perfect topping for fresh, crispy lettuce or salads. Here are some ways to incorporate blue cheese into your salad:
Christmas Salad
Arugula, spinach, roasted pecans, sliced strawberries, and a lemon shallot vinaigrette are combined with blue cheese to create a festive salad. The sweetness of the strawberries and the sharpness of the cheese complement each other, creating a delicious and visually appealing dish.
Summer Salad
Blue cheese pairs well with arugula, nectarines, and a hint of berries in a summer salad. The sweetness of the nectarines and the tanginess of the cheese create a refreshing and satisfying combination.
Chicken BLT Salad
A classic BLT salad with bacon, lettuce, and tomato can be elevated by adding blue cheese. The creaminess of the cheese blends beautifully with the other ingredients, creating a well-rounded and indulgent salad.
Spring Green Salad
For a light supper or side dish, serve a vibrant salad with blue cheese and spring greens. Kale or chard can also be used in place of the spring greens, offering a nutritious and flavourful option.
Pasta Salad
Blue cheese can be used sparingly in a pasta salad to create a healthy and satisfying dish. Combining it with walnuts, spinach, and leeks provides a delicious blend of flavours and textures.
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour and texture of salads. Its creamy and tangy characteristics make it a perfect addition to a variety of fresh ingredients, creating delicious and satisfying dishes.
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Blue cheese on steak
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. It is often used to add a strong flavour to dishes and can be crumbled, spread, or melted.
Blue cheese is a popular topping for steak, adding a burst of flavour to the meat. There are several ways to make a blue cheese steak, but the basic premise is to cook the steak and then top it with blue cheese, allowing the cheese to melt over the meat.
One method is to grill the steak on a hot pan for 3 minutes on each side, then scatter blue cheese crumbles over the steak and grill for another 3 minutes. Remove the steak from the heat and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. You can also add more blue cheese or serve it with a blue cheese salad dressing.
Another way to make blue cheese steak is to create a blue cheese crust. To do this, mix together the ingredients for the crust, aiming for a peanut butter-like consistency. Set the steaks aside and preheat the grill/smoker/oven to about 300°F. Add the steaks to the cool side of the grill and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 120°F. Once the steaks are done, pull them off and let them rest. Increase the heat to 500°F and add a cast-iron skillet with oil. Sear the steaks for 30 seconds on each side, then top with the blue cheese crust and return to the grill until the crust is crispy.
Blue cheese steak can be served with a variety of sides, such as oven-roasted potato wedges, whole baked potatoes, or a salad. It can also be served with a compound butter made from butter, chives, and hot sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is used in a variety of dishes, including salads, burgers, dips, grilled cheese, and pastries.
Blue cheese can be crumbled on top of a salad to add a creamy texture and flavour. It goes well with fresh, crispy lettuce, bacon, and tomato. It can also be paired with fruits such as strawberries, pears, and nuts like pecans.
Blue cheese can be crumbled and melted on top of a burger to add flavour.
Blue cheese can be combined with other ingredients such as buttermilk, pear, and bacon to create a dip that is perfect for a crowd.
