Andy Montoya
Blue cheese is a beloved and popular cheese globally, with its bold, sharp, and tangy flavour, and grassy, salty, and sweet notes. It has a unique appearance due to its blue or grey veins, created by the development of mould within the cheese. Its creamy texture and strong aroma make it a versatile ingredient, pairing well with a variety of foods and drinks. So, what goes well with soft, creamy blue cheese?
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What You'll Learn
Red wines, honey, fresh fruits, and nuts
Red wines, fresh fruits, nuts, and honey are all excellent choices to pair with a soft, creamy blue cheese. Each of these options will complement and contrast with the bold, salty, sweet, and creamy taste of blue cheese in their own unique way.
Red wines, for example, are known to pair beautifully with blue cheese, creating a sophisticated and unique culinary experience. The creamy texture of the cheese softens the spiciness and heat of alcohol in the wine, making for a harmonious pairing. Opt for a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes. The wine's acidity and sweetness will complement the richness and pungency of the blue cheese.
Honey, with its sweet and sticky notes, is another perfect counterpart to the salty and bold flavours of blue cheese. For the best results, opt for a high-quality honey, either a creamed and spreadable version or one that drizzles, and pair it with crackers or a baguette.
Fresh fruits also pair well with blue cheese, offering a contrast between the sweetness of the fruit and the salty, tangy notes of the cheese. Classic examples include pears, apples, and grapes, which can be used in a variety of ways, such as in a salad or as a flatbread topping. Figs, in particular, are a popular choice, as their sweetness and lusciousness create a harmonious symphony of flavours when paired with blue cheese.
Finally, nuts are a great option to pair with soft, creamy blue cheese. The crunchy and earthy texture and flavour of nuts complement the boldness of the cheese. Walnuts, in particular, are a popular choice, as they offer a nice contrast between the sweet, sticky notes of the honey and the earthy, nutty flavours of the walnuts.
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Salads, burgers, and sandwiches
Salads
Blue cheese is a popular addition to salads, where it can provide a tangy, spicy kick. Try crumbling it over a mesclun salad with figs, apples, and grapes, and a dressing of apple cider vinegar and whole-grain mustard. Alternatively, for a vegetarian twist on the classic French onion soup, add blue cheese and oloroso sherry for new layers of flavor and depth. The nuttiness of the sherry will complement the blue cheese, while its acidity will cut through the richness of the cheese.
Burgers
Blue cheese is a fantastic topping for burgers, where its creamy, tangy notes pair wonderfully with the savory juiciness of the patty. For a flavor explosion, top your blue cheese-topped burger with crispy bacon and caramelized onions.
Sandwiches
Blue cheese can also be used to elevate a simple sandwich. Try a roast beef sandwich with creamy blue cheese, or a combination of blue cheese and honey on a baguette or with crackers. For an extra indulgent twist, layer on some butter before adding the cheese.
With its unique flavor profile, soft, creamy blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a gourmet touch to many dishes.
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Flatbreads and crackers
For a more complex flavour profile, try a rosemary flatbread. The herb's earthy, nutty notes will complement the saltiness of the blue cheese. You could also add some walnuts for a crunchy texture.
If you're looking for a fruity option, figs are a classic pairing with blue cheese. Try a flatbread with a base of balsamic fig mostarda spread—made by simmering figs in balsamic vinegar with fresh apples and pears, and finished with pure mustard oil—and top with blue cheese. This combination works especially well with roasted meats like beef or cured meats like prosciutto.
For a more indulgent option, try drizzling chocolate over your flatbread or crackers. The sweet-to-bitter ratio of dark chocolate will bring out the earthy qualities of a rustic blue cheese.
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Meat dishes
Soft, creamy blue cheese has a unique flavour profile, with a salty, sweet, and creamy taste, and a slightly soft, crumbly texture. Its natural meatiness makes it a great pairing with red meat. Here are some ideas for meat dishes that would pair well with soft, creamy blue cheese:
Steak Frites
A classic French dish, steak frites is elevated by a creamy blue cheese sauce. The sharpness of the cheese cuts through the richness of the steak, while the sauce adds a depth of flavour to the dish.
Blue Cheese Burgers
The creamy, tangy notes of blue cheese pair wonderfully with the savoury juiciness of a well-cooked burger patty. Top with crispy bacon and caramelised onions for a flavour explosion.
Chicken Quesadillas
Blue cheese adds a tangy, spicy kick to chicken quesadillas. Try using a combination of blue cheese, Parmesan, and Cheddar for a rich and diverse flavour profile.
Roast Beef Sandwich
A roast beef sandwich with creamy blue cheese is a delicious combination. The sharpness of the cheese complements the beef, while the creaminess of the cheese adds a indulgent touch.
Blue Cheese Fondue
For something a little different, try a blue cheese fondue. Fondue is typically made with Swiss cheeses like Gruyere and Emmenthal, but blue cheese can add a tangy twist. Dip bread, meat, and vegetables into the fondue for a fun, interactive meal.
These are just a few ideas, but the versatility of blue cheese means the possibilities are endless!
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Dark chocolate
There are several ways to pair these two indulgent foods. One option is to dip cubes of blue cheese into melted dark chocolate. Alternatively, you could enjoy a few squares of dark chocolate alongside a plate of blue cheese, or even grate some dark chocolate over a blue cheese fondue.
For a more subtle pairing, try a blue cheese with notes of bacon and sweet cream, such as Rogue Creamery's Smokey Blue, with a dark chocolate infused with espresso and barley malt, such as an indulgent Chocolatier porter bar.
If you're looking for a more textural experience, try a dark chocolate truffle with a blue cheese centre. Or, for a more savoury option, pair a blue cheese with a dark chocolate salami—a type of salami made with chocolate instead of meat.
When choosing a dark chocolate to pair with blue cheese, opt for a variety with a high cocoa content to balance the richness of the cheese. A dark chocolate with a fruity or nutty flavour profile can also complement the flavours of the blue cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft, creamy blue cheese pairs well with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, or sweet white wines like Riesling, Pinot Bianco, and Prosecco.
Honey, fruits like pears, apples, and figs, and nuts like walnuts are all good pairings with soft, creamy blue cheese.
Blue cheese is a common ingredient in salads, and it can also be used in dishes like quesadillas, polenta, and burgers.
Blue cheese is often served with steak, burgers, or sandwiches. It can also be melted into a dip and served with vegetables like carrots, celery, or cucumbers.
Blue cheese is often paired with other strong cheeses like Camembert, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and cheddar.
