Blue Cheese's Saucy Partners: A Tasty Exploration

Blue cheese sauce is a bold, salty, and tangy sauce that can be served with a variety of dishes. It is commonly paired with steak, chicken, pork, pasta, salads, and vegetables. The sauce is typically made with blue cheese, cream or sour cream, and other ingredients such as butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. The type of blue cheese used can vary, with options like Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton being popular choices. The sauce can be made in under 15 minutes and is a great way to add flavour to a variety of dishes.

Blue cheese sauce recipes

Blue cheese sauce is a bold, salty, and tangy sauce that goes well with a variety of dishes, including steak, burgers, chicken wings, salads, and fries. Here are some recipes to make blue cheese sauce at home:

Basic Blue Cheese Sauce

This recipe uses a combination of blue cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream as its base, with additional ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Instructions:

• Place the blue cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a food processor and mix until well combined.
• Add the lemon juice, half the salt, and pepper. Mix again, then adjust the consistency and taste by adding more seasonings if needed.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
• If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a dash of milk.
• For a thicker sauce, use less sour cream.
• For a chunkier sauce, crumble the blue cheese and mix it with a fork instead of using a food processor.

Blue Cheese Sauce with Shallots and Garlic

This recipe includes shallots and garlic, adding depth of flavor to the sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 banana shallot, peeled and finely chopped, or 1/2 small onion
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 150 ml (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons) double (heavy) cream
• 125 grams (4 1/2 ounces) Stilton, crumbled or roughly chopped (use Gorgonzola for a milder flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped shallot and fry for 3-4 minutes until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the cream and Stilton, stirring over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and pepper.
• Serve immediately, or continue cooking over low heat to thicken the sauce further.

Blue Cheese Sauce with Cream

This recipe uses cream as the base and is perfect for pouring over steak or pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 pound crumbled blue cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

• Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning or curdling.
• Add half of the blue cheese and mash it into the cream with a fork until a few lumps remain.
• Once the cheese has melted, add the Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Continue simmering for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Slowly stir in the remaining blue cheese, then remove from heat to prevent the cheese from melting completely.
• Serve immediately over cooked steak while the sauce is still warm.

Blue Cheese Dressing

This recipe is perfect for salads or as a dipping sauce for veggies and wings.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade)
• 2 ounces (60 grams) crumbled blue cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Pinch of freshly ground pepper
• Milk, buttermilk, or water to thin the dressing (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine the mayonnaise, blue cheese, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and stir until well blended and creamy.
• Use the back of a spoon to press some of the blue cheese crumbles into the sauce for extra flavor.
• For a pourable salad dressing, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk, buttermilk, or water. Adjust the taste with additional lemon juice, salt, and pepper if needed.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What foods to serve with blue cheese sauce

Blue cheese sauce is a bold, creamy, and tangy sauce with a hint of garlic. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, ranging from indulgent to healthy options. Here are some ideas for what foods to serve with blue cheese sauce:

Meats and Proteins

Blue cheese sauce is commonly served with steak, and it is a particularly good match for a medium-rare ribeye. It can also be used as a dip for chicken wings or served alongside chicken goujons. For a heartier meal, try serving the sauce with a burger or using it as a spread on a sandwich. If you're looking for something different, blue cheese sauce can also be paired with chicken, pork, or even bacon.

Vegetables and Sides

Blue cheese sauce can be used as a dip for potato wedges or served with breadsticks. For a healthier option, try dipping veggie sticks like celery, cucumber, carrot, or bell pepper into the sauce.

Salads

Blue cheese sauce can add a tangy twist to your salad. It goes well with salads that have pears or grapes, and you can also add a dash of milk to make the sauce thinner and easier to drizzle over your greens. For an extra punch of flavor, try a caprese salad with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.

Pasta

Blue cheese sauce is a versatile option for pasta dishes. It melts quickly and completely, especially when served over hot pasta. You can also add it to pasta salads for a tangy kick.

Other Options

Blue cheese sauce is a great choice for anything "buffalo-flavored." Try it with buffalo chicken wings, buffalo cauliflower, or buffalo chicken quesadillas. You can also use it as a topping for a baked potato instead of sour cream.

Blue cheese salad dressing

Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a range of sauces and dressings, each with its own unique flavour and texture. One popular way to use blue cheese is to make a salad dressing, which can be drizzled over a variety of dishes or used as a dip.

Ingredients

• Blue cheese
• Buttermilk
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Milk
• Vinegar
• Seasonings such as garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper

Preparation

To make blue cheese salad dressing, simply mash the blue cheese and buttermilk together with a fork until well combined. Then, add the remaining ingredients and mix well. You can adjust the consistency of the dressing by adding more or less milk or buttermilk. For a smoother dressing, you can blend it with an immersion blender or food processor.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzled over salads, such as a wedge salad or a classic iceberg lettuce salad.
• Used as a dip for vegetables, chicken wings, or breadsticks.
• Spread on sandwiches or burgers as a condiment.
• Used as an ingredient in recipes such as buffalo chicken lasagna or pasta dishes.

Storage

Homemade blue cheese salad dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Blue cheese dip

Blue cheese is a bold, salty, tangy cheese with a distinct punchy flavour. When made into a dip, it becomes a strong, indulgent, and luscious sauce.

Ingredients

• Blue cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic (optional)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Method

Place crumbled blue cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise in a food processor and mix until well combined. Then, add in the lemon juice, half the salt, and pepper. Mix again, and then check the consistency and taste, adding more seasonings if needed.

For a thinner sauce (for example, for a dressing), add a dash of milk. For a thicker sauce (for example, for a dip), use less sour cream. For a chunkier sauce, crumble the blue cheese and mash it all together with a fork instead of using a food processor.

If you have time, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavours to deepen and the sauce to thicken.

Serving Suggestions

This blue cheese dip is very versatile and can be served with a range of dishes, including:

• Salads, especially those with pears or grapes
• Veggie sticks like celery, cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper
• Meat, such as steak, pork chops, or burgers
• Potato wedges or baked potatoes
• Anything buffalo-flavoured, like buffalo cauliflower or buffalo chicken wings

Blue cheese sauce storage

Blue cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can enhance the flavour of many dishes, but it needs to be stored properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions for storing your blue cheese sauce:

Refrigerate the Sauce:

It is essential to refrigerate blue cheese sauce to extend its shelf life. Place the sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help keep the sauce fresh and prevent spoilage. The sauce should be consumed within three to seven days of preparation.

Optimise Flavour and Consistency:

Before refrigerating, it is recommended to let the blue cheese sauce cool down to room temperature. This will help the flavours meld and develop, resulting in a more flavourful sauce. Additionally, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a blender to achieve your desired consistency before storing it.

Reheating and Serving:

When ready to serve, you can enjoy the blue cheese sauce cold or gently warm it on the stove over low heat. If you plan to reheat the sauce, do so slowly and stir frequently to prevent curdling and separation. If the sauce becomes too runny, you can add a few crumbles of blue cheese to thicken it.

Freezing for Extended Storage:

If you have made a large batch of blue cheese sauce and want to store it for an extended period, you can consider freezing it. Transfer the sauce to freezer-safe containers and label them with the date. Frozen blue cheese sauce can be stored for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it gently on the stove.

Food Safety Considerations:

It is important to practice good food safety habits when storing and handling blue cheese sauce. Always use clean utensils and containers, and avoid cross-contamination with raw ingredients. Pay attention to the expiration dates of the ingredients used in your sauce, especially dairy products like cream, sour cream, or buttermilk, as they can spoil more quickly.

By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your blue cheese sauce remains fresh, safe to consume, and full of flavour. Remember to use your senses to evaluate the sauce before consuming it; if it shows any signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant odour or mould, discard it immediately.

Frequently asked questions