Frederic Melton
Blue cheese is a popular ingredient that is often used in salad dressings, dips, and sauces. It is known for its strong and pungent flavour, which can be toned down by serving it with acidic herbs, such as the combination of blue cheese with fresh herbs served by chef Christian Puglisi of Relae in Copenhagen. Blue cheese can also be used to make a variety of dishes, such as pizza, milk and kelp ice cream, and onion noodles. When making blue cheese dressing at home, it is recommended to use a wedge of cheese to crumble into the dressing, as the pre-crumbled variety often lacks flavour and creaminess. In addition to herbs, spices such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, and Cajun seasoning can be added to blue cheese dressings to enhance their flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spices | Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning |
| Herbs | Parsley, acidic herbs |
| Other ingredients | Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, sour cream, buttermilk, bacon, garlic, shallots, celery, avocado, apple |
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What You'll Learn
Spices: Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning
Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, and Cajun seasoning are all spices that can complement the flavour of blue cheese.
Cayenne pepper is a type of Capsicum annuum, usually a hot chilli pepper used to flavour dishes. Cayenne peppers are long, skinny, mostly red peppers with a curved tip and rippled skin. They are often dried and ground to make the powdered spice, which is used in cooking spicy dishes. The spice adds a kick of heat to balance the creaminess of blue cheese.
Smoked paprika, also known as Spanish paprika, is made from pimentón peppers that have been smoked and dried over oak fires, resulting in a deep red colour and a smoky flavour. Rubbing or sprinkling smoked paprika on steak or other grilled meats creates a delicious savoury base when paired with blue cheese. For example, a ribeye steak rubbed with smoked paprika and topped with a blue cheese sauce or cream sauce is a flavourful main course.
Lemon pepper is a bright and tangy spice blend made from ground black peppercorns and dried lemon zest. It adds a citrusy and slightly spicy kick to dishes. Lemon pepper is a great pairing with blue cheese, especially in dips or sauces. For instance, lemon pepper wings with a homemade blue cheese dip make a tasty appetizer or party food.
Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Cajun cuisine, originating from the French-influenced Acadian region of North America. It typically includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, herbs, and salt. The sharp and earthy flavours of Cajun seasoning pair well with the richness of blue cheese. Adding a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to dishes featuring blue cheese can enhance their flavour and create a unique, cheesy twist.
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Herbs: Parsley, mint, basil, thyme, rosemary
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various herbs to enhance its flavour and create unique dishes. Here are some ways in which you can use parsley, mint, basil, thyme, and rosemary with blue cheese:
Parsley
Parsley is a popular herb that can be used to make a delicious blue cheese dressing. Fresh parsley adds both colour and flavour to the dressing. To make this dressing, simply combine sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and stir until well blended and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding a splash of milk for a thinner, pourable salad dressing. This dressing is perfect for salads or as a dipping sauce.
Mint
Mint may seem like an unusual pairing with blue cheese, but it can create a unique and refreshing flavour combination. You can experiment with adding dried or fresh mint to a blue cheese dressing. Buttermilk mint bleu cheese dressing is a creamy and versatile option that can be used on salads, raw or roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and more.
Basil
Basil is a perfect herb to pair with blue cheese in a simple summer salad. The combination of ripe summer tomatoes, a simple dressing, blue cheese, and basil creates a refreshing and flavourful dish. You can also add other ingredients like lettuce leaves or toss it with pasta.
Thyme
Blue cheese and thyme is a classic combination used in various recipes, such as scones. The fresh and warm blue cheese and thyme scones are a delightful twist on traditional afternoon tea. The savoury flavour of blue cheese and the subtle aroma of thyme create a delicious treat.
Rosemary
Blue cheese and rosemary is another flavourful combination that can be used in recipes like biscuits. To make blue cheese and rosemary biscuits, you'll need to whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Then, incorporate cold butter, blue cheese, and fresh rosemary. Finally, add milk to create a dough, which you can then pat down and cut into biscuit shapes.
These are just a few ways to incorporate these herbs with blue cheese, but feel free to experiment and create your own unique combinations!
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Dressing: Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic
Blue cheese is a unique and divisive ingredient, and people tend to either love it or hate it. If you are a fan of blue cheese, you might be interested in a blue cheese dressing with Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic.
This dressing is a blend of Greek yoghurt and mayonnaise, which form the base of the dressing and give it a classic creamy consistency. The Greek yoghurt adds a tangy flavour, and while low-fat or non-fat yoghurt can be used, whole milk yoghurt is recommended for the best flavour. Lemon juice is added to taste and provides a bright, tangy flavour. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best option here. Finally, garlic is added for a kick of flavour.
Blue cheese itself is a key ingredient in many other blue cheese dressings, but if you are looking for a more subtle blue cheese flavour, you can omit it from the recipe. When choosing a blue cheese, it is best to buy a wedge of cheese and crumble it yourself, as pre-crumbled cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents and is less creamy and flavourful. Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Maytag are all popular varieties of blue cheese.
This dressing is perfect as a dip or as a dressing for salads, wings, or vegetables. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
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Salads: Avocado, apple, bacon, celery, shallots
Blue cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, pairing well with a variety of ingredients, including avocado, apple, bacon, celery, and shallots. Here are some ideas for creating delicious and flavourful salads using these ingredients:
Blue Cheese, Avocado, and Bacon Salad
This salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, loaded with colour, flavour, and texture. Start by cooking the bacon and walnuts, then mix your blue cheese dressing. For the dressing, you can combine sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If you want a thinner dressing, add a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water. Next, prep the remaining salad ingredients. Toss lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese with a little dressing in a large bowl. Add in the avocado last to prevent oxidation. Sprinkle the salad with the remaining raw veggies, followed by the bacon crumbles and maple walnuts. Drizzle with additional dressing and serve.
Celery and Apple Salad with Blue Cheese
This salad is a refreshing and crunchy option, perfect for balancing richer dishes. You can use a variety of celery, such as celery root or fennel bulb, but be sure to cut it thinly to avoid a dominant celery flavour. Combine the celery with apples, and dress the salad with a vinaigrette made by whisking olive oil, shallot, mustard, lemon zest, and juice, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add in nuts like almonds, but these require more effort to prepare. Finally, add in crumbles of your favourite creamy blue cheese.
Blue Cheese, Apple, and Walnut Salad
This salad is a sweet and creamy combination, with a salty twist from the blue cheese. Start with a base of field greens, then add in sliced apples, candied pecans or walnuts, and blue cheese crumbles. You can also add in optional dried fruit like cherries or strawberries for extra sweetness. Top it off with a maple dijon dressing, or a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar.
Variations and Tips:
- If you're making the salad in advance, it's best to dress it at the last minute to prevent wilting.
- For a lighter option, use Greek yoghurt or a combination of yoghurt and sour cream instead of mayonnaise in your blue cheese dressing.
- If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, which has a similar texture and crumbles easily.
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Bread: Sourdough, seeded, fermented, Koji
Blue cheese is a strong and pungent cheese that pairs well with bread, especially sourdough, seeded, fermented, and Koji varieties.
Sourdough bread is a classic choice for blue cheese, as the tangy, slightly sour flavour of the bread complements the sharpness of the blue cheese. Sourdough bread is made with a sourdough starter, which is a fermented mixture of flour and water that gives the bread its distinctive flavour and texture. This bread is known for its air pockets, which can be filled with blue cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
Seeded bread, such as rye or multigrain bread, can also be a good match for blue cheese. The nuttiness and crunch of the seeds add texture and flavour to the overall profile, creating a more complex and interesting bite.
Fermented bread, particularly those using the Japanese Sakadane method, is another option. This traditional natural fermentation process uses sake yeast to leaven the bread, resulting in a fluffy yet chewy texture with a subtle sake-like or slightly cheesy flavour that marries well with blue cheese. The fermentation process also helps the bread stay softer for longer and reduces the likelihood of mould.
Koji bread, made with Aspergillus oryzae, a filamentous fungus or culinary mould, is also worth considering. Koji is widely used to unlock flavours through the power of enzymes, and it can give the bread a subtle, slightly cheesy taste. It is a time-consuming process, as cultivating Koji requires strict attention to temperature, humidity, and grain texture. However, the result is a unique and fluffy bread that preserves well and is easy to digest.
In conclusion, when pairing bread with blue cheese, consider sourdough, seeded, fermented, or Koji varieties to enhance the flavour experience. Each type of bread offers a distinct texture and taste that can complement and balance the strong characteristics of blue cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is a flavourful ingredient that can be paired with a variety of spices. Some spices that go well with blue cheese include:
- Cayenne pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Lemon pepper
- Cajun seasoning
Blue cheese can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some options:
- As part of a cheese course, paired with acidic herbs and bread
- Crumbled over a salad
- As a dip for veggies, crackers, or wings
- In a dressing or sauce
When making blue cheese dressing, it is recommended to use a wedge of cheese and crumble it yourself, as pre-crumbled cheese may be coated with anti-caking agents and lack flavour. You can also add other ingredients like Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to create a bold, tangy flavour.
