Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese crumbles are a convenient and tasty addition to many dishes, from salads and burgers to pasta sauces and steaks. They can be sprinkled, stirred, melted, or even frozen for later use. With their rich, bold taste and characteristic blue-green marbling, blue cheese crumbles add a pungent aroma and distinct flavour to your meal. The strong taste and smell of blue cheese can be a double-edged sword, so remember that a little goes a long way. To balance the powerful flavour, consider pairing it with sweet or acidic elements, such as strawberries or tomatoes, or even spicy ingredients to enhance the overall flavour experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in a resealable bag or airtight container in the refrigerator |
| Freezing | Double wrap in plastic and place in a freezer bag |
| Thawing | Thaw frozen crumbles in the refrigerator |
| Flavour | Strong taste and smell, a little goes a long way |
| Uses | Salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, sauces, steak, chilli, soups, dips, desserts |
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What You'll Learn
Use blue cheese crumbles in a salad
Blue cheese crumbles can be a great addition to a salad, adding a delightful tang and a punch of flavour. A little goes a long way, so you can be sure that your salad will have a nice balance of flavours.
A simple way to use blue cheese crumbles in a salad is to toss together some mixed greens, leaf lettuce, walnuts or pecans, and blue cheese crumbles. For the dressing, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice, and pour it over the salad. You can also add dried cranberries, green onions, and tomatoes to this salad.
Another option is to make a chopped blue cheese salad with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, red onions, crispy bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and chives. Start by tossing the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, half of the bacon, and half of the blue cheese with the blue cheese dressing. Then, top the salad with the remaining bacon and blue cheese crumbles, as well as the chopped chives and black pepper.
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with walnuts and a sprinkle of salt to get that salty, crunchy texture. You can also add strawberries to your salad to add a sweet and fruity element that will balance out the strong flavour of the blue cheese.
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Add to a burger
Blue cheese crumbles are a great way to add a rich, bold taste and a creamy texture to your burger. The key is to remember that a little goes a long way, as the cheese has a strong taste and smell. Here are some ways to incorporate blue cheese crumbles into your burger:
Mix into the Patty
You can mix blue cheese crumbles into the patty mix before cooking it. This will give the burger a more intense flavour as the cheese melts into the meat. You can also add other ingredients like chopped onions or herbs to the patty mix to complement the blue cheese.
Topping for the Patty
Another option is to sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top of the cooked patty. The heat from the patty will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy texture and enhancing the flavour. You can also try broiling the cheese on top of the patty for a more intense flavour.
Topping for the Bun
If you want the blue cheese to be the star of the show, consider adding it to the bun. You can spread the crumbles onto the bun or lightly melt them, creating a gooey, delicious topping. This will add a burst of flavour to each bite and can be a great way to elevate a simple burger.
Balance with Other Toppings
To balance the strong flavour of blue cheese, consider pairing it with sweet or acidic toppings. For example, you could add sliced tomatoes, caramelised onions, or even a fruity sauce to your burger. These toppings will create a pleasing contrast to the creaminess of the blue cheese and enhance the overall flavour profile of your burger.
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Make a sauce
Blue cheese crumbles can be used to make a variety of sauces. Here are some ideas:
Blue Cheese Dip
This dip is a great option if you're looking for a quick and easy sauce to make. It only requires a few ingredients and can be prepared in a snap. You can serve it with toasted pecans, crackers, or vegetables.
Blue Cheese Sauce for Meat
Blue cheese crumbles can be melted and used as a sauce for steak or beef. You can also make a blue cheese crust for steak by mixing the crumbles with other ingredients. Additionally, blue cheese sauce goes well with chicken, especially when paired with hot wings or buffalo chicken-style dishes.
Blue Cheese Sauce for Pasta
Blue cheese crumbles can be stirred into pasta sauces or baked with pasta, onion, and bacon until the dish is golden and bubbly. You can also try making a macaroni and cheese with blue cheese crumbles for an extra pungent flavour.
Blue Cheese Sauce for Salads
Blue cheese crumbles can be used to make a salad dressing or as an ingredient in a salad sauce. Pair it with sweet fruits like strawberries or apples, or acidic ingredients like tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. You can also add walnuts or pecans to your salad for extra crunch and flavour.
Blue Cheese Fondue
For a fun and interactive sauce, you can try making a blue cheese fondue. Simply melt your blue cheese crumbles and serve them with a variety of dippers such as bread cubes, vegetables, or meats.
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Include in a dip
Blue cheese crumbles can be used to make a variety of dips, each with its own unique flavour profile. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Blue Cheese Dip with Pecans
For a quick and easy dip, you can prepare a thick spread with blue cheese and serve it with toasted pecans. This dip is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for unexpected guests as it requires minimal preparation and just a few ingredients.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, a buffalo chicken dip is a great option. This dip combines the flavours of hot wings with the tanginess of blue cheese. It is a perfect appetizer to bring to a potluck or tailgate and is sure to be a conversation starter.
Blue Cheese and Honey Dip
If you're looking for a sweet and savoury combination, try mixing blue cheese crumbles with honey. The honey will help to balance the sharpness of the blue cheese, resulting in a dip that is both indulgent and refreshing.
Blue Cheese and Fruit Dip
Create a fruity dip by mixing blue cheese crumbles with pureed strawberries or other sweet fruits. This dip can be served with crackers or apple slices, adding a sophisticated touch to your snack or appetiser.
Blue Cheese and Caramelised Onion Dip
For a heartier dip, combine blue cheese with caramelised onions. The sweetness of the onions will help to balance the saltiness of the blue cheese, resulting in a complex and satisfying flavour profile.
With their strong taste and smell, blue cheese crumbles can be a versatile ingredient for creating dips. Remember, a little goes a long way, so experiment with different quantities to find the perfect balance for your palate.
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Bake with pasta
Blue cheese crumbles are a versatile ingredient that can add a rich and tangy depth of flavour to a variety of pasta dishes. Here are some ideas for baking with pasta and blue cheese crumbles:
Creamy Blue Cheese Pasta with Lemon and Walnuts
This recipe is perfect for an indulgent dinner for one. The blue cheese sauce is super creamy, tangy, and has a bit of crunch from toasted walnuts. The ingredients you will need are: dried pasta (short shapes like farfalle or cavatappi work well), blue cheese (a creamy variety like Gorgonzola or Cashel Blue), walnuts, garlic, dried chilli flakes, a lemon, olive oil, and salt.
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic, chop the walnuts, zest the lemon, and cut the lemon in half. Drain the pasta, but remember to keep the pasta water. In a frying pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat and add the walnuts. Fry the walnuts for about a minute until they start to smell nutty. Next, add the garlic, lemon zest, and dried chilli flakes to the pan. Finally, add the cooked pasta, blue cheese, and a splash of pasta water to the pan and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Blue Cheese Pasta with Mushrooms
This recipe combines cooked pasta with a mushroom mixture and grated Parmesan cheese. First, sauté mixed mushrooms in olive oil until they are tender. Then, add blue cheese crumbles and cook until the cheese is melted and creamy. Combine the mushroom mixture with the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Blue Cheese Pasta with Bacon and Onions
Fry chopped bacon and thinly sliced red onions in melted butter. Stir in some blue cheese crumbles at the end, and serve with toasted walnuts on top.
Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
Create a creamy blue cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes. Pour in half-and-half and let it heat through. Whisk in blue cheese and Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, toss the sauce with cooked pasta.
Variations and Additions
You can experiment with different types of pasta shapes and cheeses, or try adding proteins and vegetables like grilled chicken, spinach, or tomatoes. Blue cheese pairs well with sweet and savoury ingredients like caramelised onions, figs, and prosciutto, so feel free to get creative with your additions!
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese crumbles can be used in a variety of recipes, including salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, and steak. You can also make a blue cheese dip, or add it to a pie or tart.
To store blue cheese crumbles, keep them in a resealable bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. If you plan on freezing the cheese, double-wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
A little blue cheese goes a long way due to its strong taste and smell. When cooking with blue cheese crumbles, remember to balance the powerful flavour with sweet or acidic elements.
