Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese is a pungent, flavourful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be used in salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and even as a topping for steak. Blue cheese also works well in recipes that call for other strong cheeses, such as macaroni and cheese, or as an addition to a cheese board. If you have a lot of blue cheese, it can be frozen for later use, or cooked into a variety of dishes, such as a blue cheese sauce, or a pie.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Can be frozen when stored properly |
| Use | Salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, dips, sauces, dressings, pasta, steak, chicken, soups, pies, tarts, chilli, polenta, quesadillas, macaroni, crostini, flatbread, focaccia |
| Pairings | Walnuts, spinach, leeks, figs, apples, grapes, scallions, herbs, red wine, crackers, garlic, onion, thyme, potatoes, chicken stock, beef, bacon, avocado, tomato, mozzarella, beef, stilton, pastry, mushrooms, squash, vinaigrette, rice krispies, butter, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, gorgonzola, cheddar, parmesan, feta, ricotta, parmigiano-reggiano |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese recipes
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a punch of flavour to many dishes. Here are some recipe ideas to use blue cheese:
Salads
Blue cheese can be added to a variety of salads, such as a mesclun salad with figs, apples, and grapes, dressed with apple cider vinegar and whole-grain mustard. It can also be crumbled over grilled squash and tossed with a bright, lemony dressing, or used in a beet and blue cheese salad with scallions, herbs, and red wine vinegar. For a sweeter option, try a salad with baked figs and walnuts, or a Fuji apple salad with blue cheese crumbles.
Sandwiches and Burgers
Blue cheese can be used to make a tangy sandwich with thick-sliced heirloom tomatoes. It can also be used in chicken quesadillas or as a topping for burgers, adding a punch of flavour. For a vegetarian option, try a veggie burger with spinach, walnuts, mushrooms, and blue cheese.
Pasta and Pizza
Blue cheese can be incorporated into pasta dishes, such as macaroni and cheese with onion and bacon, or pasta with walnuts, spinach, and leeks. It can also be used as a topping for pizza, adding a tangy bite. For a unique twist, try a rosemary flatbread with blue cheese, which goes from crumbly to creamy in the oven.
Meat Dishes
Blue cheese pairs well with meat, such as steak. It can be used as a topping, melted on a steak, or as a blue cheese crust. For an elegant dinner party option, try a beef Wellington with lean fillet steak spread with blue cheese and wrapped in pastry. Blue cheese also goes well with chicken, such as in buffalo chicken dip or spicy garlic chicken wings with a blue cheese dip.
Snacks and Appetizers
Blue cheese can be used in a variety of snacks and appetizers, such as a cheese ball or crostini. It can also be paired with charcuterie for a casual French table. For a sweet and savoury option, try walnut bread with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing, served with honey-flavoured butter.
Sides
Blue cheese can be used to create indulgent side dishes, such as broccoli with a blue cheese dressing and a crunchy, butter-toasted Rice Krispies topping. It can also be used in a gratin with cauliflower florets and a béchamel sauce, or as a fonduta with whole-milk ricotta and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Desserts
While blue cheese is typically used in savoury dishes, it can also be used in desserts. Try a cheesecake with a twist, using blue cheese for a tangy and sweet treat.
With its strong flavour and creamy texture, blue cheese can enhance a variety of dishes, from salads to meat and pasta dishes.
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Blue cheese storage
Blue cheese is a tricky cheese to store. Its delicate pierced blue veining makes it more susceptible to oxidation and moisture loss. It also won't last as long as other cheeses. So, it's best to buy only what you need and plan to use it relatively quickly.
When purchasing blue cheese, avoid wedges with excess moisture in the packaging, as this indicates that the cheese is past its prime. You should also avoid any new mold or a soft fuzzy coating of mold around the cheese. Strong medicinal or perfumy flavours are another sign that the cheese is past its prime.
Blue mold spores can travel through the air and contaminate other cheeses, so it's important to wrap blue cheese appropriately. Experts recommend using aluminum foil, parchment paper, or a loose zipper-lock bag. You can also wrap the cheese in parchment paper and then loosely cover it with aluminum foil. This mimics the two-ply construction of cheese paper.
Blue cheese likes to be stored in a high-humidity climate of at least 80% to keep the cheese paste fresh. The Cheese Grotto is a good option for this, as it self-regulates high humidity and has a breathable back panel that allows fresh air to circulate around the cheese. This prevents moisture from being trapped on the surface of the cheese, which can cause rapid degradation and the emergence of inedible, pinkish bacteria.
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Blue cheese salads
Blue cheese is a great ingredient to add a salty, tangy bite to your salad. It goes well with sweet ingredients like fruits, vegetables that provide a bitter crunch, and nuts. Here are some ideas for blue cheese salads:
Mesclun Salad
This salad is a mix of sweet and acidic flavours. The sweetness comes from figs, apples, and grapes, while the acidity comes from apple cider vinegar and whole-grain mustard. This salad is a great way to incorporate blue cheese into your dish, as the sweetness of the fruits balances out the saltiness of the cheese.
Beet and Blue Cheese Salad
This bright and sweet salad is made with scallions, herbs, and red wine. It is a classic pairing of blue cheese and pear, with the addition of sweet caramelized onions.
Blue Cheese and Dried Cranberry Tossed Salad
This salad is a simple yet flavourful combination. The sweetness of the dried cranberries balances the saltiness of the blue cheese. It also includes romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, cucumber, and pecans. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing ties all the ingredients together.
Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
This salad is a mix of salty and sweet, creamy and crunchy. It includes little gem, curly lettuce, radicchio for crunch, and rocket lettuce (arugula) for a peppery flavour. The apple slices add sweetness, while the celery adds extra crunch. The classic combination of blue cheese and bacon is always a winner, and pecans add a lovely crunch and flavour. A honey and mustard dressing is the perfect complement to this salad.
Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad
This salad features toasted walnuts, romaine lettuce hearts, carrots, cucumber, apple, avocado, basil, and blue cheese. The walnuts are an important ingredient, adding a crunchy texture and bringing out their flavour. The dressing is made by whisking together shallot, Dijon mustard, sherry vinegar, olive oil, and blue cheese.
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Blue cheese sandwiches
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a tangy bite to your meals. If you're looking to make a sandwich with blue cheese, here are some ideas to get you started:
Blue Cheese BLT
A classic BLT can be elevated with the addition of blue cheese. Start by marinating sliced tomatoes in olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and seasoning. While the tomatoes marinate, make a blue cheese dressing by folding crumbled blue cheese into mayonnaise. Toast your bread of choice and spread the blue cheese dressing on one side. Top with shredded lettuce, the marinated tomato slices, and crispy bacon. You can also drizzle some of the tomato marinade on top for extra flavour.
Blue Cheese with Salami
This sandwich features the combination of blue cheese and salami. Start by spreading mayonnaise on slices of crusty bread. Top with arugula mesclun salad and drizzle with a vinaigrette made from mustard, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Layer salami and blue cheese on half of the bread slices, and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and extra virgin olive oil. Put the sandwiches together and they're ready to serve.
Blue Cheese with Ham and Strawberries
This unique sandwich combines sweet and savoury flavours. Drizzle olive oil on slices of bread, such as pan de cristal or baguette, and layer with slices of ham and chunks of blue cheese. Place the sandwiches under a broiler until the cheese has melted and the ham is slightly charred. Add sliced strawberries, thin slices of red onion, salt, pepper, and dried fenugreek leaves (optional). Drizzle with more olive oil and balsamic glaze, and top with the remaining bread slices.
With these ideas, you can create delicious blue cheese sandwiches that are perfect for a summer picnic or a quick, tasty meal.
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Blue cheese pasta
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice (e.g. fettuccine, fusilli, penne, spaghetti, or any long pasta)
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Blue cheese (or gorgonzola, a soft and creamy Italian blue cheese that is milder in flavor)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Half-and-half or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Spinach (optional)
- Grilled chicken strips (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta al dente according to the packet instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain and return the pasta to the pot to keep it warm while you make the sauce.
- In a separate saucepan, melt some butter over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are very soft but not browned.
- Pour in half-and-half or heavy cream and let it heat through. You can also add a pinch of cornstarch to thicken the sauce if desired.
- Whisk in the blue cheese and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the pasta to soak up some of the sauce. The sauce will thicken and become creamier.
- Serve in bowls and top with more grated parmesan, lemon zest, or fresh herbs like thyme if desired.
Variations:
- For a stronger blue cheese flavor, use a variety like Danish Blue or Stilton.
- Add chopped spinach, grilled chicken strips, or other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Replace the half-and-half with milk and arrowroot powder for a lighter sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including:
- Salads
- Sandwiches
- Pizzas
- Burgers
- Pasta
- Steak
- Soups
- Dips
- Fondue
Here are some specific blue cheese recipes:
- Blue cheese and walnut bread
- Blue cheese and spinach pasta
- Blue cheese and beef Wellington
- Blue cheese and apple salad
- Blue cheese and rosemary flatbread
- Blue cheese and polenta
- Blue cheese and chicken quesadillas
- Blue cheese and broccoli
- Blue cheese and bacon macaroni
Blue cheese can be frozen and stored for later use. Cut the blue cheese into wedges, wrap them in plastic, put them in a freezer bag, and suck out the air with a straw.
