Blue Cheese's Vegetable Partners: A Culinary Adventure

Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes, and roasted vegetables are no exception. The strong flavour of blue cheese pairs well with earthy vegetables such as mushrooms, cauliflower, green beans, parsnips, carrots, and potatoes.

When roasted, vegetables take on a sweet and savoury quality, and the addition of blue cheese creates a flavour-packed side dish that complements a range of main courses. Whether served alongside roasted meats, fish, or enjoyed over rice or polenta, blue cheese roasted vegetables offer a satisfying and delicious option.

For those who are not fans of blue cheese, other cheeses such as Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese can be used instead, creating a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit different taste preferences.

Blue cheese roasted vegetables

Ingredients

• 10 ounces of white, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 pound of green beans, ends snipped, and cut in half if very long
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup of crumbled blue cheese (about 4 ounces)

Method

• Preheat the oven to 450°F. Coat a large baking sheet with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray.
• Scatter the mushrooms, cauliflower, green beans, and shallots on the sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread into an even layer.
• Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast at 450°F for 20 minutes.
• Uncover, toss the vegetables a bit, and sprinkle with blue cheese. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the vegetables are browned and cooked to your desired doneness.

Tips and Variations

• Try different veggies such as red onion, quartered Yukon gold potatoes, beets, or broccoli.
• If you are not a fan of blue cheese, you can use crumbled feta or goat cheese, shredded cheddar, or parmesan instead.
• For a sheet-pan dinner, add slices of Italian sausage during the last 10 minutes of cooking time.
• Check the vegetables after 15 minutes of roasting. If you are satisfied with their texture, you can remove them or continue to roast a bit longer. Check every 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Storage

• This roasted vegetables recipe tastes best when served hot and fresh out of the oven.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, spread the leftover vegetables on a baking sheet and warm them in a 200°F oven until slightly crisped up and the cheese has melted again.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted meats such as chicken, turkey, or beef.
• Enjoy over rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
• Pair with a salad for a lighter lunch option.

Blue cheese and salad

Blue cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a pungent punch of flavour to the dish. When making a salad with blue cheese, you can include roasted vegetables such as earthy mushrooms, hearty cauliflower, green beans, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets, broccoli, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes.

For a lighter lunch, you can pair a blue cheese salad with roasted vegetables as a side. A blue cheese salad can also be served as a starter for a dinner party.

Some blue cheese salad recipes include:

• Pear, chicory, and walnut salad with blue cheese
• Peach and blue cheese salad
• Beet and blue cheese salad
• Autumn salad with figs, apples, grapes, and blue cheese
• Restoration salad with farro, orange, and blue cheese

Blue cheese and meat

Steak and Chips

You'll love this steak lunch with skin-on wedges. It has the indulgence of a roast, but it's made using fewer pots and pans.

Steak and Blue Cheese Pie

Bake a comforting steak pie with tender meat, a deeply savoury gravy, and molten blue cheese for an extra hit of flavour. The ideal winter warmer.

Chicken Quesadillas with Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onions

This tangy twist on chicken quesadillas will leave you wondering how you've never tried this dish with blue cheese.

Double-Cut Rib Eye with Sweet Gorgonzola Butter

This juicy, sweet combo of Gorgonzola and beef alongside fresh heirloom tomatoes is a great way to kick off the outdoor months.

Blue Cheese Roasted Vegetables with Meat

Roasted vegetables with blue cheese is a flavourful side dish that goes well with meat. You can roast vegetables such as mushrooms, cauliflower, green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and beets, and then top them with melted blue cheese. This side dish pairs well with roasted meats such as chicken, turkey, or a bottom round roast with gravy.

Blue cheese and potatoes

Roasted Vegetables

For a simple yet mouth-watering side dish, try roasting potatoes with other vegetables and topping them with blue cheese. The key to a good roast is to use a variety of vegetables with similar cooking times. Potatoes are a great base, and go well with carrots, parsnips, beets, and sweet potatoes.

To prepare, simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in a hot oven until tender. Then, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese and return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

Gratins and Bakes

For a more indulgent dish, try a blue cheese potato gratin or bake. These dishes typically involve layering sliced potatoes with cream and blue cheese, creating a rich and decadent casserole. The key to a good gratin is to use thinly sliced potatoes, which will cook evenly and create a creamy texture.

For an extra special touch, try adding additional cheeses like Parmesan, along with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. Simply layer the potatoes with the other ingredients, cover with cream, and bake until tender and golden.

Whether you're looking for a simple side dish or a decadent main course, blue cheese and potatoes is a winning combination. The strong flavour of blue cheese pairs perfectly with the starchiness of potatoes, creating a range of delicious dishes that are sure to impress.

Blue cheese and pasta

Broccoli, Walnut and Blue Cheese Pasta

Add colour, crunch, and a dollop of cheesy indulgence to a straightforward pasta dish. This veggie pasta is packed with flavour and is ready in no time. Simply cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, then toss with steamed broccoli florets, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spinach and Blue Cheese Penne

This is a healthy and satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for using up any leftover blue cheese from Christmas. Cook the penne according to the packet instructions, then toss with wilted spinach, toasted walnuts, and sliced leeks. Crumble over the blue cheese and add a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Blue Cheese

This indulgent mac and cheese is a step up from the classic. Fry some bacon pieces until crispy, then set aside. Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions, then drain and return to the pan. Stir through the blue cheese, allowing it to melt, then season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the bacon pieces and snipped chives before serving.

Three-Cheese Cauliflower Gratin

This gratin is the perfect way to enjoy cauliflower. Simply steam or boil some cauliflower florets until tender, then arrange in a baking dish. Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and a selection of English cheeses: crumbly cheddar, Ogleshield, and blue cheese. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and bake until golden and bubbling.

Blue Cheese and Vegetable Pasta

Roast some vegetables in the oven, such as mushrooms, cauliflower, and green beans. Toss the cooked vegetables with cooked pasta, then stir through some crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

There you have it! Five delicious ways to enjoy blue cheese and pasta. Why not give them a try and discover a new favourite dish?

Frequently asked questions