Blue cheese, with its pungent aroma and distinctive flavor, is a polarizing ingredient. Some adore its sharp, salty, and tangy notes, while others find it overwhelming. However, when used correctly, blue cheese can elevate a dish from ordinary to extraordinary. This article explores the vast and delicious world of blue cheese pairings, offering inspiration for incorporating this unique cheese into your culinary repertoire.
Beyond the Crumbly Bits: Understanding Blue Cheese
Before we dive into specific pairings, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of blue cheese. “Blue cheese” isn’t a single entity; it’s a family of cheeses, each with its unique profile. The blue veins, a result of injecting the cheese with Penicillium mold, are what give blue cheese its characteristic flavor and appearance.
A World of Blue Cheese Varieties
Different types of blue cheese offer varying levels of intensity and complexity. Some popular varieties include:
- Roquefort: A sheep’s milk blue cheese from France, known for its intense flavor and creamy texture. It’s arguably the king of blue cheeses.
- Gorgonzola: An Italian cow’s milk blue cheese. Gorgonzola Dolce is milder and creamier, while Gorgonzola Piccante is sharper and more intense.
- Stilton: An English cow’s milk blue cheese with a rich, slightly salty flavor. It holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
- Danish Blue (Danablu): A cow’s milk blue cheese known for its sharp, salty flavor and slightly crumbly texture.
- Maytag Blue: An American cow’s milk blue cheese with a creamy texture and a tangy, slightly peppery flavor.
Understanding the specific characteristics of each variety will help you choose the best blue cheese for your chosen application.
Flavor Profiles and Considerations
The intensity of blue cheese flavor can vary widely depending on the type, age, and production method. Younger blue cheeses tend to be milder, while older ones develop a more pronounced and pungent flavor. When pairing blue cheese, consider the following:
- Intensity: Match the intensity of the blue cheese with the other ingredients. A milder blue cheese won’t stand up to strong flavors, while an intense blue cheese can easily overpower delicate ones.
- Sweetness: Sweetness balances the saltiness and tanginess of blue cheese. Fruits, honey, and caramelized onions are excellent complements.
- Acidity: Acidity cuts through the richness of blue cheese, preventing it from becoming overwhelming. Citrus fruits, vinegars, and tart berries are good choices.
- Texture: Consider the texture of the blue cheese and how it will interact with other textures in the dish. Creamy blue cheeses pair well with crunchy elements, while crumbly blue cheeses add texture to smoother dishes.
Savory Sensations: Blue Cheese in Main Courses
Blue cheese isn’t just for appetizers and salads; it can also be a star ingredient in main courses. Its bold flavor adds depth and complexity to a variety of dishes.
Steaks and Burgers: A Classic Combination
The richness of steak and the satisfying nature of a burger provide the perfect canvas for blue cheese.
- Blue Cheese Burgers: Crumble blue cheese directly onto a burger patty while it’s still hot on the grill. The heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a creamy, flavorful topping. Pair with caramelized onions and a balsamic glaze for added complexity. The sweetness of the onions and balsamic cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
- Blue Cheese Steak Sauce: Create a creamy blue cheese sauce to drizzle over a grilled steak. Combine crumbled blue cheese with heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of black pepper. Simmer gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. This sauce is particularly delicious with ribeye or New York strip steak.
Poultry and Pork: Unexpected Harmony
Blue cheese can also complement poultry and pork, adding a surprising twist to familiar dishes.
- Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast: Create a pocket in a chicken breast and fill it with a mixture of crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, and herbs. Bake until the chicken is cooked through. The nutty flavor of the walnuts and the creamy texture of the cheese complement the chicken beautifully.
- Pork Tenderloin with Blue Cheese Crust: Spread a mixture of crumbled blue cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs over a pork tenderloin before roasting. The blue cheese crust adds a savory and flavorful element to the pork. The breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch.
Pasta Perfection: Blue Cheese Sauces and Fillings
Blue cheese can transform pasta dishes into unforgettable culinary experiences.
- Creamy Blue Cheese Pasta: Create a simple yet elegant pasta sauce by combining crumbled blue cheese with heavy cream, garlic, and a pinch of nutmeg. Toss with your favorite pasta shape, such as penne or fettuccine. Add some wilted spinach or arugula for a touch of freshness.
- Blue Cheese Ravioli: Make homemade ravioli filled with a mixture of blue cheese, ricotta cheese, and herbs. Serve with a light butter sauce or a simple tomato sauce.
Appetizers and Sides: Blue Cheese at its Best
Blue cheese shines in appetizers and side dishes, where its bold flavor can be showcased in creative ways.
Dips and Spreads: Party Pleasers
Blue cheese dips and spreads are perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Blue Cheese Dip with Vegetables: Combine crumbled blue cheese with sour cream, mayonnaise, and herbs to create a classic blue cheese dip. Serve with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
- Blue Cheese and Walnut Spread: Combine crumbled blue cheese with chopped walnuts, cream cheese, and honey to create a sweet and savory spread. Serve with crackers or crusty bread.
Salads: A Blue Cheese Staple
Blue cheese is a classic addition to salads, adding a tangy and flavorful counterpoint to fresh greens and vegetables.
- Wedge Salad: A classic wedge salad consists of a wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with blue cheese dressing, bacon bits, and tomatoes.
- Pear and Blue Cheese Salad: Combine sliced pears with crumbled blue cheese, candied pecans, and mixed greens. Dress with a balsamic vinaigrette. The sweetness of the pears and the crunch of the pecans complement the salty and tangy blue cheese.
Elevated Sides: Blue Cheese Enhancements
Add blue cheese to your favorite side dishes to elevate them to the next level.
- Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes: Stir crumbled blue cheese into mashed potatoes for a flavorful twist on a classic side dish.
- Blue Cheese Brussels Sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts with crumbled blue cheese and bacon for a delicious and savory side dish.
Sweet Sensations: Blue Cheese Desserts and Pairings
Believe it or not, blue cheese can also be used in desserts or paired with sweet elements for a surprising and delightful culinary experience.
Dessert Delights: A Touch of Blue
While not common, blue cheese can add a unique twist to desserts.
- Blue Cheese Cheesecake: Add a small amount of crumbled blue cheese to a cheesecake batter for a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness of the cheesecake.
- Blue Cheese and Honey Ice Cream: Infuse honey with blue cheese and use it to make a unique and surprisingly delicious ice cream.
Fruit and Nut Combinations: The Perfect Partners
Pairing blue cheese with certain fruits and nuts creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Apples and Blue Cheese: A classic combination. The crispness and sweetness of apples complement the salty and tangy blue cheese.
- Pears and Blue Cheese: Similar to apples, pears provide a sweet and juicy counterpoint to blue cheese.
- Grapes and Blue Cheese: Grapes offer a refreshing sweetness that pairs well with blue cheese.
- Walnuts and Blue Cheese: The nutty flavor of walnuts complements the earthy notes of blue cheese.
- Figs and Blue Cheese: Figs provide a rich, sweet, and slightly jammy flavor that pairs beautifully with blue cheese.
Beverage Pairings: Finding the Perfect Sip
The right beverage can enhance the flavor of blue cheese and create a memorable culinary experience.
Wine Wisdom: Choosing the Right Vintage
Certain wines complement the bold flavors of blue cheese.
- Port Wine: The sweetness and richness of port wine pair perfectly with the salty and pungent flavor of blue cheese, especially Roquefort or Stilton.
- Sweet White Wines: Sauternes and other sweet white wines offer a similar contrast to port wine, balancing the saltiness of the cheese.
- Full-Bodied Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and other full-bodied red wines can also pair well with blue cheese, but choose a wine with soft tannins to avoid clashing with the cheese’s flavor.
Beyond Wine: Other Beverage Options
Other beverages can also complement blue cheese.
- Beer: Strong ales and stouts can stand up to the bold flavor of blue cheese.
- Whiskey: A smooth whiskey can be a surprisingly good pairing with blue cheese, especially a milder variety like Gorgonzola Dolce.
Tips for Cooking with Blue Cheese
To get the most out of your blue cheese experience, keep these tips in mind.
- Don’t Overheat: Blue cheese can become bitter if overheated. Add it towards the end of cooking or use it in cold preparations.
- Crumble, Don’t Grate: Crumbling blue cheese allows its flavor to disperse more evenly throughout the dish.
- Experiment with Different Varieties: Don’t be afraid to try different types of blue cheese to find your favorites.
- Use Sparingly: Blue cheese is a powerful ingredient, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering other flavors.
- Storage: Store blue cheese wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
In conclusion, the possibilities of what you can put blue cheese on are seemingly endless. From classic pairings like burgers and salads to more adventurous combinations with fruits and desserts, blue cheese can add a unique and flavorful dimension to your cooking. By understanding the characteristics of different blue cheese varieties and experimenting with various pairings, you can unlock a world of culinary possibilities. So, embrace the boldness, explore the flavor, and enjoy the unique experience that blue cheese has to offer.
What are some classic pairings for blue cheese, and why do they work so well?
Classic pairings for blue cheese often involve contrasting flavors that balance its intense, salty, and tangy profile. Sweet elements like honey, figs, pears, and grapes provide a counterpoint that enhances the creamy texture and cuts through the sharpness. Nuts, especially walnuts and pecans, offer a textural contrast and earthy notes that complement the cheese’s robust flavor.
The success of these pairings lies in the interplay of different taste sensations. The sweetness tames the saltiness, the crunch complements the creaminess, and the overall experience is a harmonious blend that elevates both the cheese and the accompanying ingredient. These combinations have stood the test of time due to their simple yet effective balance of flavors and textures.
Can you use blue cheese in cooked dishes, or is it best served cold?
Blue cheese can be used in both cooked and cold dishes, offering distinct experiences in each application. When cooked, the cheese softens and melts, imparting its pungent flavor throughout the dish. This makes it an excellent addition to sauces, gratins, and baked dishes, adding richness and depth of flavor. Its assertive character also holds up well under heat.
Served cold, blue cheese retains its distinct texture and sharper flavor. This makes it ideal for salads, cheese boards, and dips, where its unique characteristics can be fully appreciated. The contrasting temperatures and textures in cold applications enhance the overall sensory experience, allowing the blue cheese to be the star of the show.
What types of meat pair well with blue cheese?
Beef, in particular steak, is a well-known and delicious pairing with blue cheese. The richness of the beef stands up beautifully against the strong flavor of the cheese, creating a savory and satisfying combination. The umami in the beef and the pungent notes in the blue cheese harmonize exceptionally well.
Beyond beef, other meats like pork and chicken can also be paired with blue cheese. In these cases, consider sweeter preparations or accompaniments to balance the saltiness of the cheese. For example, grilled chicken with a honey-blue cheese dressing or pork tenderloin with a fig and blue cheese stuffing.
Are there any specific vegetables that complement blue cheese particularly well?
Leafy greens, such as spinach and arugula, provide a fresh and slightly bitter base that contrasts nicely with the richness of blue cheese. The peppery notes of arugula are especially effective in cutting through the cheese’s intensity, creating a balanced and flavorful salad.
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, when roasted or grilled, also offer a pleasant counterpoint. Their slightly sweet and nutty flavors complement the cheese’s sharpness, while their firm texture provides a satisfying contrast to its creaminess. Adding nuts and dried fruit to these pairings further enhances the overall taste experience.
What drinks should you pair with blue cheese to enhance the flavor profile?
Sweet wines, such as Sauternes or Port, are classic pairings for blue cheese. The sweetness of the wine balances the saltiness and pungency of the cheese, creating a harmonious and decadent combination. The residual sugar in the wine also helps to cleanse the palate, allowing you to fully appreciate the cheese’s complex flavors.
For those who prefer something less sweet, bolder red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel can also be excellent choices. The tannins in these wines help to cut through the richness of the cheese, while their fruit-forward flavors complement its savory notes. Beer, particularly strong ales or stouts, can also provide a contrasting and complementary pairing.
Are there any common mistakes people make when using blue cheese?
One common mistake is using too much blue cheese, which can overwhelm other flavors in a dish. Because of its strong character, blue cheese should be used sparingly, allowing it to enhance rather than dominate the overall taste. Taste as you go, adding more only if needed.
Another mistake is not considering the quality of the blue cheese. Cheaper, mass-produced varieties can be overly salty or bitter, while higher-quality artisanal blue cheeses offer a more nuanced and balanced flavor. Investing in a good quality blue cheese will significantly improve the overall experience.
Can you substitute blue cheese with other types of cheese in recipes? If so, what are some good alternatives?
While blue cheese has a distinct flavor profile, there are cheeses that can be used as substitutes, although the result will not be identical. Gorgonzola, another Italian blue cheese, is often a good substitute, offering a similar creamy texture and pungent flavor, though typically milder than some blue cheeses.
If you are looking for a less intense alternative, consider crumbled feta cheese. While not a blue cheese, feta provides a salty and tangy flavor that can add a similar dimension to dishes. For a creamy texture similar to blue cheese, consider using a creamy goat cheese, although its flavor will be much more tart than pungent. Ultimately, the best substitute depends on the specific recipe and your personal preferences.