Blue cheese is a type of cheese made from cow’s, goat’s, or sheep’s milk that has had cultures of the mold Penicillium added so that the final product is spotted or veined throughout with blue, green, gray, or black mold. This mold imparts a distinctive flavor that can range from mild to strong and tangy to spicy depending on the type of blue cheese. When pairing blue cheese with other foods and beverages, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
What are the different types of blue cheese?
There are many varieties of blue cheese made around the world. Some of the most popular include:
- Gorgonzola – An Italian blue cheese that can range from creamy and mild when young to firm and sharp when aged. Gorgonzola Dolce is a sweeter, creamy variety while Gorgonzola Piccante is more crumbly and pungent.
- Stilton – An English blue cheese that is buttery and complex with a subtle blue flavor. White Stilton is a milder version.
- Roquefort – A French blue cheese made from raw sheep’s milk that is tangy, moist, and rich with a distinctive strong blue cheese flavor.
- Bleu d’Auvergne – A French blue with a smooth, creamy texture and mild blue flavor notes.
- Cambozola – A German blue cheese that is double cream and soft with a blend of mild blue and Camembert flavors.
- Danablu – A Danish blue cheese that is semi-soft and creamy with a distinct blue flavor.
What flavors pair well with blue cheese?
The bold and salty flavors of blue cheese pair best with foods that have some sweetness, acidity, or richness to balance out the strong blue cheese flavor. Here are some of the best pairings:
- Fruit: Fresh fruit like pears, apples, figs, and grapes all provide a sweet counterpoint to salty blue cheese. Dried fruits like apricots, dates, and raisins also work well.
- Nuts: The crunch and richness of nuts complements creamy blue cheese. Pair it with walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios, or almonds.
- Sweet condiments: Honey, jams, and chutneys made from fruits like fig, pear, or cranberry provide the right amount of sweetness.
- Cured meats: Prosciutto, salami, and good quality deli meats offer satisfying saltiness and texture.
- Hearty breads: Breads like raisin walnut, fig, and cranberry walnut give you texture and fruit flavors.
What beverages pair well with blue cheese?
The bold flavor of blue cheese calls for beverages that can stand up to it. Some classic pairings include:
- Full-bodied red wines: The tannins and rich flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Malbec are perfect for matching the intensity of blue cheese.
- Sweet wines: The sweetness of Port, Sauternes, or ice wines balances the saltiness of blue cheese wonderfully.
- Sparkling wines: Champagne and other dry sparkling wines have the acidity to cut through the richness of blue cheese.
- Beer: The effervescence and maltiness of beers like stout, brown ale, or wheat beer cleanses the palate between bites.
- Cider: Dry, crisp hard ciders made from apples or pears complement blue cheese.
What are the best blue cheese appetizers and small plates?
Blue cheese really shines when featured in appetizers and small plate pairings. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- Blue cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon
- Blue cheese, pear, and walnut tarts
- Blue cheese and caramelized onion quiche
- Blue cheese, apple, and honey crostini
- Arugula salad with blue cheese crumbles, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds
- Blue cheese potato skins
- Blue cheese dip or spread served with apple slices
- Blue cheese stuffed mushrooms
What are good blue cheese main course ideas?
Blue cheese can feature prominently in main courses as well. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Blue cheese burgers with caramelized onions
- Filet mignon topped with blue cheese butter
- Chicken stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon
- Blue cheese and walnut stuffed pork chops
- Blue cheese risotto
- Gnocchi in a Gorgonzola cream sauce
- Spaghetti carbonara with blue cheese
- Frittata with leeks, spinach, and blue cheese
What are delicious blue cheese dessert ideas?
The salty savoriness of blue cheese may seem counterintuitive for dessert, but it pairs wonderfully with sweet ingredients. Desserts featuring blue cheese include:
- Blue cheese cheesecake or blue cheese ice cream
- Blue cheese and honey ice cream
- A cheese plate with blue cheese and fruit preserves
- Blue cheese drizzled with honey over apple pie or pear tart
- Blue cheese sugar cookies
Tips for Cooking with Blue Cheese
Here are a few tips to get the best results when cooking with blue cheese:
- Crumble milder blue cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce or Cambozola into salads, pasta, and risotto. Sharper varieties can overpower more delicate ingredients.
- Mix small amounts of a strongly flavored blue cheese like Roquefort into dips, dressings, sauces, and stuffings. A little goes a long way.
- When melted, blue cheese can separate into solids and oil. To avoid this, melt it slowly over low heat while stirring continuously.
- If a recipe calls for baking or broiling blue cheese, coat the exterior in breadcrumbs or nuts to help the cheese hold its shape when heated.
- Store blue cheese wrapped in waxed or parchment paper in the warmest part of the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
With its bold flavor profile, blue cheese pairs best with foods that have some natural sweetness, acidity, or heft. Fruit, nuts, cured meats, hearty breads, and aged wines are all excellent matches. Blue cheese also shines when used in appetizers, mains dishes, and even desserts. Experiment with different varieties and pairings to find your favorite ways to savor this unique and delicious cheese.