Blue cheese, with its distinctive veining and pungent aroma, is a polarizing ingredient that can elevate or overwhelm a dish, depending on how it’s used. For those who adore its bold flavor, the question remains: what does blue cheese go with? The answer lies in its versatility and the various ways it can be paired with other ingredients to create harmonious and delicious combinations.
Understanding Blue Cheese
Before diving into the world of blue cheese pairings, it’s essential to understand the basics of this unique ingredient. Blue cheese is a type of cheese that has been infused with a type of mold, typically Penicillium roqueforti, which gives it its distinctive veining and pungent flavor. The aging process, which can range from a few months to several years, contributes to the development of its characteristic taste and aroma.
Blue cheese can be made from various types of milk, including cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk, each imparting its unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular types of blue cheese include:
- Roquefort: A French blue cheese made from sheep’s milk, known for its rich, tangy flavor.
- Gorgonzola: An Italian blue cheese made from cow’s milk, with a creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Stilton: An English blue cheese made from cow’s milk, with a rich, buttery flavor.
- Danish Blue: A semi-soft blue cheese made from cow’s milk, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Culinary Applications of Blue Cheese
Blue cheese can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from salads and dressings to sauces and marinades. Its pungent flavor makes it an excellent addition to dishes where a bold, tangy flavor is desired.
Salads and Dressings
Blue cheese is a classic addition to green salads, particularly those featuring bitter greens like arugula or kale. Its creamy texture and pungent flavor complement the bitterness of the greens, creating a balanced and refreshing salad.
- Wedge Salad: A classic salad featuring a wedge of iceberg lettuce, topped with crumbled blue cheese, diced bacon, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
- Blue Cheese Vinaigrette: A tangy and creamy dressing made with blue cheese, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, perfect for dressing a simple green salad.
Sauces and Marinades
Blue cheese can be used to create rich and creamy sauces, perfect for topping pasta, meat, or vegetables. Its pungent flavor also makes it an excellent addition to marinades, adding depth and complexity to grilled meats.
- Blue Cheese Sauce: A creamy sauce made with blue cheese, heavy cream, and butter, perfect for topping pasta or steamed vegetables.
- Blue Cheese Marinade: A tangy and savory marinade made with blue cheese, olive oil, and herbs, perfect for grilled meats like steak or chicken.
Pairing Blue Cheese with Other Ingredients
Blue cheese can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create delicious and harmonious combinations. Here are some classic pairings:
Fruits and Nuts
Blue cheese and fruit is a classic combination, particularly when paired with sweet and crunchy ingredients like apples and walnuts.
- Apple and Blue Cheese Salad: A refreshing salad featuring sliced apples, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Blue Cheese and Pear Tartine: A sweet and savory tartine featuring crumbled blue cheese, sliced pears, and toasted almonds, drizzled with honey.
Meats and Charcuterie
Blue cheese pairs perfectly with cured meats like prosciutto and salami, adding a tangy and creamy element to charcuterie boards.
- Blue Cheese and Prosciutto Wrap: A simple and elegant wrap featuring crumbled blue cheese, sliced prosciutto, and fresh arugula, wrapped in a crispy baguette.
- Blue Cheese and Charcuterie Board: A classic charcuterie board featuring crumbled blue cheese, cured meats, and crackers, perfect for snacking and entertaining.
Vegetables and Grains
Blue cheese can be paired with a variety of vegetables and grains, adding a tangy and creamy element to dishes like soups and salads.
- Blue Cheese and Pear Soup: A creamy and comforting soup featuring roasted pears, blue cheese, and onions, perfect for a chilly evening.
- Blue Cheese and Quinoa Salad: A healthy and refreshing salad featuring cooked quinoa, crumbled blue cheese, and roasted vegetables, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
Wine and Blue Cheese Pairings
Blue cheese can be paired with a variety of wines, from sweet and dessert wines to dry and sparkling wines. Here are some classic pairings:
Sweet and Dessert Wines
Blue cheese pairs perfectly with sweet and dessert wines, particularly those featuring notes of honey and caramel.
- Moscato and Blue Cheese: A sweet and creamy pairing featuring Moscato d’Asti and crumbled blue cheese, perfect for dessert or a sweet treat.
- Port and Blue Cheese: A rich and indulgent pairing featuring Port wine and crumbled blue cheese, perfect for a special occasion.
Dry and Sparkling Wines
Blue cheese can also be paired with dry and sparkling wines, particularly those featuring notes of citrus and acidity.
- Champagne and Blue Cheese: A luxurious and celebratory pairing featuring Champagne and crumbled blue cheese, perfect for a special occasion.
- Sauvignon Blanc and Blue Cheese: A crisp and refreshing pairing featuring Sauvignon Blanc and crumbled blue cheese, perfect for a summer evening.
Conclusion
Blue cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create harmonious and delicious combinations. From salads and dressings to sauces and marinades, blue cheese adds a tangy and creamy element to dishes that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and dessert wines or dry and sparkling wines, blue cheese is sure to pair perfectly with your favorite wine. So next time you’re looking to add a bold and tangy flavor to your dish, consider reaching for the blue cheese – your taste buds will thank you!
What is blue cheese and how is it made?
Blue cheese is a type of strong, pungent cheese that is made by introducing a type of mold, usually Penicillium roqueforti, into the cheese during the manufacturing process. This mold grows within the cheese, giving it a distinctive veiny appearance and a robust, tangy flavor. The process of making blue cheese involves several steps, including pasteurization, curdling, and aging.
The aging process is crucial in developing the characteristic flavor and texture of blue cheese. During this time, the cheese is regularly turned and monitored to ensure that the mold grows evenly and that the cheese develops the desired level of pungency. The length of the aging process can vary depending on the type of blue cheese being made, but it typically ranges from a few months to several years.
What are some popular types of blue cheese?
There are many different types of blue cheese, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some popular varieties include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Danish Blue. Roquefort is a French blue cheese that is known for its rich, creamy texture and its bold, tangy flavor. Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese that is often used in salad dressings and sauces. Stilton is a British blue cheese that is known for its rich, buttery flavor and its crumbly texture.
Danish Blue is a semi-soft blue cheese that is made in Denmark. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture. Other popular types of blue cheese include Maytag Blue, which is made in the United States, and Fourme d’Ambert, which is a French blue cheese that is known for its rich, earthy flavor.
How do I store blue cheese to keep it fresh?
To keep blue cheese fresh, it’s essential to store it properly. Blue cheese should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as the refrigerator. It’s best to wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also store blue cheese in a cheese cave or a wine cooler, which will help to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level.
It’s also important to keep blue cheese away from strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb odors easily. If you’re not planning to use the cheese within a few weeks, you can also consider freezing it. To freeze blue cheese, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen blue cheese is perfect for crumbling into salads or using in sauces.
What are some good pairings for blue cheese?
Blue cheese is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of foods. One classic pairing is blue cheese and pears. The sweetness of the pears balances out the tanginess of the cheese, creating a delicious and refreshing combination. Blue cheese is also often paired with crackers or bread, which provides a crunchy texture that complements the creamy cheese.
Other popular pairings for blue cheese include grapes, figs, and nuts. The sweetness of the fruit and the crunch of the nuts provide a nice contrast to the rich, pungent flavor of the cheese. Blue cheese is also often used in salad dressings and sauces, where it adds a tangy, creamy element to the dish.
Can I use blue cheese in cooking?
Yes, blue cheese can be used in a variety of cooked dishes. One popular way to use blue cheese is in sauces and dressings. Blue cheese can be crumbled into a sauce or dressing to add a tangy, creamy element. It’s also often used in soups and stews, where it adds a rich, savory flavor.
Blue cheese can also be used in baked dishes, such as casseroles and quiches. It’s often paired with ingredients like chicken, beef, and vegetables, which provide a nice contrast to the rich, pungent flavor of the cheese. When using blue cheese in cooking, it’s essential to balance out its strong flavor with other ingredients to avoid overpowering the dish.
Is blue cheese good for you?
Blue cheese is a nutrient-rich food that provides several health benefits. It’s an excellent source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, which are essential for building and maintaining strong bones. Blue cheese is also a good source of vitamins B12 and D, which are important for maintaining healthy red blood cells and bone health.
However, blue cheese is also high in calories and saturated fat, which can be a concern for those who are watching their diet. To enjoy blue cheese in a healthy way, it’s essential to consume it in moderation and balance it out with other nutrient-dense foods. It’s also worth noting that blue cheese contains a type of mold that can be beneficial for gut health.
Can I make blue cheese at home?
Yes, it is possible to make blue cheese at home. However, it requires some specialized equipment and a bit of patience. To make blue cheese, you’ll need a cheese mold, a cheese culture, and a type of mold, such as Penicillium roqueforti. You’ll also need to create a controlled environment for the cheese to age, which can be a challenge for home cheesemakers.
If you’re interested in making blue cheese at home, it’s essential to do some research and invest in the necessary equipment. You can find many resources online, including recipes and tutorials, that can help guide you through the process. It’s also worth noting that making blue cheese at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it may not produce the same level of quality as commercially made blue cheese.