Blue cheese, with its distinctive flavor profile and creamy texture, is a beloved ingredient in kitchens around the world. However, it can be easy to end up with extra blue cheese, especially after hosting a gathering or experimenting with recipes. Fear not—there are countless delicious ways to use this culinary gem. In this article, we will explore various methods for utilizing extra blue cheese, from appetizers to main dishes, along with storage tips, recipe ideas, and more.
Understanding Blue Cheese: A Brief Overview
Before delving into how to use extra blue cheese, it’s essential to understand its unique characteristics. Blue cheese is a type of cheese that has been inoculated with mold, which gives it distinct blue or green veins and a powerful flavor. The most popular varieties include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton.
One of the reasons blue cheese is so versatile is its ability to enhance a wide range of dishes, from salads to desserts. Its strong taste can stand up to bold flavors, making it a favorite among cheese connoisseurs and home cooks alike.
Storing Blue Cheese: Maximizing Freshness
Before exploring delicious recipes, let’s discuss how to properly store blue cheese to extend its shelf life:
Wrapping: Always tightly wrap blue cheese in wax paper or plastic wrap to preserve its moisture. Avoid using aluminum foil, as it can react with the cheese and alter its flavor.
Air-tight Containers: After wrapping, consider placing the cheese in a sealed container to prevent exposure to air, which can affect texture and flavor.
Refrigeration: Store blue cheese in a cool part of the refrigerator. When stored correctly, it can last for several weeks.
Creative Ways to Use Extra Blue Cheese
Now that you have stored your blue cheese properly, let’s explore some exciting and delicious ways to incorporate it into various dishes.
1. Gourmet Salads
Blue cheese pairs beautifully with salads, offering a rich, tangy flavor that can elevate fresh greens to gourmet status.
Blue Cheese and Pear Salad
Incorporating blue cheese into a salad can create a perfect balance of flavors. Try this delicious combination as a starter:
Ingredients:
– Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)
– Ripe pears, sliced
– Crumbled blue cheese
– Candied walnuts
– Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
1. Toss the mixed greens in a bowl.
2. Add sliced pears and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese.
3. Top with candied walnuts and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
This salad combines the sweetness of pears with the saltiness of blue cheese, creating a delightful explosion of flavors.
2. Irresistible Dips
Another fantastic way to utilize extra blue cheese is by turning it into a creamy dip, perfect for parties or game day.
Blue Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped chives or green onions (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise until well blended.
2. Add crumbled blue cheese and lemon juice, mixing until combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chives for an extra layer of flavor, if using.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with vegetable sticks, crackers, or chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
3. Savory Pasta Dishes
Blue cheese is an excellent ingredient for elevating pasta dishes. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor complement various sauces.
Pasta with Blue Cheese and Spinach
For a quick and delicious meal, consider making pasta with blue cheese and spinach.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Toss in the cooked pasta and blue cheese, combining well until the cheese melts slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.
This dish is comforting yet sophisticated, perfect for cozy dinners.
4. Creative Pizza Toppings
Using blue cheese as a topping for pizza can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
Blue Cheese, Fig, and Prosciutto Pizza
Combining sweet and savory flavors, this gourmet pizza will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 prepared pizza crust
– 1 cup fig jam
– 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 4 slices of prosciutto
– Fresh arugula (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven following the pizza crust instructions.
2. Spread fig jam evenly over the pizza crust.
3. Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese.
4. Bake according to crust instructions, typically around 12-15 minutes.
5. When finished, top with slices of prosciutto and fresh arugula before serving.
This pizza is rich in flavor and beautiful on a serving platter.
5. Flavorful Soups
Blue cheese can also add depth to creamy soups and stews.
Blue Cheese Cauliflower Soup
This velvety soup is perfect for a cold evening and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup milk
– ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add chopped cauliflower and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
3. Simmer until cauliflower is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, adding milk to achieve desired consistency.
5. Stir in blue cheese, salt, and pepper before serving.
Garnish with additional crumbles of blue cheese for a gourmet touch.
6. Indulgent Side Dishes
Blue cheese works wonders in side dishes, especially when paired with potatoes or vegetables.
Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Elevate traditional mashed potatoes to a whole new level with blue cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
– ½ cup milk
– 4 oz cream cheese
– ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil potatoes until tender; drain well.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine potatoes with milk, cream cheese, and blue cheese.
3. Mash until smooth, adding more milk if necessary for desired creaminess.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
These mashed potatoes will be a hit at any dinner gathering.
Innovative Desserts Featuring Blue Cheese
While blue cheese is typically associated with savory dishes, it can also play a surprising role in sweet recipes. Its strong flavor can complement sweetness in unique ways.
1. Blue Cheese and Honey Pairing
One of the simplest yet elegant ways to enjoy blue cheese is by pairing it with honey. Drizzle high-quality honey over a plate of blue cheese and serve it with crackers or toasted bread. This combination balances the rich, salty flavor of the cheese with the sweetness of the honey, creating an exquisite appetizer.
2. Blue Cheese Cheesecake
For those adventurous enough to try a different take on this classic dessert, consider crafting a blue cheese cheesecake. Combine traditional cream cheese with blue cheese for an undeniably distinctive flavor. Here’s how you can create this unique treat.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese
– 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
– 1 cup sugar
– 3 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 ready-made graham cracker pie crust
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and blue cheese until fluffy.
3. Gradually add sugar, beating until combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and bake for about 30-40 minutes, until set.
6. Let it cool before serving.
This unexpected dessert will astonish those trying it for the first time.
Conclusion: Endless Culinary Possibilities
Extravagantly flavorful and incredibly versatile, blue cheese is an ingredient that opens the doors to creativity in your kitchen. From delectable salads and savory dips to innovative desserts, the options are almost limitless. Don’t let extra blue cheese go to waste; explore the many ways to enjoy its unique flavors.
Whether you’re crafting gourmet dishes or simple snacks, the potential of blue cheese is sure to delight your palate and impress your guests. So go ahead, embrace your extra blue cheese and let your culinary imagination soar!
What are some creative ways to use extra blue cheese in salads?
Using extra blue cheese in salads can elevate the dish with its bold flavor and creamy texture. You can crumble blue cheese atop a classic Caesar salad or mix it with candied walnuts and pears for a delightful combination of flavors. The tangy essence of blue cheese pairs beautifully with leafy greens like arugula and spinach, providing a contrast that excites the palate.
Additionally, consider making a blue cheese vinaigrette by blending crumbled cheese with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. This dressing can transform a simple green salad into a gourmet experience. You could also incorporate blue cheese into a wedge salad, where the cheese acts as a rich complement to crispy bacon and fresh tomatoes, making for a satisfying meal.
How can I incorporate blue cheese into pasta dishes?
Blue cheese adds a creamy, savory element to pasta dishes, making it a versatile ingredient. You can create a rich and decadent blue cheese sauce by melting the cheese with cream and then tossing it with your favorite pasta. Adding ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or roasted garlic can enhance the flavors and lend complexity to the dish.
Another option is to use blue cheese in a pasta bake. Combine cooked pasta with a mixture of blue cheese, vegetables, and perhaps some grilled chicken or shrimp, then top it with breadcrumbs and bake until golden. This method not only utilizes your extra blue cheese but also creates a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
Can blue cheese be used in desserts?
Yes, blue cheese can be an unexpected yet delightful addition to desserts. Its unique flavor profile pairs well with sweet elements like dried fruits, honey, and nuts. For instance, you can create a cheese plate that includes blue cheese alongside figs or pears drizzled with honey for a sophisticated dessert option.
Another creative way to utilize blue cheese in desserts is by adding it to cheesecake. Incorporating crumbled blue cheese into the creamy filling can produce a unique twist on the classic dessert, appealing to those who enjoy savory-sweet combinations. This unexpected flavor can impress guests and make your dessert stand out at gatherings.
What are some unique appetizer ideas using blue cheese?
There are endless possibilities for appetizers featuring blue cheese that can wow your guests. Consider preparing blue cheese stuffed mushrooms, where you mix crumbled blue cheese with breadcrumbs and herbs, then bake until golden. This combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the distinct richness of the cheese, creating a bite-sized delight.
Another idea is to create a blue cheese dip that pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables or crackers. Blend blue cheese with sour cream, yogurt, and herbs to craft a flavorful dip that will be a hit at parties. Serve it alongside a variety of dippable items, giving your guests a range of options to appreciate the bold flavor of blue cheese.
How should I store leftover blue cheese?
Proper storage is essential to keep your leftover blue cheese fresh and flavorful. Wrap the cheese tightly in wax paper or parchment paper to allow it to breathe while preventing it from drying out. After wrapping, place it in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag to further protect it from exposure to air and undesired odors in the fridge.
It’s important to keep blue cheese in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain its quality. When stored correctly, blue cheese can last for several weeks. Just make sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells or excessive mold growth, and enjoy your cheese within a reasonable timeframe for the best flavor experience.
Can I use blue cheese as a topping for pizzas?
Absolutely! Blue cheese makes for a fantastic pizza topping, adding a unique flavor profile that can compliment various ingredients. You can sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over your pizza before or after baking to elevate traditional flavors like pepperoni or mushrooms. It pairs particularly well with sweet elements, such as caramelized onions or figs, providing a delicious contrast.
To take it a step further, consider creating a gourmet pizza with a white sauce base, topped with spinach, walnuts, and blue cheese. The creamy sauce enhances the richness of the blue cheese, while the spinach adds freshness. This combination can impress pizza lovers looking for a new take on their favorite dish.
Are there any health benefits to eating blue cheese?
Blue cheese, like many cheeses, can offer several health benefits when consumed in moderation. It’s a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also contains protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12, contributing to overall health. Additionally, the probiotics found in certain blue cheeses can support gut health.
Another benefit of blue cheese is its relatively high levels of antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body. It’s important, however, to balance the enjoyment of blue cheese with conscious portion sizes, as it can be high in fat and sodium. As with any food, moderation is key to enjoying its benefits while maintaining a healthy diet.
What are some beverages that pair well with blue cheese?
When it comes to pairing beverages with blue cheese, you have several delightful options. A strong, full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, complements the rich and bold flavors of blue cheese beautifully. The tannins in the wine help balance the cheese’s creaminess, making for a perfect match.
If you prefer beer, opt for a rich stout or a Belgian-style ale, as these can provide a nice contrast to the sharpness of the cheese. For those who enjoy something sweeter, a dessert wine or port can work well, highlighting the cheese’s flavor while providing a pleasant sweetness. Experimenting with various pairings can lead to discovering your favorite combinations.