Blue cheese. The very name evokes strong reactions. For some, it’s an acquired taste, a pungent, almost aggressive flavor that assaults the senses. For others, it’s a culinary masterpiece, a complex, creamy delight that elevates any dish. Regardless of where you stand, there’s no denying that blue cheese is a powerful ingredient. The key to truly appreciating it lies in understanding how to pair it effectively. So, what can you eat with blue cheese? Let’s delve into the delicious possibilities.
Understanding the Allure of Blue Cheese
Before diving into pairings, it’s essential to understand what makes blue cheese unique. The characteristic blue veins are the result of mold cultures, typically Penicillium, which are introduced during the cheese-making process. These molds impart the cheese with its distinctive flavor and aroma, ranging from earthy and salty to sharp and tangy.
The texture of blue cheese varies depending on the type. Some are crumbly, like Stilton, while others are creamy, like Gorgonzola. This variation in texture also influences how it pairs with different foods.
Understanding these nuances allows you to make informed decisions when selecting accompaniments and creating complementary dishes.
Sweet Sensations: Pairing Blue Cheese with Fruits and Honey
The intense flavor of blue cheese often benefits from a counterpoint of sweetness. This is where fruits and honey come into play.
Fruits that Complement Blue Cheese
Certain fruits have the natural acidity and sweetness needed to balance the intensity of blue cheese. Apples and pears are classic choices, their crispness and subtle sweetness providing a refreshing contrast to the cheese’s richness. Grapes, particularly red grapes, offer a similar balance, their juicy sweetness cutting through the saltiness.
Dried fruits, such as figs and dates, are also excellent pairings. Their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture provide a luxurious counterpoint to the creamy or crumbly texture of the cheese.
Berries, like blueberries and raspberries, bring a tangy sweetness that brightens the flavor profile of blue cheese. Cranberries, especially in sauce or relish form, offer a tart counterpoint that is particularly appealing during the holiday season.
Melon, such as cantaloupe or honeydew, offers a refreshing sweetness and high water content that cleanses the palate between bites of cheese.
The Magic of Honey
Honey is a versatile pairing for blue cheese. Its natural sweetness enhances the cheese’s flavor while also providing a textural contrast. The type of honey matters as well. A mild clover honey won’t overpower the cheese, while a darker, more robust honey like buckwheat or chestnut honey can add another layer of complexity.
Drizzling honey over blue cheese on a cheese board or using it as a component in a glaze or vinaigrette are excellent ways to incorporate this sweet element.
Savory Partners: Blue Cheese with Meats and Nuts
While sweetness complements blue cheese, savory flavors can also enhance its complexity. The key is to choose ingredients that won’t be overpowered by the cheese’s intensity but will instead offer a balanced and harmonious combination.
Meats that Stand Up to Blue Cheese
Certain meats possess the robust flavors needed to stand up to blue cheese. Prosciutto, with its salty, slightly sweet flavor and delicate texture, is a classic pairing. The contrast between the salty ham and the pungent cheese is a delight.
Steak, particularly grilled or pan-seared, also pairs well. The richness of the beef and the smokiness of the cooking method complement the cheese’s bold flavor. Consider topping a steak with crumbled blue cheese for a decadent treat.
Chicken, especially when roasted or grilled, can also be a good match, especially if paired with a sauce or glaze that includes a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
The Nutty Connection
Nuts provide a textural contrast and earthy flavor that complements blue cheese. Walnuts are a classic choice, their slightly bitter flavor and crunchy texture providing a satisfying counterpoint to the creamy cheese. Pecans offer a sweeter, more buttery flavor that also works well.
Almonds, particularly toasted, provide a subtle nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. Pine nuts, with their delicate sweetness and soft texture, can also be a good addition, especially in salads or pesto sauces featuring blue cheese.
Breads and Crackers: The Perfect Vehicle for Blue Cheese
The choice of bread or cracker is crucial when serving blue cheese. The ideal vehicle should complement the cheese’s flavor and texture without overpowering it.
Bread Options
Crusty breads, such as baguettes or sourdough, provide a sturdy base for blue cheese. Their slightly tangy flavor and chewy texture pair well with the cheese’s richness.
Sweet breads, such as brioche or challah, offer a subtle sweetness that complements the cheese’s savory notes.
Nut breads, with their earthy flavor and crunchy texture, can also be a good choice, especially when paired with blue cheese and fruit.
Cracker Choices
Plain crackers, such as water crackers or saltines, provide a neutral base that allows the flavor of the blue cheese to shine.
Whole-wheat crackers offer a slightly nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
Fruit and nut crackers, with their subtle sweetness and textural complexity, can also be a good choice, but be mindful of the overall flavor profile to ensure that the cracker doesn’t overpower the cheese.
Culinary Creations: Incorporating Blue Cheese into Dishes
Beyond cheese boards and simple pairings, blue cheese can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, adding a burst of flavor and complexity.
Salads with a Blue Cheese Twist
Blue cheese is a natural addition to salads. Crumbled blue cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to green salads, especially those with crisp lettuce, crunchy vegetables, and a vinaigrette dressing.
A classic wedge salad, featuring iceberg lettuce, blue cheese dressing, bacon, and tomatoes, is a timeless combination.
Blue cheese also pairs well with salads that include fruits, such as pears, apples, or grapes.
Soups and Sauces
Blue cheese can add depth and complexity to soups and sauces. A creamy blue cheese soup, made with potatoes or cauliflower, is a comforting and flavorful dish.
Blue cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can be served with steak, chicken, or vegetables.
Blue cheese can also be incorporated into pasta sauces, adding a rich and tangy element.
Blue Cheese in Baked Goods
Blue cheese can even be used in baked goods, adding a savory twist to sweet treats.
Blue cheese scones, muffins, or biscuits are a delicious accompaniment to soup or salad.
Blue cheese can also be incorporated into quiches or tarts, adding a flavorful and creamy element.
Pizza Perfection
Elevate your pizza game by adding blue cheese. Paired with caramelized onions, balsamic glaze, and maybe some prosciutto, it’s a symphony of flavors.
Beverage Pairings: What to Drink with Blue Cheese
The right beverage can enhance the flavor of blue cheese and create a truly memorable culinary experience.
Wine Wonders
Sweet wines, such as Sauternes or Port, are classic pairings for blue cheese. Their sweetness balances the cheese’s saltiness and intensity.
Full-bodied red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, can also pair well, especially with richer, creamier blue cheeses.
White wines, such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer, with their aromatic sweetness and acidity, can also complement blue cheese.
Beer Bliss
Strong ales, such as stouts or barleywines, can stand up to the bold flavor of blue cheese.
Belgian-style ales, with their fruity and spicy notes, can also be a good choice.
Beyond Wine and Beer
Port wine is the classical choice for blue cheese, it brings just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the cheese. Ice wine also works well.
Experimentation is Key
Ultimately, the best way to discover what you like to eat with blue cheese is to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations and explore different flavor profiles. The possibilities are endless! The joy of food is in the discovery, so grab a piece of blue cheese and start exploring.
What fruits pair best with blue cheese?
Sweet fruits offer a delightful counterpoint to blue cheese’s pungent and salty notes. Pears, especially Bosc or Anjou varieties, are classic choices, as their crisp texture and delicate sweetness complement the creamy texture of blue cheese beautifully. Grapes, particularly red grapes like Thompsons or seedless varieties, also work wonderfully, providing a juicy burst of sweetness that balances the cheese’s sharpness.
Beyond the classics, figs, apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), and dates are also excellent pairings. The rich, honeyed flavor of figs is a particularly luxurious match, while tart apples and dates provide a contrasting crispness and sweetness that keeps the palate engaged. Experimenting with different fruits based on your personal preference is highly encouraged.
Can I pair blue cheese with nuts? If so, which types?
Absolutely! Nuts provide a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with blue cheese’s creamy texture and strong taste. Walnuts are a traditional and highly recommended pairing, offering a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that complements the cheese’s intensity. Pecans, with their buttery sweetness, are another excellent choice, adding a delightful richness to the overall experience.
Other nuts to consider include almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios. Almonds provide a mild, slightly sweet flavor and satisfying crunch, while hazelnuts offer a deeper, more complex nutty profile. Pistachios, with their vibrant color and slightly sweet, savory taste, add a unique and flavorful element to the blue cheese experience. Consider toasting the nuts lightly to enhance their flavor and texture even further.
What types of bread complement blue cheese best?
The best breads to pair with blue cheese typically offer a sturdy texture and complementary flavor profiles. Crusty artisan breads, such as sourdough or a rustic country loaf, are excellent choices. Their firm texture can handle the weight of the cheese, and their slightly tangy flavor provides a pleasant contrast to blue cheese’s intensity. Whole-wheat breads also offer a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs well.
Beyond crusty loaves, sweeter breads can also be a delightful pairing. Fig and walnut bread, for example, offers a double dose of complementary flavors. Raisin bread provides a touch of sweetness and chewy texture that works well with a milder blue cheese. Ultimately, the best bread depends on your personal preference and the specific type of blue cheese you are serving.
Are there any specific vegetables that go well with blue cheese?
Several vegetables offer a delightful contrast and complement to the pungent flavor of blue cheese. Celery is a classic pairing, providing a crisp, refreshing crunch that cleanses the palate between bites of cheese. Endive leaves, with their slightly bitter taste and sturdy texture, are another excellent choice, acting as a natural “spoon” for the creamy cheese.
Roasted root vegetables, such as beets or sweet potatoes, also pair surprisingly well with blue cheese. The sweetness and earthy flavors of these vegetables provide a delightful counterpoint to the cheese’s saltiness and tang. Brussel sprouts, especially when roasted or caramelized, can also create a harmonious flavor combination.
What drinks pair well with blue cheese?
The strong flavors of blue cheese require beverages with enough character to stand up to them. Sweet wines, such as Sauternes or port, are classic pairings, as their sweetness balances the cheese’s saltiness and pungent aroma. Full-bodied red wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, can also work well, especially with bolder blue cheeses. The tannins in the wine help cut through the richness of the cheese.
Beyond wine, certain beers and spirits also complement blue cheese beautifully. Belgian ales, with their fruity and spicy notes, can provide a refreshing counterpoint. A well-aged Scotch whisky, with its smoky and peaty flavors, can create a complex and intriguing pairing. Ultimately, the best drink pairing depends on the specific type of blue cheese and your personal preference.
Can I use blue cheese in cooked dishes, and what ingredients pair well in those dishes?
Absolutely! Blue cheese adds a rich and flavorful dimension to many cooked dishes. It can be crumbled into salads, melted into sauces for pasta or steak, or used as a topping for pizzas and flatbreads. In these applications, ingredients that complement the cheese’s flavor are crucial.
Ingredients like caramelized onions, bacon, and balsamic vinegar work exceptionally well with blue cheese in cooked dishes. The sweetness of caramelized onions balances the cheese’s sharpness, while bacon adds a smoky, savory element. Balsamic vinegar provides a tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese and enhances its overall flavor. Also, consider using it with mushrooms, walnuts, and pears in a tart or quiche.
Are there any specific condiments that enhance the flavor of blue cheese?
Several condiments can elevate the flavor profile of blue cheese and create a more complex and enjoyable experience. Honey is a classic pairing, its sweetness contrasting beautifully with the cheese’s salty and pungent notes. A drizzle of good-quality honey can transform a simple blue cheese appetizer into a gourmet treat. Fig jam or chutney also offer a similar sweet and fruity complement.
For a bolder flavor, consider using a spicy mustard or a balsamic glaze. Spicy mustard provides a sharp kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese, while balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal. A simple drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the cheese’s creaminess and bring out its subtle flavors. Experimentation is key to finding your favorite condiment pairings.