What To Know
- Combine crumbled blue cheese with sour cream, mayonnaise, and a touch of honey for a tangy and creamy dip perfect for crackers, vegetables, and chips.
- Roll crumbled blue cheese with cream cheese and herbs into bite-sized balls and coat them in chopped nuts or bread crumbs for a savory treat.
- Sauté crumbled blue cheese in a pan with cream, butter, and flour to create a rich and creamy sauce for pasta, meat, or vegetables.
Blue cheese, with its distinctive pungent aroma and crumbly texture, is a culinary treasure that deserves to be savored. But what happens when you have a few ounces left and you’re not sure what to do with it? Fear not, cheese enthusiasts! This comprehensive guide will provide you with an arsenal of creative and delectable ways to use up every last crumb of your blue cheese.
Appetizers and Hors d’Oeuvres
- Blue Cheese Dip: Combine crumbled blue cheese with sour cream, mayonnaise, and a touch of honey for a tangy and creamy dip perfect for crackers, vegetables, and chips.
- Blue Cheese Balls: Roll crumbled blue cheese with cream cheese and herbs into bite-sized balls and coat them in chopped nuts or bread crumbs for a savory treat.
- Blue Cheese Bruschetta: Top toasted bread slices with crumbled blue cheese, caramelized onions, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a sophisticated and indulgent appetizer.
Salads and Dressings
- Blue Cheese Salad: Create a classic salad with mixed greens, crumbled blue cheese, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Blue Cheese Vinaigrette: Whisk crumbled blue cheese into a vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard for a tangy and versatile dressing.
- Blue Cheese and Pear Salad: Combine crumbled blue cheese, sliced pears, toasted pecans, and a honey-mustard dressing for a sweet and savory salad.
Main Courses
- Blue Cheese Burgers: Enhance your burgers by topping them with melted blue cheese, caramelized onions, and aioli for a burst of flavor.
- Blue Cheese Pizza: Create a gourmet pizza with a blue cheese base, topped with mozzarella, mushrooms, and caramelized onions.
- Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken: Stuff chicken breasts with a mixture of crumbled blue cheese, spinach, and bread crumbs for a juicy and flavorful main course.
Sauces and Spreads
- Blue Cheese Sauce: Sauté crumbled blue cheese in a pan with cream, butter, and flour to create a rich and creamy sauce for pasta, meat, or vegetables.
- Blue Cheese Spread: Combine crumbled blue cheese with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and herbs to create a tangy and versatile spread for sandwiches, wraps, or crackers.
- Blue Cheese Compound Butter: Mix crumbled blue cheese with softened butter and herbs to create a flavorful compound butter that can be used on grilled meats, vegetables, or bread.
Desserts
- Blue Cheese Cheesecake: Create a unique and savory cheesecake by incorporating crumbled blue cheese into the cream cheese filling.
- Blue Cheese Ice Cream: Experiment with a bold flavor combination by making blue cheese ice cream with a sweet and creamy base.
- Blue Cheese Chocolate Truffles: Roll truffles in crumbled blue cheese for a surprising and sophisticated dessert experience.
Other Creative Uses
- Blue Cheese Popcorn: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over freshly popped popcorn for a tangy and cheesy snack.
- Blue Cheese Soup: Create a creamy and flavorful soup by simmering crumbled blue cheese in a broth made with onions, celery, and carrots.
- Blue Cheese Pesto: Blend crumbled blue cheese with basil, olive oil, and pine nuts to create a tangy and aromatic pesto for pasta or sandwiches.
Ending on a Tangy Note
Whether you’re looking to elevate your appetizers, salads, or desserts, blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a burst of tangy flavor to any dish. Experiment with the ideas presented in this guide and discover the endless possibilities of using up every last crumble of your beloved blue cheese.
FAQs
Q: How do I store blue cheese properly?
A: Blue cheese should be stored wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Can I freeze blue cheese?
A: Yes, blue cheese can be frozen for up to 6 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Q: Can I substitute other types of cheese for blue cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute other types of cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort, for blue cheese in most recipes. However, the flavor profile may vary slightly.
