Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, known for its distinctive flavor and creamy texture. But have you ever tried smoked blue cheese? The smoky, rich flavor adds a new dimension to this already delicious cheese. In this article, we will explore some mouthwatering smoked blue cheese recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds.
What does blue cheese pair well with?
To fully enjoy the flavors of blue cheese, it is important to serve it at room temperature. This allows the gentle creaminess and subtle range of flavors to shine through. To create a cheese board, cut off as much blue cheese as you think you will eat in a single sitting and leave it out for several hours before enjoying.
Blue Cheese and Craft Beer:
Blue cheese and craft beer are a match made in heaven. The piquancy of smoked blue cheese, such as Cashel Blue® or Crozier Blue, amplifies the hoppiness of an India Pale Ale and contrasts with the creamy bite of a good stout or porter. Pair Cashel Blue® with Chimay Blue or craft Irish porters like Eight Degrees Brewing Knockmealdown and White Gypsy Russian Imperial Stout. The fermentation process in both craft beer and farmhouse cheese creates a harmonious flavor combination.
Blue Cheese and Whiskey:
While it may sound like an unlikely combination, blue cheese and whiskey can actually be quite pleasant together. Look for gentle peaty or smoky notes balanced by a slight caramel character that comes from the oak aging process. Connemara Whiskey is a particularly good match for smoked blue cheese. For a more robust approach, try pairing Crozier Blue with a 12-year-old Jameson whiskey.
Blue Cheese and Gin:
The latest trend in food circles is to pair gin with farmhouse cheese. So, the next time you pour a Tanqueray or a Shortcross Gin, bring out the cheese board and experiment with different combinations. Discover your favorite gin and smoked blue cheese pairing.
Blue Cheese and Wine:
Traditionally, red wines are considered the classic match for blue cheeses. Sweet dessert wines, such as Sauternes, also pair well with blue cheese. For a more mature piece of blue cheese, sweeter wines are recommended. For example, Cashel Blue® works well with Gewurztraminer as an aperitif. Crozier Blue, which is more acidic when young, pairs nicely with super-zingy Riesling wines, especially those with a touch of sweetness like the Mosel wines from Germany. Experiment with different wine and smoked blue cheese combinations to find the perfect match.
What can I do with too much blue cheese?
If you find yourself with an excess of blue cheese, don't worry. There are plenty of delicious ways to use it in your cooking. Here are a few ideas:
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Mix blue cheese with mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and herbs to create a creamy and tangy dressing for salads or as a dip for vegetables.
- Blue Cheese Burgers: Crumble blue cheese into ground beef patties before grilling or frying for a flavorful twist on a classic burger.
- Blue Cheese Pasta Sauce: Melt blue cheese into a creamy sauce with butter, garlic, and heavy cream. Toss with cooked pasta for a decadent and delicious meal.
- Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken: Cut a pocket into chicken breasts and stuff with a mixture of blue cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Blue Cheese Crostini: Spread blue cheese onto toasted baguette slices and top with caramelized onions or fig jam for an elegant appetizer.
What is the best way to eat blue cheese?
Blue cheese can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- Cheeseboard Accompaniments: Pair blue cheese with fresh figs, pears, dried dates, apricots, or a slice of sweet apple. Walnuts and pecans are excellent nut choices, and caramelized walnuts add a touch of chili for extra flavor. Chutneys like fig chutney or red onion marmalade complement blue cheese well, while a drizzle of acacia honey over a mature piece of blue cheese adds a delicate sweetness. For a unique twist, try dipping a mature piece of Cashel Blue in melted 85% Cacao chocolate.
- Cheese Cracker or Bread: Blue cheese is best enjoyed on a plain cheese biscuit or water biscuit. Avoid salty or flavored crackers that may overpower the cheese. Walnut bread, raisin toast, or a simple slice of fresh baguette are also excellent choices.
Now that you have learned about the wonderful world of smoked blue cheese and its delicious pairings, it's time to get creative in the kitchen. Try out these recipes and savor the unique flavors of smoked blue cheese. Whether enjoyed on a cheeseboard, in a salad dressing, or as a stuffing for chicken, smoked blue cheese is sure to elevate any dish with its rich and smoky taste.
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