Blue cheese is a bold and flavorful cheese that can be intimidating to some. But when paired with the right herbs, it can create a harmonious and delicious combination.
The key is to find herbs that are acidic enough to stand up against the strong flavor of the cheese without overpowering it. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best herbs to pair with blue cheese and how to use them in your cooking.
Whether you’re a blue cheese lover or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, read on to discover the perfect herb pairings for this beloved cheese.
What Herbs Go With Blue Cheese?
When it comes to pairing herbs with blue cheese, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose herbs that have a bright, acidic flavor that can cut through the richness of the cheese. Second, you want to avoid herbs that are too pungent or overpowering, as they can detract from the flavor of the cheese.
Some of the best herbs to pair with blue cheese include:
– Chervil: This delicate herb has a subtle anise flavor that pairs beautifully with blue cheese. It’s also acidic enough to balance out the richness of the cheese without overwhelming it.
– Sorrel: With its bright, lemony flavor, sorrel is another great choice for pairing with blue cheese. It’s also slightly tart, which helps to cut through the richness of the cheese.
– Parsley: Italian parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley, has an earthy, green taste that complements the bite of blue cheese. Its texture also works well with the creaminess of the cheese.
– Tarragon: This herb has a slightly sweet and licorice-like flavor that pairs well with blue cheese. It’s also acidic enough to balance out the richness of the cheese.
– Basil: While basil is typically associated with Italian cuisine, it can also be a great pairing for blue cheese. Its sweet and slightly spicy flavor can help to balance out the strong flavor of the cheese.
When using these herbs in your cooking, it’s important to chop them finely so that they can be evenly distributed throughout your dish. You can use them in salads, as a garnish for soups or stews, or even mixed into compound butters for steak or other meats.
Understanding The Flavor Profile Of Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is known for its sharp, robust, and slightly salty taste. It has a unique strong smell that comes from the specialized mold used in its production. Blue cheese can be eaten by itself or used as a spread, crumbled, or melted into a wide range of dishes.
Blue cheese is notorious for being a difficult cheese to pair with other flavors. However, when paired with the right herbs, it can create a complex taste that brings out the best in both the cheese and the herbs. The key to pairing herbs with blue cheese is to choose herbs that have a bright, acidic flavor that can cut through the richness of the cheese without overpowering it.
Blue cheese finds its perfect pair with acidic herbs like chervil or sorrel. These herbs don’t detract from the flavor of the cheese; rather, they are strong enough to stand up against the strong flavor of the cheese. Italian parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley, has an earthy, green taste that complements the bite of blue cheese. Tarragon has a slightly sweet and licorice-like flavor that pairs well with blue cheese. Basil’s sweet and slightly spicy flavor can help to balance out the strong flavor of the cheese.
When using these herbs in your cooking, it’s important to chop them finely so that they can be evenly distributed throughout your dish. You can use them in salads, as a garnish for soups or stews, or even mixed into compound butters for steak or other meats.
Top Herbs To Pair With Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a strong and flavorful cheese that can be paired with a variety of herbs to create a delicious and balanced dish. When choosing herbs to pair with blue cheese, it’s important to choose ones that are acidic and bright in flavor, while avoiding those that are too pungent or overpowering.
One herb that pairs particularly well with blue cheese is chervil. This delicate herb has a subtle anise flavor that complements the richness of the cheese without overwhelming it. Another great option is sorrel, which has a bright, lemony flavor that helps to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Italian parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley, is another herb that pairs well with blue cheese. Its earthy, green taste complements the bite of the cheese, while its texture works well with the creaminess of the cheese. Tarragon is another great choice, with its slightly sweet and licorice-like flavor that helps to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Finally, basil can also be a great pairing for blue cheese. Its sweet and slightly spicy flavor can help to balance out the strong flavor of the cheese, making for a delicious and well-rounded dish.
When using these herbs in your cooking, it’s important to chop them finely so that they can be evenly distributed throughout your dish. You can use them in salads, as a garnish for soups or stews, or even mixed into compound butters for steak or other meats. With these herbs in your culinary arsenal, you’ll be able to create delicious and flavorful dishes featuring blue cheese as the star ingredient.
How To Use Herbs With Blue Cheese In Your Cooking
If you’re looking to incorporate blue cheese and herbs into your cooking, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to choose herbs that complement the flavor of the cheese without overpowering it. As mentioned above, chervil, sorrel, parsley, tarragon, and basil are all great options.
To use these herbs with blue cheese, start by washing and drying them thoroughly. Then, chop them finely so that they can be evenly distributed throughout your dish. When using blue cheese, it’s best to dice it into small cubes or crumble it into small pieces with your hands or a knife.
One simple way to use blue cheese and herbs is to mix them together for a refreshing and flavorful salad topping. Simply combine the chopped herbs with the crumbled blue cheese and sprinkle over your favorite greens. You can also use this mixture as a garnish for soups or stews.
Another great way to use blue cheese and herbs is in compound butter for steak or other meats. To make this, simply mix softened butter with crumbled blue cheese, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Roll the mixture into a log and chill until firm, then slice and serve with your favorite grilled meats.
No matter how you choose to use blue cheese and herbs in your cooking, remember to experiment and have fun with different combinations. With a little creativity, you can create delicious dishes that showcase the unique flavor of this beloved cheese.
Beyond The Basics: Creative Blue Cheese And Herb Pairings
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try some more unique pairings for blue cheese and herbs, here are some creative ideas:
– Mint: While mint may not be the first herb that comes to mind when pairing with blue cheese, its refreshing flavor can be a surprising complement to the rich cheese. Try using it in a salad with blue cheese and fresh berries for a summery twist.
– Cilantro: If you’re a fan of Mexican flavors, cilantro can be a great pairing for blue cheese. Its bright, citrusy flavor can add a zing to tacos or quesadillas topped with crumbled blue cheese.
– Dill: This herb is often paired with fish, but it can also work well with blue cheese. Its slightly sweet and tangy flavor can balance out the sharpness of the cheese. Try using it in a creamy dip or spread with blue cheese and yogurt.
– Sage: While sage can be overpowering if used in large amounts, it can add a savory note to blue cheese dishes. Try using it in a stuffing for chicken or pork with blue cheese, breadcrumbs, and walnuts.
– Thyme: This herb has a subtle, earthy flavor that can complement the nuttiness of blue cheese. Use it in a roasted vegetable dish with crumbled blue cheese and balsamic vinegar for a hearty side dish.
Remember to experiment with different combinations of herbs and blue cheeses to find your own favorite pairings. Whether you stick to the classics or try something new, adding herbs to your blue cheese dishes can take them to the next level of flavor.
Tips For Serving Blue Cheese And Herb Combinations At Your Next Gathering
If you’re planning to serve blue cheese and herb combinations at your next gathering, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure that your dish is a success.
First, make sure to choose a blue cheese that has enough heft to it so that it can be diced into small cubes without becoming too goopy. Cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce may be too soft for this preparation, so opt for something like Chiriboga Blue or Bayley Hazen Blue instead.
Next, pulse the blue cheese in a blender until it resembles “rough snow” with some texture to it. Alternatively, you can crumble the cheese into small pieces with your hands or a knife.
Once you’ve prepared the blue cheese, mix in your chopped herbs of choice. Make sure to use fresh, acidic herbs like chervil or sorrel that can stand up against the strong flavor of the cheese without overpowering it.
After mixing the herbs and blue cheese together, put the mixture in the freezer for at least half an hour. This may go against conventional wisdom about serving cheese at room temperature, but the strong flavor of blue cheese will still come through even when it’s cold.
When it’s time to serve your dish, put a small handful of chopped herbs on each plate and sprinkle the blue cheese mixture on top. Let the cheese sit out for a few minutes so that it’s not completely frozen, and serve with bread as either an appetizer or a cheese-as-dessert course.
By following these tips and using fresh, acidic herbs like chervil or sorrel, you can create a refreshing and delicious blue cheese dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
