Blue cheese is a divisive food – some people love its pungent, funky flavor, while others can’t stand the smell or taste. When melted, blue cheese takes on a whole new texture and flavor profile. The smooth, gooey melted cheese highlights the tangy, salty flavors and helps mellow out the strong aroma. Whether you’re already a blue cheese fan or are skeptical about its appeal, melted blue cheese is worth trying in a variety of dishes.
What is blue cheese?
Blue cheese is a general classification of cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, or goat’s milk cheeses that have had cultures of the mold Penicillium added so that the cheese is spotted or veined throughout with blue mold. This mold imparts a distinctive pungent smell and bold, sharp flavor that ranges from mild to very strong.
Some of the most popular varieties of blue cheese include:
- Roquefort – Made from sheep’s milk, aged in caves
- Stilton – English blue made from cow’s milk
- Gorgonzola – Italian blue made from cow’s and/or goat’s milk
- Cabrales – Spanish blue made from a mix of cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s milk
- Bleu de Bresse – French blue made from cow’s milk
- Cambozola – A combination of soft-ripened triple cream cheese and blue cheese
The bold, pungent flavor of blue cheese comes from the growth of harmless mold spores (Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium glaucum) present in the cheese. As the cheese ages, the mold grows and creates blue-green veins throughout the cheese. These provide the sharp, tangy flavor that blue cheese is known for.
Does melted blue cheese taste different than unmelted?
Yes, melting blue cheese into hot dishes or sauces transforms its texture and concentrates its tangy, salty flavor. When unmelted, blue cheese tends to have a crumbly texture and mouth-coating richness. Once melted, the cheese smooths out into a luxurious, gooey sauce with a more subtle aroma but amped up sharpness.
The buttery, creamy base harmonizes with the blue cheese undertones, creating a pleasantly piquant flavor. Melting helps temper the pungent qualities of blue cheese so they don’t overpower a dish. At the same time, it coaxes out the savory umami notes. This makes melted blue cheese incredibly versatile for mixing into appetizers, entrees, snacks and more.
Does melted blue cheese taste good?
For blue cheese lovers, melted blue cheese tastes absolutely delicious. The concentrated flavor is addictive when drizzled over steaks, stirred into dressings or dip, or baked into creamy pastas. Even those normally averse to the strong aroma and bite of blue cheese often find melted varieties much more palatable. The smooth, creamy melted consistency helps balance out the sharpness.
That said, people have varying tolerance levels for pungent cheeses. If you dislike blue cheese when cold, melting it may help make it more enjoyable, but likely won’t make you a convert. The distinctive flavors remain, just in a warmer, richer form. For blue cheese haters, even melted options may be unappetizing.
Tips for enjoying melted blue cheese
Here are some tips for getting the most delicious experience when melting blue cheese:
- Choose high-quality cheeses – Artisanal blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola melt beautifully.
- Experiment with different milks – Cow, goat, and sheep milk blues each offer distinct flavors.
- Melting enhances milder blues – Save strongly-veined Stilton for crumbling over salads.
- Temper the saltiness – Balance out the saltiness of melted blues with sweet or acidic ingredients.
- Add richness – Melting into butter, cream or oil helps smooth out sharp flavors.
- Don’t overheat – Only melt until soft and silky to prevent separating.
What foods pair well with melted blue cheese?
The tangy, salty flavors of melted blue cheese pair wonderfully with a variety of ingredients. Some classic pairings include:
Steak
Few things beat a nice charred steak drizzled with a melted Gorgonzola sauce. The creamy cheese cuts through the richness of the beef.
Wing sauce
Mixing crumbled Stilton or Roquefort into hot sauce gives wings a zesty, gourmet flavor.
Roasted or grilled veggies
Drizzle melty blue cheese over roasted broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or asparagus for next-level flavor.
Flatbreads
Ooey, gooey blue cheese is delicious atop a freshly baked flatbread with caramelized onions, figs or pears.
Mixed greens salad
Crumble tangy blue cheese over a salad and drizzle with a melted cheese dressing for a restaurant-worthy appetizer.
Soups
Swirl melted blue cheese into roasted butternut squash, tomato or French onion soups.
Burgers
A melt of Roquefort kicks burgers up a notch. Or mix crumbled Stilton into the patty itself.
Pasta
Toss tubes of penne, rigatoni or cavatappi with a rich Gorgonzola cream sauce.
Potatoes
Top baked potatoes with melted Cambozola or blend into mashed potatoes for flavor.
Melted blue cheese recipe inspiration
To experience how delicious melted blue cheese can be, try incorporating it into these recipes:
Blue cheese buffalo chicken dip
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Blue cheese & fig flatbread
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Blue cheese & mushroom skillet pasta
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Does blue cheese taste good cold?
While melted blue cheese offers a lush, concentrated flavor, it also retains its appeal when served cold and crumbly. Crumbling blue cheese over salads, pasta, or flatbreads allows you to take advantage of its crumbly texture. The pockets of concentrated cheese deliver bites of intense tangy, salty flavor contrasted by the other ingredients.
Cool blue cheese also nicely balances out hot foods like spicy buffalo wings or pizza fresh out of the oven. The chilled chunks of cheese help tame the heat. Pairing strong, funky blues like Roquefort or Stilton with sweet ingredients like fruit or honey also works well. The sweet and savory contrast makes for dynamic flavor combinations.
So while melted blue cheese is undeniably delicious, there are still great ways to enjoy it cold. It mainly comes down to personal taste preferences. The possibilities are endless when incorporating this complex cheese into recipes either melted or cold.
Conclusion
When melted into sauces, dips and warm dishes, blue cheese transforms into an incredibly delicious, gooey addition. The pungent aroma mellows out while the tangy saltiness becomes concentrated. While still too strong for some palates, even blue cheese skeptics may find melted varieties more palatable.
Pairing melted blue cheese with items like savory meats, roasted veggies or sweet fruits and honey creates phenomenal flavor combos. Blending it into rich, creamy pastas or using as a topping for burgers and pizza helps balance out the sharpness. Whether incorporating mild, buttery Cambozola or a strongly-veined Roquefort, melted blue cheese makes an indulgent, flavorful addition to a wide array of hot appetizers and entrees.
At the same time, blue cheese retains its virtues when served chilled, crumbly and fresh. The concentrated pockets of tangy flavor add bites of intensity contrasted by mellower ingredients. Crumble over salads and charcuterie boards or pair with juicy fruits and sweet drizzles of honey.
So when asking “does blue cheese taste good melted,” the answer is a definitive yes. Melting blue cheese helps bring out its very best qualities, transforming it into an incredible, versatile ingredient. But classic crumbled blue cheese shouldn’t be forgotten either when it comes to crafting tasty dishes. With its complex range of flavors, blue cheese brings an amazing presence to the table either melted or cold.