Blue cheese, with its pungent aroma and assertive flavor, is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of food. But even the most ardent blue cheese aficionados sometimes find themselves with a leftover chunk that’s lingering in the refrigerator, threatening to dry out and lose its appeal. But before you consign that forgotten wedge to the trash, know this: old blue cheese isn’t necessarily bad blue cheese. In fact, with a little creativity, you can transform it into a culinary powerhouse. This article will guide you through the art of repurposing aged blue cheese, ensuring that no delicious morsel goes to waste.
Assessing Your Blue Cheese: Is It Still Safe to Eat?
The first and most crucial step is to determine if your blue cheese is still safe for consumption. Blue cheese, by its very nature, contains mold. However, the mold that gives blue cheese its distinctive character is a specific, safe-to-eat variety (usually Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum). The key is to differentiate between the desirable mold and the undesirable, potentially harmful mold.
Here’s what to look for:
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Appearance: Examine the cheese closely. A slight discoloration, especially around the edges, is normal as blue cheese ages. However, be wary of any fuzzy, brightly colored molds (pink, orange, green) that are distinctly different from the blue-green veins that are characteristic of blue cheese. Also, check for excessive dryness or cracking.
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Smell: Blue cheese is known for its strong aroma, but a sharp, ammonia-like smell is a sign that the cheese has gone bad. The ammonia smell indicates that the cheese is breaking down and is no longer safe to eat.
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Texture: Old blue cheese can become drier and harder. This is normal, but if the texture is slimy or excessively mushy, it’s best to discard it.
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Taste: If the cheese passes the visual and olfactory tests, taste a tiny piece. If it tastes overwhelmingly bitter or off, it’s likely spoiled. A stronger, more pungent flavor is acceptable.
If you have any doubts about the safety of your blue cheese, err on the side of caution and throw it away. Food safety is paramount.
Understanding “Best By” Dates
“Best by” or “sell by” dates on cheese are indicators of peak quality, not necessarily safety. Blue cheese can still be perfectly safe to eat after the date on the package, as long as it’s stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage.
Creative Culinary Applications for Aged Blue Cheese
Once you’ve determined that your blue cheese is safe to eat, it’s time to unleash your culinary creativity. Aged blue cheese, even if it’s a bit dry or strong, can add incredible depth and complexity to a variety of dishes.
Blue Cheese Crumbles: Elevating Everyday Dishes
One of the simplest and most versatile ways to use old blue cheese is to crumble it. Even if it’s too dry to enjoy on its own, crumbled blue cheese can add a burst of flavor to various dishes.
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Salads: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over salads for a tangy and salty kick. It pairs particularly well with fruits like pears, apples, and grapes, as well as with nuts and balsamic vinaigrette. The intense flavor of aged blue cheese cuts through the sweetness of the fruit and adds a welcome contrast.
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Grilled Meats: Top grilled steaks, burgers, or chicken with crumbled blue cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. The heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful topping.
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Roasted Vegetables: Add crumbled blue cheese to roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or sweet potatoes. The cheese complements the sweetness of the vegetables and adds a savory element.
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Pasta Dishes: Toss crumbled blue cheese with pasta, olive oil, and herbs for a quick and flavorful meal. It also works well as a topping for baked pasta dishes.
Blue Cheese Sauces: A Rich and Creamy Indulgence
Aged blue cheese is perfect for making rich and decadent sauces. The strong flavor mellows out when combined with other ingredients, creating a complex and satisfying sauce.
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Blue Cheese Dressing: Homemade blue cheese dressing is far superior to store-bought versions. To make a classic blue cheese dressing, combine crumbled blue cheese with mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar (or lemon juice), and seasonings. Adjust the ratios to your liking.
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Cream Sauce for Steak: A creamy blue cheese sauce is a classic accompaniment to steak. Sauté shallots and garlic in butter, then add heavy cream and crumbled blue cheese. Simmer until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
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Pasta Sauce: Create a unique pasta sauce by combining crumbled blue cheese with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and cream. Toss with your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh herbs.
Blue Cheese Dips and Spreads: Perfect for Entertaining
Blue cheese dips and spreads are always a crowd-pleaser. The bold flavor of the cheese pairs well with crackers, vegetables, and crusty bread.
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Blue Cheese Dip: Combine crumbled blue cheese with cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings for a simple and delicious dip. Serve with crackers, crudités, or potato chips.
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Blue Cheese Spread: Blend blue cheese with butter, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful spread for sandwiches or crackers. Adding a touch of honey or fig jam can balance the sharpness of the cheese.
Blue Cheese in Baked Goods: Unexpected Delights
Don’t limit your blue cheese creativity to savory dishes. Blue cheese can add a surprising and delicious twist to baked goods.
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Blue Cheese Scones: Incorporate crumbled blue cheese into scone dough for a savory treat. The cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor that pairs well with the buttery scones.
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Blue Cheese Muffins: Add crumbled blue cheese to muffin batter for a unique and flavorful breakfast or snack. Try pairing it with walnuts or cranberries.
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Blue Cheese Biscuits: Mix crumbled blue cheese into biscuit dough for a savory alternative to traditional biscuits. Serve with soup or chili.
Blue Cheese Infused Oils and Vinegars: A Flavorful Finishing Touch
Infusing oils and vinegars with blue cheese is a great way to extract the flavor and use it in a variety of applications.
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Blue Cheese Infused Oil: Place small crumbles of blue cheese in a bottle and top with a good quality olive oil. Let it sit for a few days in the fridge to infuse. Use as a drizzle for salads or grilled vegetables.
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Blue Cheese Infused Vinegar: Similar to infused oil, steep blue cheese crumbles in a good quality vinegar. Let it sit in the fridge for a few days and then use for vinaigrettes.
Tips for Working with Aged Blue Cheese
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Handle with Care: Blue cheese is delicate and can crumble easily. Use a sharp knife or a cheese plane to cut it cleanly.
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Store Properly: To prolong the life of your blue cheese, wrap it tightly in cheese paper or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
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Bring to Room Temperature: For optimal flavor, allow blue cheese to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
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Pair Wisely: Blue cheese pairs well with a variety of foods and beverages. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites. Some classic pairings include:
- Fruits: Pears, apples, grapes, figs
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, almonds
- Wines: Port, Sauternes, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Beers: Stout, Porter
Recipes to Reimagine Your Blue Cheese
Here are a few recipes to get you started on your blue cheese repurposing journey:
Blue Cheese and Walnut Crusted Chicken
This recipe transforms plain chicken breasts into a gourmet delight.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup crumbled aged blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Blue Cheese and Pear Pizza
This pizza combines the savory tang of blue cheese with the sweetness of pears for a delightful flavor combination.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled aged blue cheese
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup caramelized onions
- Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Roll out pizza dough.
- Brush the dough with olive oil.
- Top with crumbled blue cheese, sliced pears, and caramelized onions.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates
These simple appetizers are a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
- 12 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/4 cup crumbled aged blue cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Stuff each date with crumbled blue cheese.
- Top with chopped pecans.
- Serve immediately.
Blue Cheese Burgers with Balsamic Glaze
Take your burger game to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup crumbled aged blue cheese
- 4 burger buns
- Balsamic glaze
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the ground beef with the crumbled blue cheese. Form into four patties.
- Grill or pan-fry the burgers to your desired doneness.
- Serve on burger buns with balsamic glaze and your favorite toppings.
Conclusion: Embrace the Flavor of Aged Blue Cheese
Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative. Aged blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a unique depth of flavor to a wide range of dishes. By following these tips and recipes, you can transform that forgotten wedge of blue cheese into a culinary masterpiece. So, embrace the boldness, savor the flavor, and enjoy the journey of discovering new ways to use your aged blue cheese.
What makes old blue cheese different from fresh blue cheese?
Old blue cheese undergoes several transformations that distinguish it from its fresher counterpart. As it ages, the moisture content decreases, leading to a denser, more concentrated flavor profile. The mold cultures continue to develop, often intensifying the pungent, sometimes ammonia-like aroma, and the texture becomes drier and potentially crumbly.
This aging process doesn’t necessarily render the cheese inedible; in fact, it can enhance certain qualities appreciated by some. However, it’s crucial to assess the cheese for any signs of spoilage like unusual slime, discolouration beyond the typical blue-green veining, or an overwhelmingly unpleasant odour indicating bacterial growth, before deciding to transform it into something delicious.
How can I determine if my old blue cheese is still safe to eat?
A thorough inspection is paramount. Look for signs of excessive mold growth beyond the typical blue-green veins. Minor surface mold can often be scraped away, but large, fuzzy patches or unusual colours like pink or black should be avoided. Smell the cheese – a strong ammonia smell is normal with aging, but foul or off-putting odors suggest spoilage.
Texture is another key indicator. The cheese may become drier and crumbly with age, which is normal. However, discard it if it’s slimy, excessively sticky, or has a significant change in texture that feels unnatural. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and discard the cheese.
What are some creative ways to use old, strong blue cheese?
One excellent approach is to incorporate it into cooked dishes where its intense flavor can be balanced. Crumble it into sauces for pasta or grilled meats, where the heat will mellow the sharpest edges. Alternatively, blend it into dips and spreads, using it sparingly alongside milder ingredients like cream cheese or sour cream to create a nuanced flavor profile.
Another option is to use it as a flavour enhancer in baked goods. A small amount of crumbled blue cheese can add a surprisingly delicious savoury element to muffins, scones, or even cornbread. Remember to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences, starting with a small quantity and gradually increasing it until you achieve the desired level of intensity.
Can I freeze old blue cheese to prolong its usability?
Yes, freezing blue cheese is a viable option, but it’s important to note that it will likely affect the texture. The cheese may become more crumbly upon thawing due to ice crystal formation disrupting the structure. However, the flavour should remain largely intact, making it suitable for recipes where texture is less critical.
To freeze, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. This helps to minimize freezer burn and preserve the cheese’s quality. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Consider using the thawed cheese in cooked dishes or sauces where the altered texture will be less noticeable.
What dishes pair exceptionally well with the unique flavor of transformed blue cheese?
Dishes with contrasting sweetness or acidity often benefit from the intensity of transformed blue cheese. Consider incorporating it into salads with fruits like pears or apples, where the sweetness balances the cheese’s pungency. Dressings with a vinaigrette base also work well, as the acidity cuts through the richness.
Furthermore, blue cheese pairs beautifully with hearty meats such as steak or burgers. A simple crumbled topping can elevate these dishes to new levels of flavour. Similarly, consider using transformed blue cheese in gratins or quiches, where it can provide a rich, savory counterpoint to the other ingredients.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when handling old blue cheese?
Always handle old blue cheese with clean utensils and on clean surfaces to avoid cross-contamination. While blue cheese is typically safe due to its controlled mold growth, it’s still susceptible to other bacteria if not handled properly. Washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling is essential.
If you’re scraping off any surface mold, ensure you remove a significant amount to get to the fresher cheese underneath. Avoid consuming any cheese that shows signs of spoilage beyond the typical blue mold, such as unusual colours or off-putting odours. Err on the side of caution if you have any doubts about its safety.
Can I incorporate old blue cheese into desserts?
While it might sound unconventional, yes, you can. The key is to use it sparingly and balance its sharpness with sweet and creamy elements. Consider adding a small amount of crumbled blue cheese to brownie batter or chocolate chip cookie dough for a surprising savory note that complements the sweetness.
Alternatively, use it in combination with sweet fruits and nuts in a tart or pastry filling. The sharp, salty flavor of the cheese can create a delightful contrast with the other ingredients, adding complexity and depth to the dessert. Experiment with small amounts to find the perfect balance that suits your taste preferences.