Salads > Salad Toppings > Cheese Toppings > Blue Cheese (Crumbled)

Blue Cheese and Walnut Crumble Topping

Enhance your salad with this flavorful combination of blue cheese and toasted walnuts. The creamy, tangy cheese complements the nutty crunch of the walnuts, creating a delightful topping.

Prep Time
10
Cook Time
5
Servings
Variable
Ingredients
  • 3 oz Blue Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts
  • 1 tsp Honey (Optional)

Toast the Walnuts

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool completely. Alternatively, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant.

Crumble the Blue Cheese

Using a fork, crumble the blue cheese into desired sizes. Aim for crumbles that are approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size.

Chop the Walnuts

Roughly chop the toasted walnuts. You can use a knife or a food processor, but be careful not to over-process them into a powder.

Combine Ingredients

In a bowl, gently combine the crumbled blue cheese and chopped toasted walnuts. If desired, drizzle with a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Storage

Store the blue cheese and walnut crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The walnuts may lose some of their crunch over time.

Serving Suggestions

Sprinkle the blue cheese and walnut crumble generously over your favorite salad. It pairs particularly well with salads containing bitter greens like radicchio or endive, and fruits like pears or grapes. It also complements balsamic vinaigrette or creamy vinaigrettes.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional information will vary based on the specific type of blue cheese and the amount of walnuts used. Typically, 100g of this topping contains: Calories: 400-450, Protein: 18-22g, Fat: 35-40g, Carbohydrates: 5-8g.

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This topping is relatively high in fat due to the blue cheese and walnuts. Walnuts contribute healthy fats. Using honey will increase the sugar content.

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of nut?

    Yes, you can substitute pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for the walnuts. Toast them similarly to bring out their flavor.
  • Can I add dried fruit?

    Yes, dried cranberries or chopped dried figs would be a great addition.
  • Is there a vegan alternative to blue cheese?

    While it won't be the same flavor, you can find vegan blue cheese alternatives made from nuts or fermented soybeans. Ensure it's crumbly or can be crumbled.