Salads > Salad Toppings > Cheese Toppings > Blue Cheese (Crumbled)
Quick & Flavorful Blue Cheese Crumble for Salads
Elevate your salad with homemade blue cheese crumbles. This recipe provides a simple and quick method to add a burst of tangy and savory flavor to any salad creation.
Ingredients
- 4 oz High-Quality Blue Cheese
- 1 tsp All-Purpose Flour (Optional)
Selecting Your Blue Cheese
Choose a blue cheese that you enjoy the flavor profile of. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, and domestic blue cheeses all work well. Consider the intensity of the flavor you desire; some blue cheeses are milder than others.
Preparing the Blue Cheese
Remove the blue cheese from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This will slightly soften it, making it easier to crumble.
Crumbling the Cheese
Using a fork, gently crumble the blue cheese into desired sizes. Aim for crumbles that are approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size for optimal distribution in your salad.
Optional: Coating with Flour
If you plan to use the crumbles immediately, you can skip this step. However, if you're preparing them in advance, lightly toss the crumbles with a teaspoon of all-purpose flour. This will help prevent them from sticking together.
Storage
Store the crumbled blue cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If coated with flour, they may stay fresher for longer.
Serving Suggestions
Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles generously over your favorite salad. They pair particularly well with salads containing fruits like apples or pears, nuts like walnuts or pecans, and greens like spinach or arugula. They also complement balsamic vinaigrette or creamy dressings.
Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product
Note: Nutritional information will vary based on the specific type of blue cheese used. Typically, 100g of blue cheese contains: Calories: 350-400, Protein: 21-25g, Fat: 28-35g, Carbohydrates: 1-3g.
Other Considerations for Nutrition
Blue cheese is high in fat and sodium. Consider portion sizes to maintain a balanced diet. It's also a good source of calcium and vitamin A.
FAQ
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Can I use pre-crumbled blue cheese?
Yes, you can use pre-crumbled blue cheese for convenience. However, crumbling it yourself ensures freshness and prevents the cheese from being overly dry. -
What if my blue cheese is too soft to crumble?
Place the blue cheese in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm it up before crumbling. Be careful not to freeze it solid. -
Can I add herbs to the blue cheese crumbles?
Absolutely! Consider adding finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.