Creative Ideas for Blue Cheese Lovers

I love blue cheese; the stronger the better. I love its strong scent, intense flavor, and dense, creamy texture. It's not for everyone and some people cannot even abide the smell. Granted, it is kind of interesting and decidedly odd that it's made by injecting mold into the cheese. However, sometimes it's best not to dwell too heavily on a food's origins and to just enjoy it as it is. Luckily my husband shares my affinity for strong cheese and I can use blue cheese in lots of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve blue cheese aside from the traditional steak crumbles or cheese board options.

There's still some good grilling weather ahead. Stir crumbled blue cheese into your coleslaw. If you've never had blue cheese coleslaw you're in for a treat. For a healthier version use fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, a spoonful of sugar and reduced fat mayo and sour cream for your dressing. Remember that because blue cheese is so strong it's better to start with less and add more to taste. It's so good it's addictive! Eat this coleslaw as a side or top it on your burgers and sandwiches for a decadent treat.

Everyone loves a good BLT. What could be better than salty bacon, juicy summer ripe tomatoes, crisp leaves of green lettuce and a couple of hearty slices of toast? Well, crumble some blue cheese on the BLT for a BCBLT. Bacon and blue cheese are a natural combination and it turns a delicious summer sandwich into an extraordinary one.

Potatoes and blue cheese are also a great pairing. Stir blue cheese crumbles into your favorite potato salad for a unique twist on a family favorite. Better yet, make your own blue cheese dressing and use this for your potato salad. If you use reduced fat or fat free mayo and sour cream you can offer up a healthy version that only tastes decadent. Again, start with a small quantity of blue cheese and add more if needed. Top your salad with lots of sliced green onions and chopped Italian parsley for a nice color contrast and flavor.

I love fruit and blue cheese together. Pears and apples go well with a good quality blue cheese, but you can also use sweeter seasonal fruit such as peaches, nectarines, figs or plums. Try slicing and seeding/coring the fruit and place on a baking tray. Drizzle with a good quality extra virgin olive oil, a splash of honey, a teaspoon or two of fresh orange juice and crumbled blue cheese,. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes or so until the fruit is gently cooked and the cheese melted and bubbly.

If you love blue cheese try some of these recipe ideas out for yourself or your next get-together. If there are several people who don't enjoy blue cheese, offer it as a side option for these dishes and I guarantee you'll have lots of takers. All of the blue cheese lovers out there probably know that this unique, strong and creamy creation goes with just about anything.