Serve Blue Cheese alongside Assortment of Crackers, Nuts, and Meat, Fruit Salad, Focaccia with Pear and Caramelized Onions, Grilled Summer Squash, and Fried Shrimps.
Assortment of Crackers, Nuts, and Meat
This one is a bit of a no-brainer.
For a lighter option, try Fried Shrimps. The shrimp are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the dressing is creamy and tangy.
If there was a competition for the Most Pungent Cheese, blue cheese would be a shoo-in for the top spot.
Its sharp, salty flavor can pack a real punch, making it a love-it-or-hate-it kind of cheese.
But if you're part of the blue cheese camp, you know its bold flavor is worth the pungency.
From salads and pasta to fruits and even chocolate, here are 7 side dishes that go well with blue cheese.
7 Ideal Side Dishes for Blue Cheese
Without any further ado, let's look at the 7 best side dishes you can serve with blue cheese - including cauliflower cheese side ideas that pair well with bold flavors.
1 - Assortment of Crackers, Nuts, and Meat
This one is a bit of a no-brainer.
Crackers are always a good choice to serve with cheese; they can be either plain or flavored.
If you want to keep things simple, go for some water crackers or wheat thins.
But if you're feeling adventurous, get crackers with herbs or spices.
Pair the crackers with roasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, and cured meats like salami or prosciutto.
The salty flavor of the meat will go well with the blue cheese, and the crackers will help balance out the richness.
And there you have it; a whole charcuterie board filled with deliciousness.
If a heartier savory route is preferred, consider sides that work with meat-centered mains - meat pie side suggestions for savory spreads translate well to a charcuterie-style board.
2 - Fruit Salad
Who says salads have to be savory? A fruit salad is a tasty and refreshing side dish that goes well with blue cheese.
The sweetness of the fruit will help cut through the sharpness of the cheese, and the crunchiness will add texture contrast.
Plus, the color contrast will make for a beautiful presentation.
You can toss in any fruit, but we think apples, grapes, pears, and dried figs are great choices.
For a more substantial salad option that still plays nicely with blue cheese, try grain-based mixes - orzo salad side pairings and recipes offer bright, textural complements.
3 - Focaccia with Pear and Caramelized Onions
Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that's delicious on its own - try focaccia bread side ideas for pairing when serving with blue cheese-topped slices.
But when you add some sweet pear slices and caramelized onions, it becomes a real treat.
The sweetness from the pear and onions will help balance out the saltiness of the blue cheese, while the olive oil in the focaccia will bring out its richness.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, so make sure to time it right.
4 - Grilled Summer Squash
Want some fresh and seasonal? Grilled summer squash is the way to go.
The slight charring from the grill will give the squash a bit of sweetness and smokiness, while the crispness adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture of blue cheese.
As for what type of squash to use, feel free to experiment.
Zucchini, yellow squash, and pattypan squash are all great options.
Just slice them thinly, so they cook evenly on the grill.
Garnish with some chopped herbs like parsley or chives, and you're all set.
Grilled vegetables also stand up well next to hearty proteins, so recipes built for fish can inspire side choices - grilled swordfish side ideas for seasonal veg include techniques that suit summer squash.
5 - Fried Shrimps
When you serve some fiery fried shrimp with some delicious blue cheese dressing, you get a dish that's both flavorful and elegant.
The shrimp are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the dressing is creamy and tangy.
Best of all, this dish is relatively easy to make.
Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of buttermilk and egg for about an hour.
Then coat it with cornstarch and deep fry in vegetable oil at 375° for about 4 minutes.
Once cooked, toss the crispy shrimp in a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter.
For the dressing, blend some blue cheese with mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, and red wine vinegar.
Then, season with salt and pepper.
Crispy fried proteins pair well with savory rice dishes, so looking at fried rice sides can spark complementary ideas - chicken fried rice side options and pairings work with crunchy shrimp preparations.
6 - Chicken Quesadillas
Sure, quesadillas are all about those classic Mexican cheeses.
But that doesn't mean you can't switch things up and use blue cheese instead.
The creamy and sharp flavors of blue cheese go really well with the crispy tortillas and juicy chicken, while the salsa adds a nice touch of sweetness and acidity.
To make this dish, simply cook some chopped chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and spices.
Then, assemble the quesadillas with the chicken, blue cheese, and salsa.
Grill or cook in a skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
When adding a roasted chicken element, consider sides that complement bold poultry flavors - beer can chicken side pairings and ideas translate well to cheesy quesadilla plates.
7 - Roasted Broccoli
Roast the broccoli in a large iron skillet as you like.
You might want to boil the broccolis first for about 3-4 minutes to speed up the cooking process.
Before serving, drizzle some delicious blue cheese sauce over the top.
If you're wondering how to make the blue cheese sauce, it's easy.
Just melt some butter in a saucepan, then add flour.
Whisk constantly and toast the flour for about 2-3 minutes.
Then, add some nutmeg and rosemary and cook for another 15 seconds.
Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, add the blue cheese, and whisk until the cheese melts.
And that's it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assortment of Crackers, Nuts, and Meat This one is a bit of a no-brainer. Fruit Salad Who says salads have to be savory?
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
Grain dishes and roasted vegetables are the best candidates. Assortment of Crackers, Nuts, and Meat This one holds well in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Store the components separately and combine just before serving to keep textures intact.
Not always. A vegetable-only pairing works when the main course already includes starch.
Add rice, bread, or potatoes only if the meal needs more substance.
Roasted frozen vegetables, pre-cooked grains, or a quick pan sauté all come together in under 15 minutes with minimal prep and no special equipment needed.
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