Gorgonzola. You either love it or you hate it. It has that strong, blue flavor with an unmistakable, very intense aroma that many people don’t appreciate. But if you’re one of those people that love it, then these creamy, tasty first course ideas are for you! These are our favorite classic recipes. Easy to make and serve whenever you feel like pampering yourself a bit.
Sweet or spicy?
The choice of gorgonzola depends more on your palate and the result you’re looking for. The most popular variety is sweet gorgonzola (especially for kids), which is best served with pasta. Spicier gorgonzola, on the other hand, features more flavor, so it tastes better as an appetizer or with cold dishes like salad.
Creamy or dense?
This also depends on the consistency you need for the recipe, or the result you’re looking for. For an enveloping and creamy dressing, we suggest using the softer variety, perhaps with the addition of a little mascarpone or fresh cream. For stuffed pasta, instead, or to enrich a polenta, you can also use the denser variety of gorgonzola, that will melt with the heat, but not completely, so it will partially maintain its consistency (which makes all the difference in this kind of recipe).
As creamy as possible!
If you use gorgonzola to season a simple pasta dish (for both long or short varieties), remember to add some cooking water to melt the cheese and tie the sauce to the other ingredients. This rule applies especially if you choose gnocchi. To prevent them from sticking too much, prepare a cream based on gorgonzola and cooking water. Use it to season the gnocchi a few minutes before serving.
Our fave pairings
What can you pair with gorgonzola? Any seasonal vegetables or foods for wintertime work very well. So go with pumpkin, walnuts and bacon: the most classic options. Or try sweet figs and pears for a delicious contrast. Among leafy vegetables, we recommend spinach, radicchio, arugula and chard.