Creamy Bleu Cheese Meatball Delight
Elevate your mealtime with this luxurious Creamy Bleu Cheese Sauce that transforms ordinary meatballs into a gourmet experience. Whether you're serving homemade or store-bought meatballs, this versatile sauce offers a unique and bold flavor profile that will leave your guests craving more. Originating from a cherished 1967 issue of Sunset, this recipe combines the rich aroma of melted blue cheese with creamy half-and-half and savory chicken broth, creating a delectable dish perfect for any occasion. Serve it over a bed of fluffy hot mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a wholesome dinner, or use smaller meatballs for an enticing appetizer that will impress at your next gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
flour
4 tablespoons (none)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
half-and-half
1 cup (none)
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (none)
blue cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
parsley
4-6 tablespoons (chopped (to garnish, optional))
mashed potatoes
to serve (hot)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Once melted, whisk in the flour and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is blended and bubbly.
3
Gradually pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4
Crumble the bleu cheese into the sauce, stirring until fully melted and incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
5
Add the meatballs to the creamy sauce and cover. Cook per the package instructions or until heated through if using homemade meatballs.
6
For serving, spoon the meatballs and sauce over hot mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright and colorful touch.
7
For a delightful appetizer, use smaller meatballs. Prepare as instructed and keep warm in a chafing dish. Consider garnishing with cooked and crumbled bacon for an extra flavor twist. Provide toothpicks for easy serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Bleu Cheese Meatball Delight?
It is a gourmet dish featuring meatballs served in a rich sauce made from melted blue cheese, butter, garlic, half-and-half, and chicken broth.
What are the main ingredients for the blue cheese sauce?
The sauce requires butter, flour, minced garlic, half-and-half, chicken broth, and crumbled blue cheese.
Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought meatballs. If using store-bought, follow the package instructions to ensure they are heated through in the sauce.
How do I prevent lumps from forming in the sauce?
To prevent lumps, gradually pour in the half-and-half and chicken broth while stirring constantly after the flour and butter mixture is blended.
How long should I cook the flour and garlic mixture?
The flour and minced garlic should be cooked in the melted butter for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is blended and bubbly.
What is the recommended serving base for this dish?
This dish is best served over a bed of hot mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or noodles.
How do I know when the sauce is thick enough?
The sauce is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Can I serve these meatballs as an appetizer?
Yes, use smaller meatballs for appetizers and keep them warm in a chafing dish. You can also provide toothpicks for easy serving.
What garnish is suggested for the appetizer version?
For appetizers, consider garnishing with cooked and crumbled bacon for an extra flavor twist.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originated from a cherished 1967 issue of Sunset magazine.
How much blue cheese is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
Should I add salt to the sauce?
You should taste the sauce after the cheese has melted and adjust the seasoning with salt only if necessary.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
Chicken broth is recommended to provide a savory depth to the creamy sauce.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
While the recipe calls for half-and-half, heavy cream can be used for an even richer and thicker sauce.
Is fresh parsley necessary?
Freshly chopped parsley is optional but highly recommended as a garnish to add a bright and colorful touch.
How many garlic cloves does the recipe require?
The recipe requires one minced garlic clove.
Can I use Gorgonzola cheese instead of blue cheese?
Yes, Gorgonzola is a type of blue cheese and can be used as a substitute for a similar bold flavor.
How much butter is needed for the roux?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter.
What type of pan should I use to make the sauce?
A medium saucepan is ideal for preparing the sauce and heating the meatballs.
How much flour is used to thicken the sauce?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of flour.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by substituting the 4 tablespoons of flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch.
Is the sauce simmered or boiled?
The sauce should be cooked over medium heat and stirred frequently until thickened, but avoid a rolling boil once the dairy is added.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include meatballs, blue cheese sauce, appetizer, dinner, creamy sauce, gourmet, comfort food, and easy recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 8 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute if you prefer a different flavor profile or are making a vegetarian version with meatless balls.
Is this a fast recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and uses simple techniques like making a quick roux and melting cheese.
Can I add other spices to the sauce?
While the blue cheese provides bold flavor, you can add black pepper or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creaminess.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen meatballs work well. Ensure they are fully heated through in the sauce according to the time suggested on their packaging.
Is this recipe considered a main course or an appetizer?
It is versatile and can be served as a wholesome dinner over potatoes or rice, or as an enticing appetizer using smaller meatballs.