The Ultimate Stilton Butter: A Chef’s Secret Weapon

I remember the first time I tasted Stilton butter. It was at a tiny gastropub in the Cotswolds, served atop a perfectly grilled ribeye. The rich, salty, funky blue cheese melting into the juicy steak created an explosion of flavor that I’ve never forgotten. It was a revelation – a simple yet incredibly impactful way to elevate a dish, and I’ve been experimenting with it ever since, adding my own little twists to this classic combination. Now, I want to share my go-to recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: Approximately 1 cup
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3 ½ ounces butter, softened
• 8 ounces Stilton cheese, crumbled
• 4 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• Coarse sea salt, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Fork or potato masher
• Small mixing bowl
• Parchment paper

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and crumbled Stilton cheese.
2. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the butter and Stilton together until they are well combined and relatively smooth. A few small lumps of Stilton are fine and add character.
3. Add the chopped flat leaf parsley and crushed garlic to the butter and Stilton mixture.
4. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the parsley and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
5. Season the Stilton butter to taste with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be mindful of the inherent saltiness of the Stilton, and adjust accordingly.
6. Spoon the prepared Stilton butter onto a small square of parchment paper.
7. Roll the parchment paper around the butter to form a cylinder approximately 1 ½ inches thick.
8. Twist the ends of the parchment paper tightly to secure the butter log.
9. Chill the Stilton butter in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up before using. Alternatively, you can freeze it for longer storage.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Butter Softening: Ensure your butter is properly softened before starting. Leaving it at room temperature for about an hour usually does the trick. Don’t microwave it, as this can melt it and affect the final texture.
• Stilton Temperature: For easier mixing, bring the Stilton to near room temperature as well. However, be careful it doesn’t get too soft, or it will become overly greasy when mixed with the butter.
• Herb Infusion: For a more intense herbal flavor, consider gently bruising the parsley with a mortar and pestle before chopping. This releases the essential oils.
• Garlic Intensity: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before crushing them. Roasting mellows the flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
• Salt Adjustment: Taste the Stilton before adding any extra salt, as some varieties can be quite salty already.
• Piping Bag Alternative: If you prefer a more refined presentation, transfer the Stilton butter to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip after mixing, and pipe onto a sheet of parchment paper. Chill or freeze until firm.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Stilton butter is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic served atop grilled steaks, roasted chicken or turkey, pan-seared fish, or even tossed with hot pasta. You can also spread it on crusty bread or crackers for a simple appetizer.

To serve, slice the chilled Stilton butter into rounds and place a pat on your cooked dish just before serving. The heat will melt the butter, releasing its rich flavors.

For storage, wrap the Stilton butter tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. You can also freeze pre-sliced pats of Stilton butter on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to a freezer bag for easy portioning.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	280 kcal	14%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	16g	80%
Cholesterol	70mg	23%
Sodium	700mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	2g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	0g	0%
Protein	9g	18%

Variations & Substitutions

• Other Blue Cheeses: While Stilton is the star here, you can experiment with other blue cheeses like Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or even a milder blue cheese if you prefer a less intense flavor.
• Herbs: Feel free to swap out the parsley for other herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary. Each herb will impart a different flavor profile to the butter.
• Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor. Toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the butter for enhanced flavor.
• Sweetness: A touch of honey or maple syrup can balance the saltiness of the Stilton and create a unique flavor combination.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this Stilton butter ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It’s actually best to make it ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together. Just store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: You can, but be very careful with the amount of added salt. Stilton is already quite salty, so you may not need to add any extra at all. Taste as you go.

Q: How long does Stilton butter last in the freezer?
A: Properly stored, Stilton butter can last for up to 3 months in the freezer without significant loss of quality. Make sure it is well wrapped.

Q: What’s the best way to soften the Stilton cheese?
A: Simply leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. You want it soft enough to crumble easily, but not so soft that it becomes greasy.

Q: Can I use a food processor to mix the butter and Stilton?
A: While you could, it’s really not necessary. A fork or potato masher works just fine and gives you more control over the final texture. Using a food processor can easily overmix the butter, resulting in a greasy product.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Stilton butter recipe a try. It’s a simple yet transformative addition to any meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create your own signature version. Let me know in the comments what variations you try and how you like to serve it! I love to pair this butter with a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon alongside a perfectly cooked steak for an unforgettable dining experience. Bon appétit!