Black and Bleu Steaks

Pasture-Raised Flat Irons with Bleu Cheese Butter & Bacon

We're taking inspiration from the old-school “black and blue” steak style—but with a modern twist. Instead of the traditional Pittsburgh char and blue-rare center, we’re going “bleu” with a flavorful bleu cheese compound butter and a garnish of crispy crumbled bacon. This combo is the perfect way to elevate a lean, tender steak like flat irons, sirloins, or NY strips.

Don’t worry if you’re usually hesitant about bleu cheese—the butter tones down the funk and boosts the richness. It’s bold, savory, and absolutely worth a try.

Why Flat Irons?

Flat iron steaks are one of the best-kept secrets in the beef world. They’re the second most tender steak after filet mignon and pack incredible flavor. Plus, they’re great grilled whole, or chopped for stir fry and kabobs.

Ingredients

• 2 Flat Iron steaks (or NY Strip, Sirloin, or your preferred cut)
  
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or your favorite steak rub)
  
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, room temp 
• ¼ cup crumbled bleu cheese
  
• 3 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  
  
  

Instructions

1. Prep the Steaks 

• Generously season steaks on all sides.
  
• Let rest at room temp while preheating the grill.
  
• No marinade needed—just let the beef shine.

2. Make the Compound Butter

• In a small bowl, mix softened butter with bleu cheese until well combined.
  
• Set aside (you can prep this up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge).
  
  

3. Preheat the Grill

• Use a charcoal grill, gas grill, or cast iron skillet.
  
• Heat to at least 500°F to get that steakhouse-quality sear.
  
  

4. Grill the Steaks 

• Add steaks to hot grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
  
• Flip and rotate for even searing. 
• After about 6 minutes total, check internal temp: 
  
  • Medium-rare = 135°F
    
  • Medium = 145°F  
  • Blue rare = ~110°F (if you're going classic Pittsburgh style!)
    
• Grill an additional 1–2 min per side if needed, depending on thickness.
  
  

5. Finish with Butter & Bacon

• Remove steaks from grill and top each with a dollop of bleu cheese butter.
  
• Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  
• Sprinkle with crumbled bacon just before serving.
  
  

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh arugula salad. For next-level flavor, use a kitchen torch to melt and lightly brown the butter on top before serving.