Blue cheese is a type of cheese made from cow, goat, or sheep’s milk that has had cultures of the mold Penicillium added so that the final product is spotted or veined throughout with blue mold. Some types of blue cheese are injected with spores before the curds form, and others have mold spores mixed right in with the curds. The characteristic flavor of blue cheeses ranges from mild to sharp and tangy.
What are some common types of blue cheese?
There are many varieties of blue cheese made around the world. Here are some of the most popular:
- Roquefort – This is perhaps the most famous blue cheese in the world. Roquefort is made from raw sheep’s milk and aged in the Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon in France.
- Stilton – This historic English blue cheese was granted a protected designation of origin in 1996. The name “Stilton” can only be used for cheeses made in the three counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire.
- Gorgonzola – Named after the Italian town of Gorgonzola, this blue cheese is made from unskimmed cow’s milk. Young Gorgonzola is creamy and mild while aged Gorgonzola is firmer and more pungent.
- Bleu de Bresse – Made in the Bresse region of eastern France, this is a rich, creamy blue cheese made from whole cow’s milk.
- Blue Castello – This Danish blue cheese has a buttery texture and mild blue flavor. It is made from cow’s milk.
What does blue cheese taste like?
The taste of blue cheese can range quite a bit from variety to variety. However, some general characteristics include:
- Salty – All blue cheeses have a salty flavor that enhances the other flavors.
- Tangy – The blue veining contributes an acidic, tangy taste.
- Savory/Umami – Blue cheeses have a rich, meaty, savory flavor.
- Pungent – Some stronger blue cheeses can have quite a potent and sharp taste.
- Sweet – Milder blues may exhibit hints of sweetness.
- Creamy – The texture is typically smooth and creamy.
- Crumbly – Blue cheese often crumbles easily.
The intensity of the flavor can range from mild in young cheeses to quite strong in aged varieties. The distinctive blue flavor comes from the Penicillium mold used in production.
What foods pair well with blue cheese?
The tangy, salty, and umami flavors of blue cheese make it very versatile for pairing with other foods and ingredients. Here are some classic combinations that bring out the best in blue cheese:
Fruits
The sweetness of fruit nicely balances the saltiness of blue cheese. Popular pairings include:
- Pears
- Apples
- Figs
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Cranberries
Blue cheese tends to work best with crisp and mildly sweet fruits. The fruit can be paired raw, cooked, or dried. Blue cheese makes an amazing topping for fruit tarts and pizzas.
Nuts and seeds
Crunchy, savory nuts and seeds offer pleasing contrast to the richness of blue cheese. Good matches include:
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Almonds
- Pine nuts
- Pistachios
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
Nuts and seeds provide great texture on a blue cheese salad or cheese board. And blue cheese makes an amazing base for nut-encrusted grilled cheese sandwiches.
Other cheeses
Rich and creamy cheeses tend to complement the texture and flavors of blue cheese. Pairings to try include:
- Cheddar
- Brie
- Goat cheese
- Gouda
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Monterey Jack
- Cream cheese
Blend blue cheese crumbles into cheese dips, spreads, fondues, or mac and cheese. Layer it in grilled cheese for extra tang.
Meats and seafood
The bold flavor of blue cheese pairs perfectly with steak, chicken, pork, and more robust meats. It also accents lighter seafood. Great pairings include:
- Steak
- Burger patties
- Bacon
- Prosciutto and salami
- Chicken
- Pork
- Lamb
- Duck
- Salmon
- Trout
- Scallops
- Shrimp
Crumble blue cheese over meats or seafood, or serve alongside in sauces and dressings. Blue cheese melted over chicken or fish dishes is delicious.
Vegetables
Bright, crunchy veggies help balance the richness of blue cheese. Tasty options include:
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Beets
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Radishes
- Endive
- Arugula
Toss blue cheese crumbles into vegetable salads and soups, or bake it atop veggie gratins and frittatas.
Sauces, dressings and condiments
Certain sauces and condiments make excellent flavor boosters for blue cheese:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Red wine vinegar
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Cranberry sauce
- Chutney
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Pesto
Use these to dressing up blue cheese salads, sandwiches, and veggie dishes.
Herbs and spices
Fresh herbs brighten up blue cheese while spices add warmth and complexity. Good matches include:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Sage
- Basil
- Chives
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Paprika
- Cracked black pepper
Use herbs and spices to season blue cheese dressings, dips, soups, and more. A sprinkle of paprika over a blue cheese wedge presentation is beautiful.
Breads, crackers and nuts
Crunchy, savory baked goods serve as perfect vehicles for enjoying blue cheese. Ideal options include:
- Baguettes
- Sourdough bread
- Crostini
- Pita chips
- Flatbread
- Water crackers
- Club crackers
- Pretzels
- Toasted walnuts
Pile blue cheese atop bread slices or crackers for easy appetizers. Bake it into bread for a melty snack.
Wines and beers
Certain wines and beers pair wonderfully with the various flavors of blue cheese. Recommended options include:
- Port
- Sweet white wines
- Sweet sherries
- Sauternes
- Ice wine
- Stout beers
- Porters
- Brown ales
The sweetness helps balance blue cheese’s saltiness. Fizzy, fruity flavors also work well. Try pairing blue cheese with sweet dessert wines, cider, or cranberry Lambrusco.
What are some serving ideas for blue cheese?
Here are just a few tasty ways to serve up blue cheese:
- On a cheese board with fruit, nuts, and crackers
- In salads with leafy greens, veggies, and nuts
- Crumbled over pasta, pizza, or flatbread
- Melted into sauces for chicken, steak, or vegetables
- In dips and spreads with mayo, sour cream, or cream cheese
- Topping for bruschetta, crostini, and canapés
- In sandwiches with meat, veggies, or fruit jams
- In omelets, frittatas, and quiches
- Sprinkled over soups
- In macaroni and cheese
- In dips for pretzels, crackers, apples, or french fries
Let chunks or crumbles of blue cheese shine on their own, or incorporate them into countless dishes both savory and sweet.
What recipes use blue cheese?
Here is just a sampling of delicious recipes that showcase blue cheese wonderfully:
Appetizers
- Blue cheese stuffed mushrooms
- Blue cheese, walnut and pear tarts
- Blue cheese polenta bites
- Blue cheese, fig and prosciutto crostini
- Creamy blue cheese dip with crackers or veggies
- Blue cheese potato skins
Salads
- Spinach salad with blue cheese, strawberries, and almonds
- Blue cheese wedge salad with bacon and tomatoes
- Blue cheese cobb salad
- Endive and blue cheese salad
- Beet, orange and blue cheese salad
Main dishes
- Blue cheese burgers
- Steak with blue cheese butter
- Chicken topped with blue cheese and breadcrumbs
- Blue cheese and mushroom pizza
- Blue cheese stuffed pork chops
- Blue cheese and leek quiche
- Vegetable gratin with blue cheese topping
Side dishes
- Roasted potatoes with blue cheese
- Honey balsamic glazed brussels sprouts with blue cheese
- Creamed spinach with blue cheese
- Blue cheese scalloped potatoes
- Blue cheese cauliflower mash
Sauces and dressings
- Blue cheese dressing for salads and veggies
- Blue cheese sauce for chicken wings or steak
- Blue cheese compound butter for seafood and bread
- Blue cheese aioli for sandwiches
- Blue cheese pesto over pasta
Don’t be afraid to experiment with blue cheese in all types of recipes, both timeless classics and creative new inventions!
What are some tips for cooking with blue cheese?
Follow these handy tips for getting the most flavor and texture out of blue cheese:
- Bring blue cheese to room temperature before cooking for fullest flavor.
- Add blue cheese crumbles at the end of cooking so they don’t melt away.
- When melting blue cheese into sauces, do it gently and slowly over low heat.
- For quiche or gratin, dollop soft blue cheese over the top towards the end of baking.
- Mix just a small amount into doughs and batters. Too much makes baked goods oily.
- For salads, crumble over the blue cheese right before serving so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Select just the amount of blue cheese you need. Re-wrapping and storing decreases the flavor.
- Pair mild creamy blues with more delicate ingredients.
- Reserve strongly flavored crumbly blues for bold meats and veggies.
With the right techniques, you can enjoy melted, crumbled, or stuffed blue cheese in all sorts of dishes.
Conclusion
With its salty, tangy, umami punch, blue cheese can elevate all kinds of savory and sweet dishes. Fruits, nuts, meats, vegetables, and more come alive when paired with the right type of blue cheese. Mild, creamy blues harmonize with more delicate flavors, while pungent varieties stand up boldly to hearty meats and veggies. A sprinkle of crumbled blue over a salad or soup adds a pop of flavor. Melting blue cheese into sauces and dips makes for an irresistible topping. Baked blue cheese transforms veggies, flatbreads, and more into irresistible appetizers. With so many pairing possibilities, blue cheese should be a staple ingredient in any well-stocked kitchen. Experiment with different blue cheese varieties and recipes to find new favorite flavor combinations.