Patrick Oconnell
Gouda and blue cheese are both popular and versatile cheeses, but do they mix well together? Both cheeses have distinct flavours and textures, with gouda being creamy and nutty, and blue cheese being sharp and crumbly. When it comes to creating a cheeseboard, variety is key, and it is recommended to include a mix of soft, hard, and semi-hard cheeses. So, including both gouda and blue cheese on a cheeseboard could be a good way to add texture and flavour variety. Additionally, both cheeses can complement each other when mixed into dishes like mac and cheese, where gouda adds creaminess and blue cheese adds a sharp, funky flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gouda cheese pairs well with | Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, blue cheese, smoked cheese, young cheeses like brie or camembert, sweet fruits and jams, savory meats, crisp crackers, dark bread, butter, mustard, honey, salami, and apricot jam |
| Blue cheese pairs well with | Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, smoked cheese, sweet fruits and jams |
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What You'll Learn
Gouda and blue cheese in mac and cheese
Gouda and blue cheese are a great combination to add to mac and cheese. Gouda is a creamy, yellow cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands, and its smooth texture and nutty flavor can be beautifully complemented by other cheeses. Blue cheese, for example, is a good pairing with gouda, as it has a sharp flavor and a crumbly texture, which contrasts with the creaminess of gouda.
When making mac and cheese, a combination of gouda and blue cheese can be used to create a rich and creamy sauce. Here is a suggested recipe:
Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni or any short-grain pasta
- Butter (unsalted or salted)
- All-purpose flour
- Milk (whole milk for a richer flavor, or a lighter option like skim, 1%, or unsweetened/unflavored non-dairy milk)
- Salt and pepper
- Old Bay seasoning
- Shredded gouda cheese (smoked gouda is a popular option)
- Blue cheese
- (Optional) Sour cream, paprika, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat until melted.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring frequently, until a paste forms and the flour is lightly browned.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, to create a béchamel-style sauce.
- Add in the salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to taste.
- Stir in the shredded gouda and blue cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and combined with the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it thicken.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until the pasta is coated in the cheese sauce.
- (Optional) For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake in the oven until the topping is crispy and golden.
Feel free to adjust the amounts of gouda and blue cheese to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding other cheeses, such as cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella, to create a unique blend of flavors.
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Gouda and blue cheese on a cheeseboard
When creating a cheeseboard, variety is key. A well-rounded cheeseboard should incorporate cheeses with contrasting textures and flavours. Gouda, with its creamy texture and nutty flavour, pairs well with a range of other cheeses.
For a smooth and creamy combination, young gouda can be paired with other young cheeses like brie or camembert. Blue cheese can add a new dimension to this pairing, with its sharp and crumbly texture contrasting the smoothness of the gouda and other young cheeses.
Aged gouda, with its deeper, more complex flavour profile, can be paired with blue cheese for a more intense flavour combination. The rich, nutty, and caramel notes of aged gouda complement the sharpness of blue cheese.
In addition to other cheeses, a gouda and blue cheese pairing can be enhanced by sweet elements like grapes, dried fruits, and jams. Apricot jam or honey can complement the nuttiness of the gouda, while the sharpness of blue cheese can be balanced by the sweetness of these accompaniments.
When creating a cheeseboard, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of cheeses and accompaniments to discover your personal favourites. The best cheese pairings are those that bring a smile to your face!
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Young gouda and blue cheese
When mixing young gouda and blue cheese, consider the ratio of the blend. A popular combination is sharp cheddar and blue cheese in a 90/10 or 80/20 ratio, with a super-strong blue cheese. This mix can be further enhanced by adding a few tablespoons of blue cheese to take it to the next level. The resulting blend can be used in various dishes, such as mac and cheese, to create a flavourful and gooey delight.
For a more adventurous pairing, smoked gouda can be combined with blue cheese. The smokiness of the gouda adds depth to the blend, while the blue cheese provides a sharp and crumbly contrast. This combination can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches or enjoyed as part of a cheeseboard with sweet fruits and jams, such as grapes, dried fruits, and fig jam.
When serving young gouda and blue cheese together, simplicity is often best. Consider presenting them on a charcuterie board with rye bread, salami, and mustard, or baking them in puff pastry. For a heartier dish, young gouda and blue cheese can be incorporated into mashed potatoes or an endive casserole, where the endive is rolled in ham and the cheese blend before being baked in the oven.
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Aged gouda and blue cheese
Gouda is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of other cheeses. Its creamy texture and nutty flavour can be beautifully complemented by other cheeses to create a flavour profile with more depth and complexity.
When it comes to mixing gouda with blue cheese, the combination can be quite intriguing. Blue cheese is known for its sharp, pungent flavour and crumbly texture, which can add a distinctive character to the mix. The key to a successful pairing is to consider the age and intensity of both cheeses.
For aged gouda, which has a deeper, more complex flavour profile with nutty and caramel notes, a small amount of blue cheese can be an interesting addition. The sharp, salty notes of blue cheese can provide a contrast to the sweetness of aged gouda. However, it is important to use blue cheese sparingly, as too much can overpower the delicate flavours of the gouda.
When mixing aged gouda and blue cheese, consider the following tips:
- Start with a small amount of blue cheese and gradually increase until you find the right balance.
- Pair the mixture with sweet accompaniments like fruits, jams, or even a drizzle of honey to balance the salty and sharp notes of the blue cheese.
- Experiment with different types of blue cheese, such as gorgonzola, stilton, or roquefort, to find the one that complements the aged gouda best.
- Use the mixture in recipes like mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, or even as a topping for salads or pasta dishes.
Remember, the beauty of cheese pairings is in the exploration and discovery of unique combinations. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the ratio of aged gouda to blue cheese that suits your taste preferences.
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Gouda and blue cheese with wine
Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of wines. The type of wine depends on the age and flavour profile of the gouda. A younger gouda will have a milder flavour, while an older gouda will have a deeper, more complex flavour with nutty and caramel notes.
For a young gouda, a wine with high acidity is a good choice to cut through the creamy texture of the cheese. Try a M.A.N. Chenin Blanc, with its notes of tropical fruits and green apple, or a Hess Sauvignon Blanc with its grapefruit, lemon and lime notes. These wines will complement the creaminess of the cheese without being overpowered.
When it comes to older gouda, a Willamette Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. The earth and smoke in the wine perfectly match the flavours of the cheese, while the cherry notes and bramble fruit finish add a refreshing touch. For a bolder option, a peppery, jammy Syrah will complement the harder texture and salty, nutty flavours of aged gouda.
Blue cheese, with its strong and tangy flavour, is best paired with a strong dessert wine. A fortified red wine like aged Port is an excellent choice to balance the pungency of the cheese. For a lighter option, a semi-dry Riesling can also be a good match for blue cheese.
When pairing gouda and blue cheese with wine, it's important to consider the specific types and ages of the cheeses, as well as your personal preferences. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to delightful discoveries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gouda and blue cheese can complement each other well. Gouda is a creamy, mild, and nutty cheese, while blue cheese is sharp and crumbly, so they can provide a nice contrast in texture and flavour.
Some other cheeses that can be mixed with gouda include cheddar, brie, camembert, and gruyère.
Sweet fruits and jams, such as grapes, dried fruits, and fig jam, can provide a nice contrast to the savoury flavours of the cheeses.
Gouda is a semi-hard, mild, and nutty cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands. It has a creamy texture and its flavour can range from mild and buttery to nutty and complex, depending on its age.
