Randy Chandler
Blue cheese and brie are two very different cheeses with distinct textures and tastes. Blue cheese is known for its bold, sharp, and tangy flavor with grassy notes and hints of mushroom, while brie is a soft, creamy, and mellow cheese. Blue cheese is crumbly and does not hold well together, whereas brie is softer and more durable due to its pliable form. While some people enjoy the strong taste of blue cheese, others may find it too intense and prefer the milder flavor of brie. However, when it comes to pairing these cheeses, some sources suggest that they can complement each other. For example, in a macaroni and cheese recipe, combining brie and blue cheese creates a creamy and flavorful sauce, especially when mixed with spinach and larger pasta shapes. This combination provides a balance of textures and flavors, resulting in a delicious and unique dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Blue cheese is stronger, sharper, and tangier. Brie is milder, softer, and more pliable. |
| Appearance | Blue cheese has colored blue spots, while Brie is yellow and triangular. |
| Durability | Blue cheese lasts longer than Brie. |
| Texture | Blue cheese is crumbly, while Brie is malleable. |
| Versatility | Blue cheese can be eaten crumbled on a salad or melted down for buffalo wings. Brie can be deep-fried or melted into a sauce. |
| Pairings | Blue cheese is often paired with fruits, nuts, honey, chocolate, or wine. Brie is commonly paired with fruits and jams. |
| Similarities | Both cheeses have bold and distinctive flavors and can be combined to create a milder, creamier blue-brie cheese, such as Cambozola. |
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What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese is stronger in taste, crumbly, and deep-fried brie would make a good projectile
- Brie is soft, yellow, and triangular, while blue cheese has blue spots and looks mouldy
- Blue cheese lasts longer than brie and can be mixed with other cheeses in a dip
- Blue cheese can be paired with fruits, spreads, chutneys, jams, honey, chocolate, and wine
- Blue brie macaroni & cheese is a quick, easy, and tasty vegetarian recipe
Blue cheese is stronger in taste, crumbly, and deep-fried brie would make a good projectile
Blue cheese and brie are two very different cheeses with distinct characteristics. Blue cheese, known for its bold, sharp, and tangy flavor with grassy notes and hints of mushroom, can be crumbly and strong in taste. On the other hand, brie is a soft and pliable cheese, known for its delicate and creamy texture. While blue cheese can be eaten crumbled on a salad or melted down for buffalo wings, brie takes the form of any other cheese and is quite versatile in recipes.
When comparing the two cheeses, it's worth noting that blue cheese has a longer shelf life than brie. Even when its taste becomes stronger, blue cheese can still be mixed with other cheeses in dips to lessen its intensity. In contrast, brie has a shorter lifespan and is more perishable.
While blue cheese and brie have their unique qualities, they can also complement each other. A type of cheese called Cambozola is a combination of triple cream brie and gorgonzola, a type of blue cheese. This blend creates a milder, creamier version of blue cheese, offering a unique taste experience.
Additionally, blue cheese and brie can be combined in recipes like macaroni and cheese. Blue brie mac and cheese is a popular vegetarian dish that uses blue cheese, brie, and spinach for a creamy and flavorful sauce. This dish showcases how the two cheeses can be used together to create a delicious and unique flavor profile.
Lastly, the physical properties of these cheeses are important to consider. Blue cheese, being crumbly, may not hold together as well as brie, which is softer and more malleable. This could lead to an interesting observation where deep-fried brie could make a better projectile due to its ability to maintain its form.
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Brie is soft, yellow, and triangular, while blue cheese has blue spots and looks mouldy
In terms of appearance, Brie and blue cheese differ significantly. Brie is typically soft, yellow, and triangular, while blue cheese is riddled with blue spots and appears mouldy. Despite its name, blue cheese does not actually contain any mould; the blue spots come from the cheese's veins, which are created by the same type of bacteria that produce penicillin.
Brie is a soft cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavour with a creamy texture. The cheese is typically formed into a triangular shape, and its interior is soft and pale yellow, sometimes with a slight grey or brown hue. The rind of Brie is thin and edible, and it has a mild flavour that complements the cheese.
On the other hand, blue cheese is a general classification of cow's milk cheeses that have been cured and ripened with the aid of mould cultures, such as Penicillium. The mould veins give blue cheese its distinctive flavour and appearance. The blue spots can range from a light blue to a deep blue, and the cheese can have a crumbly or creamy texture depending on the variety.
While Brie and blue cheese have distinct appearances, they can be combined to create a unique flavour profile. Blue brie, also known as Cambozola, is a type of cheese that combines the characteristics of both Brie and blue cheese. It has the soft, creamy texture of Brie with the blue veins and pungent flavour of blue cheese. Blue brie can be used in recipes such as macaroni and cheese, adding a creamy texture and a hint of the distinctive blue cheese flavour.
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Blue cheese lasts longer than brie and can be mixed with other cheeses in a dip
Blue cheese and brie are two very different cheeses. Blue cheese is often crumbly, light, and soft, with a sharp and tangy flavour. Brie, on the other hand, is soft, pliable, and malleable, with a delicate flavour. While both cheeses are loved by many, blue cheese tends to be more expensive and has a longer shelf life than brie.
Unopened blue cheese can last anywhere from one to six months, depending on its packaging, while unopened brie typically lasts for a few weeks to a couple of months. Once opened, blue cheese should be finished within three to four weeks, whereas brie has a shorter shelf life of about one to two weeks. This difference in shelf life is primarily due to the harder and more compact nature of blue cheese compared to the softer and more perishable brie.
Blue cheese's longevity is further extended when used in dips or dressings. Homemade blue cheese dip can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, while store-bought blue cheese dressing can last for nine to twelve months, retaining quality for several additional months. This extended shelf life is comparable to that of mustard or ketchup.
The versatility of blue cheese is another factor that contributes to its longevity. It can be crumbled on a salad, melted into a sauce, or mixed with other cheeses in a dip to create a unique flavour profile. Combining blue cheese with milder cheeses, such as cream cheese or goat cheese, helps balance its strong flavour and creates a creamy and irresistible dip that pairs well with vegetables, salads, or sandwiches.
In conclusion, blue cheese exhibits superior longevity compared to brie, both in its whole form and when incorporated into dips or dressings. Its ability to be mixed with other cheeses in a dip further enhances its versatility and allows for a broader range of flavour combinations. Therefore, blue cheese is a more durable and adaptable option for those who enjoy its distinct flavour.
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Blue cheese can be paired with fruits, spreads, chutneys, jams, honey, chocolate, and wine
Blue cheese is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of fruits, spreads, chutneys, jams, honey, chocolate, and wine. Here are some specific examples of each:
Fruits
Blue cheese pairs well with fresh fruits such as figs, pears, apples, grapes, and walnuts. These fruits provide a sweet and crunchy contrast to the bold and tangy flavour of blue cheese.
Spreads and Chutneys
Chutneys are a classic pairing with blue cheese, as they offer a balance of sweet and tangy flavours. Fig chutney, in particular, is a great match for blue cheese. The rich, jam-like consistency of fig chutney complements the bold and tangy flavour of blue cheese, resulting in a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury notes. Other chutney options include apple, pear, and caramelised onion chutney, which can help balance the bitterness of blue cheese, making it more palatable for those who are not big fans of its strong flavour.
Jams
Blue cheese's bold and acidic nature allows for sweeter jam pairings than those typically recommended for other types of cheese. Some specific jam recommendations include wild blueberry maple walnut compote, sour cherry spiced wine fruit compote, and triple ale onion jam spread. These jams can be served with blue cheese on crackers, crostini, or a charcuterie board.
Honey
When pairing honey with blue cheese, you can either choose a similar-tasting honey to complement the cheese or go for contrasting flavours and textures. For example, a smooth liquid honey pairs well with a textured or crumbly blue cheese. Additionally, honey produced in the same region as the cheese is often a successful pairing.
Chocolate
When pairing chocolate with blue cheese, consider either matching the flavour profiles or finding contrasting combinations. For dark chocolate, a creamy blue cheese serves as a sweet and buttery accent to the astringent and slightly bitter qualities of the chocolate. If the chocolate has nutty notes, pair it with a blue cheese that has similar nutty flavours, such as Bayley Hazen Blue or Rogue River Blue.
Wine
Blue cheese is often paired with wine, and its bold and acidic nature can stand up to sweeter wines. Port and sherry are commonly paired with blue cheese, and the cheese itself is sometimes referred to as the "King of Blues."
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Blue brie macaroni & cheese is a quick, easy, and tasty vegetarian recipe
To make the recipe, you will need milk, cream, and water to cook the pasta. You can also add some fresh or frozen spinach for extra flavour and colour. If you want to spice things up, you can add salt, black pepper, cayenne, and garlic powder to taste.
The combination of brie and blue cheese creates a delicious and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the macaroni. Blue cheese, known for its bold, sharp, and tangy flavour, adds a unique twist to the classic mac and cheese. Brie, on the other hand, is softer and more delicate, providing a balanced contrast to the stronger blue cheese.
This recipe is a great way to indulge in the best of both worlds, enjoying the distinct flavours of brie and blue cheese in one mouthwatering dish. It's a quick and easy option for a weeknight meal or a tasty addition to your next dinner party. So why not give it a try and treat yourself to a cheesy, vegetarian delight?
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can eat brie and blue cheese together. In fact, there is a type of cheese called Cambozola that is a combination of triple cream brie and gorgonzola, a type of blue cheese.
Blue cheese has a bold, sharp, tangy flavour with grassy notes and hints of mushroom. It can be crumbly and buttery or creamy.
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavour.
Blue cheese can be paired with fresh fig, pear and apple slices, dried fruits, walnuts, honey, chocolate, and more.
