Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient with a strong, pungent aroma and a distinctive blue vein appearance. It is often used in recipes for its unique, sharp and creamy flavour. However, not everyone enjoys blue cheese, and some may prefer substitutes that offer similar textures and flavours without the characteristic mould. Popular alternatives include feta, goat cheese, and plant-based options like nut-based vegan blue cheese or tofu-based alternatives. Feta, a crumbly and salty cheese, is a versatile substitute that can be used in salads, pasta dishes, and dressings. Goat cheese, with its tangy flavour, is another option that works well in salads and pairs nicely with fruits. For those seeking plant-based substitutes, nut-based vegan blue cheeses and tofu-based alternatives offer tanginess and depth of flavour, replicating the essence of blue cheese. Additionally, olives are a non-dairy option that provides a salty, briny flavour similar to blue cheese. Experimentation is key when exploring substitutes, and adjustments in quantities may be necessary to achieve the desired flavour profile.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dairy substitutes | Feta, goat cheese, cream cheese, cheddar, gorgonzola, aged white cheddar, Roquefort, labneh, truffle salt and pepper boursin |
| Vegan substitutes | Olives, hummus, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, plant-based cheeses (nut-based, tofu-based, or fermented vegetable substitutes), walnuts, almonds, pinenuts, pistachios, macadamias, cashews |
| Use cases | Salads, crackers, sandwiches, cornbread, cheese platters, roasted vegetables, savory tarts, pizza toppings, pasta sauces, mashed potatoes, steak |
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What You'll Learn
Feta, goat's cheese, and plant-based alternatives
Feta cheese is a popular Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It has a salty and tangy flavour similar to blue cheese, but its flavour is much more mild. Feta can be crumbled over salads, used in sandwiches, or melted and used as a topping for pizza. It is also a healthier option, being lower in calories and fat content. There are also many plant-based versions of feta cheese available, making it a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
Goat's cheese has a strong flavour, but there are plenty of substitutes available. Mascarpone is a suitable alternative for those who dislike the strong flavour of goat's cheese. For those on a dairy-free diet, tofu is a fantastic substitute. Medium-firm to firm tofu is recommended as it is closer in texture to crumbled goat cheese. To make tofu effectively replace goat cheese, gently squeeze the tofu to release some of the water, then mix the drained tofu with salt and nutritional yeast to make its flavour closer to goat cheese. Blue cheese can also be used as a substitute for goat's cheese, as it is made from goat's milk and has a similar texture. However, it is recommended to use fresh blue cheese as aged blue cheese grows stronger in flavour and texture over time. Cottage cheese is another option, but it requires blending to achieve a similar texture to goat's cheese.
There are also several plant-based alternatives to blue cheese for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. An easy recipe for vegan blue cheese includes cashews, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, miso paste, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. These ingredients are blended and formed into a mould to create a vegan cheese with the characteristic veins of blue cheese. The cheese is creamy, tangy, and has a "funky kick" to it. It can be served with crackers or bread, spread on a sandwich, added to a salad, or used in any other desired way.
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Sour cream or mayonnaise
If you're looking for a substitute for blue cheese that doesn't compromise on creaminess, then sour cream or mayonnaise are great options. Both have a mild flavour profile compared to the sharp, pungent taste of blue cheese, but their texture is similar to that of blue cheese.
Sour cream and mayonnaise are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways as substitutes for blue cheese. For example, you can use them as a base for a creamy blue cheese dressing or dip. To make a blue cheese dip or dressing, simply combine sour cream or mayonnaise with blue cheese and other ingredients like buttermilk, milk, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add in crumbled blue cheese for an extra punch of flavour.
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can swap out the mayonnaise for light mayo and use plain yogurt instead of sour cream. This will reduce the calories and fat content while still providing a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
Sour cream and mayonnaise can also be used as substitutes for blue cheese in recipes like pasta sauces, mashed potatoes, or as a topping for steak or burgers. They will provide a similar creamy texture and mouthfeel without the strong flavour of blue cheese.
So, if you're not a fan of blue cheese but still want to achieve a creamy texture and mild flavour in your dishes, give sour cream or mayonnaise a try!
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Olives
If you are looking for a substitute for blue cheese to use in a salad, feta, gorgonzola, or aged cheddar are good options. Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk. It has a crumbly texture and a salty, tangy flavour similar to blue cheese. Feta can also be melted and used as a pizza topping.
Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese that can be used in the same way as blue cheese, such as crumbled over salads, melted on burgers, or as a dip for vegetables. It is a milder version of blue cheese and is therefore a good option for those who want a less intense flavour.
Aged cheddar can be used to replace blue cheese in a salad, although it should be noted that it does not melt easily and is therefore not suitable for use in hot sauces.
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Cream cheese
If you're looking for a blue cheese substitute, there are several options to consider. While some people love the strong, pungent aroma and distinctive blue veins of blue cheese, it's not for everyone. Here are some alternatives to blue cheese that you can use in recipes or on a cheese board:
- Dips: Cream cheese can be used as a base for dips, especially when combined with herbs, spices, or other flavourings. It provides a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that can be enhanced with additives such as walnuts, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cheesecakes and desserts: Cream cheese is a key ingredient in cheesecakes and other creamy desserts. Its mild flavour and smooth texture make it an excellent base for sweet dishes.
- Savoury dishes: In recipes such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or steak toppings, cream cheese can be used in place of blue cheese to add creaminess and a subtle tang without overwhelming other flavours.
- Salads: While blue cheese is often crumbled over salads, cream cheese can be used as a milder alternative. It can be combined with herbs, spices, or other mix-ins to create a creamy and flavourful addition to your salad.
When substituting cream cheese for blue cheese, consider adding small amounts at a time to ensure the flavour and texture are to your liking. Adjust the recipe as needed to achieve the desired result.
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Truffle salt and pepper Boursin
If you don't like blue cheese, there are several substitutes you can use, depending on the dish. For a salad, feta or cheddar can provide a similar contrast in textures and flavours. Feta can also be used in sandwiches, or melted on pizza.
For a sauce or dip, you could use sour cream or mayonnaise, which have a milder flavour but a similar creamy texture.
If you want to avoid dairy altogether, you could try a handful of olives for a salty, briny burst of flavour. Hummus can also add a tangy, creamy element to a dish, as can avocado.
For a truffle salt and pepper Boursin flatbread, you could substitute the Boursin with feta or cheddar, which would go well with the other ingredients of bacon, walnuts, and Brussels sprouts. You could also try crumbling a non-dairy substitute like hummus or avocado over the flatbread, but be aware that this may significantly alter the flavour profile of the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Some non-dairy substitutes for blue cheese include olives, hummus, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or cashews.
Some dairy substitutes for blue cheese include feta, goat cheese, cream cheese, and gorgonzola.
Some substitutes for blue cheese that are suitable for vegans include nut-based vegan blue cheese, tofu-based alternatives, and fermented vegetable substitutes.
Some substitutes for blue cheese that can be used in salads include feta, cream cheese, and labneh.
