Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is a popular ingredient, with many varieties available. While it may not be the most popular type of cheese, it is a common feature on cheeseboards and in cooking. Blue cheese is known for its strong, distinctive flavour and smell, with varieties ranging from mild to sharp and tangy. It is often described as creamy, nutty, and savoury, with some varieties having a salty or sweet edge. Blue cheese is versatile, pairing well with both sweet and savoury foods, and can be used in salads, pasta dishes, or simply enjoyed on a cracker.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Not the most popular cheese, but a must-have at the cheese counter |
| Top-rated blue cheeses | Shropshire Blue, Stichelton, Gorgonzola Dolce, Roquefort, Cambozola, Danish Blue Cheese, Point Reyes, Rogue River Blue, Oxford Blue, Caveman Blue |
| Awards | World's Best Cheese at the 2023 World Cheese Awards, Supreme Champion Cheese at the 2022 International Cheese and Dairy Awards, Supreme Champion at the 2012 International Cheese Awards, Supreme Champion at the 2013 World Cheese Awards, World Champion at the 2019/20 World Cheese Awards |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is not the most popular cheese
Blue cheese is a divisive food product, with some people loving its distinctive flavour and others finding it unappealing. While it is a popular ingredient in many dishes, it is not the most popular type of cheese. In fact, some people find it too strong or pungent.
There are several well-known blue cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Danish blue cheese, which are enjoyed by many. However, there are also numerous other types of cheese that outsell blue cheese and are preferred by a larger number of people. For example, cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese are all widely consumed and considered more mild and crowd-pleasing options.
Blue cheese has a strong, tangy flavour that can be off-putting to some people. It is often described as earthy, funky, and savoury, with a distinctive "blue cheese flavour" that not everyone enjoys. While some find this flavour appealing, others may find it too intense or overwhelming. Additionally, blue cheese can have a strong smell that may be unappealing to those who are not accustomed to it.
Furthermore, blue cheese is often more expensive than other types of cheese, which may also contribute to its lower popularity. It is usually sold in smaller quantities and is considered a specialty item, making it less accessible or affordable to some consumers. Overall, while blue cheese has its fans, it is not the most popular cheese on the market, and its unique characteristics may be better suited to a niche audience.
Despite its divisive nature, blue cheese has a dedicated following and is considered a must-have item on cheese counters. It is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta sauces. Some people also enjoy it on its own, paired with wine or port. While it may not be the most popular cheese, blue cheese certainly has its place in the culinary world and is appreciated by those who enjoy its distinctive flavour and texture.
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Popular blue cheese varieties
Blue cheese is a general classification of cheeses that have had cultures of the mold Penicillium added so that the final product is spotted or veined throughout with blue, or blue-grey mold and carries a distinct smell. Blue cheese can be eaten on its own or can be spread, crumbled, or melted into or over foods.
Some popular blue cheese varieties include:
- Shropshire Blue, which is similar to Stilton but has an orange-brown rind and a creamier flavor.
- Oxford Blue, a semi-hard and creamy cheese made with English cow's milk.
- Stichelton, an ancient British blue cheese recipe crafted with raw milk.
- Montagnolo, a soft cheese with a blue flavor that has been crowned a top-class cheese.
- Gorgonzola Dolce, a mild, creamy, sweet and nutty cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or with accompaniments.
- Danish Blue Cheese, a rich, creamy, and earthy blue cheese that pairs well with fruits in a salad.
- Roquefort, a variety that has enjoyed AOC protected status since 1925 and is known and loved around the world.
- Cambozola, a creamy blend of gorgonzola and camembert.
- Point Reyes, a blue cheese produced in the Bay Area.
- Caveman Blue, a blue cheese produced by Rogue River Blue.
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Blue cheese recipes
Blue cheese is a popular ingredient in many recipes, from salads to pasta and steak. Its unique flavour and texture make it a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some mouth-watering blue cheese recipes to try:
Blue Cheese Pasta
As suggested by a user on Reddit, a pear pasta dish is a refreshing and simple combination of blue cheese and sweet pears. In a pot on medium heat, melt butter and combine all the ingredients except the cream and parmesan cheese. Be careful to minimize pasta breakage. Saute the dish until the cheese starts to melt and then add the cream. As soon as it bubbles, remove it from the heat and top with parmesan cheese.
Another pasta recipe includes walnuts, spinach, and leeks. A little blue cheese goes a long way in this healthy and satisfying dish.
Blue Cheese Salad
Blue cheese adds a punch of flavour to salads. A Christmas salad with arugula, spinach, roasted pecans, sliced strawberries, and a lemon shallot vinaigrette is a refreshing option. Alternatively, a Waldorf salad with fruits like grapes, the crunch of celery, and the nuttiness of walnuts pairs well with the mellow flavour of blue cheese.
Blue Cheese Steak
Blue cheese melted on a steak or mixed with other cheeses for a cheese ball is a delicious combination. For an indulgent meal, bake a comforting steak pie with tender meat, savoury gravy, and molten blue cheese.
Blue Cheese Pizza
Blue cheese is a popular topping for vegetarian pizzas. A spinach, walnut, and mushroom pizza with blue cheese is a super-quick and tasty option.
Blue Cheese with Baked Figs and Walnuts
This easy baked dish combines melted blue cheese with baked figs and walnuts. It can be served as a cheese course or a sharing starter.
Blue Cheese with Grilled Squash
Blue cheese crumbles on grilled squash add a crisp texture and a punch of flavour.
Blue Cheese with Cauliflower
A gratin with blue cheese and cauliflower florets in a béchamel sauce is a unique and tasty combination.
These recipes showcase the versatility of blue cheese, whether crumbled, melted, or baked. So, get creative and experiment with different dishes to find your favourite blue cheese combinations!
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Blue cheese brands
Blue cheese is a must-have at the cheese counter, but it is not the most popular cheese. However, there are many blue cheese brands that are loved by people around the world. Here are some of the most popular blue cheese brands:
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a classic blue cheese that is known for its ultra-sharp, almost sour flavour paired with a creamy texture. It is a top-selling blue cheese in fine food retailers and grocery stores. It is also one of the best blues for beginners, as it is milder in flavour compared to other blues.
Roquefort
Roquefort is another well-known and loved blue cheese brand around the world. It has enjoyed AOC protected status since 1925. It is a strong, salty, and pungent cheese with a fruity, cheesy flavour. It is perfect for melting onto a steak or mixing with milder cheeses for a delicious cheese ball.
Stichelton
Stichelton is an exquisite blue cheese crafted with raw milk, following an ancient British blue cheese recipe. It is considered one of the best blue cheeses in the UK and is a favourite of experienced cheesemongers.
Shropshire Blue
Shropshire Blue is a crumbly blue cheese similar to Stilton but with a creamier flavour. It is originally believed to have been made in Scotland, but it is now produced in the Stilton-producing regions of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire. It has an orange-brown rind and a smooth texture with a sharp, strong flavour.
Oxford Blue
Oxford Blue is a semi-hard and creamy blue cheese made with English cow's milk. It was created by Baron Robert Pouget, owner of the Oxford Cheese Company, in the mid-1990s. It has a milder level of blueness that is rich and comforting.
Montagnolo
Montagnolo is a soft, creamy blue cheese with a distinct flavour. It has been crowned a top-class cheese, winning the 2012 International Cheese Awards and the 2013 World Cheese Awards. It is a great option for those who want to try blue cheese but are not sure about the stronger flavours.
Danish Blue Cheese
Danish Blue Cheese is a rich, creamy, and extremely earthy blue cheese. It is less tangy than other blue cheeses and is perfect for adding to salads with fruits, such as a Waldorf salad. It pairs well with the sweetness of grapes, the crunch of celery, and the nuttiness of walnuts.
Rogue River Blue
Rogue River Blue by Rogue Creamery is a limited-edition, seasonal blue cheese that gained worldwide fame when it was named World Champion at the 2019/2020 World Cheese Awards. It is aged in caves for nine to eleven months and hand-wrapped in organic biodynamic Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear spirits.
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Blue cheese awards
While blue cheese may not be the most popular cheese, it is a versatile category with a lot to offer. There are several blue cheeses that have received awards and recognition for their exceptional quality and taste. Here are some notable examples of award-winning blue cheeses:
Montagnolo
Montagnolo, a blue cheese from Denmark, was voted Supreme Champion at the 2012 International Cheese Awards and the 2013 World Cheese Awards. It is known for its unique combination of creaminess and the distinct flavour of blue cheese. This cheese is matured for about 10 weeks to create its signature flavour.
Gorgonzola Dolce
Gorgonzola Dolce, a mild and creamy blue cheese, has been described as a "blue for beginners" due to its accessibility and mild flavour. It is a classic in a cheesemonger's arsenal and has been recognised in various taste tests. This cheese shines with its sweet and nutty characteristics.
Shropshire Blue
Shropshire Blue, produced by Long Clawson Dairy, is a crumbly blue cheese similar to Stilton but with a younger, creamier flavour. It is matured for 10-12 weeks and has an orange-brown rind and a smooth texture. Shropshire Blue was named Supreme Champion Cheese at the 2022 International Cheese and Dairy Awards, showcasing its excellence among cheese enthusiasts.
Oxford Blue
Oxford Blue, created by Baron Robert Pouget in the mid-1990s, is a semi-hard and creamy cheese made with English cow's milk. It offers a milder level of blueness that is rich and comforting, making it a delightful choice for those who prefer a less intense blue cheese experience.
Gangstad Gårdsysteri Blue Cheese
This handmade cow's milk blue cheese from Norway's Gangstad Gårdsysteri farm won the title of World's Best Cheese at the World Cheese Awards in 2023. The judges praised its "short creaminess" and "dense fudginess," highlighting the perfect interplay between milk and blue flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is popular enough to be a must-have at the cheese counter. However, it is not the most popular cheese.
Some popular blue cheeses include Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Shropshire Blue, Stichelton, and Danish blue cheese.
Blue cheese can be used in salads, melted on steak, or mixed with milder cheeses for a cheese ball. It can also be spread on crackers or added to pasta.
Blue cheese typically has a strong, salty, and pungent flavour. It can also be creamy, tangy, nutty, or sour.
Rogue River Blue has won several awards, including the World Cheese Awards in 2019/2020 and 2023. Gorgonzola Dolce was also named the world's best cheese in 2023.
