Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is a divisive dairy product, with some people loving its strong, funky flavour and others thinking it tastes like feet. But for those who love it, finding the best brand is a must. There are many varieties of blue cheese, from Gorgonzola to Roquefort, and Danish Blue to Shropshire Blue, and they can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta sauces. So, which brands are worth trying?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best blue cheese dressing brand | Cindy's Kitchen |
| Runner-up blue cheese dressing brand | Toby's |
| Best blue cheese at the grocery store | Trader Joe's |
| Best blue cheese crumbles | Boar's Head |
| Best gorgonzola | Litehouse |
| Best stilton | Trader Joe's |
| Best Danish blue cheese | N/A |
| Best blue cheese overall | Rogue River Blue by Rogue Creamery |
| Best blue cheese in the world | Grand Noir |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese dressing brands ranked
Blue cheese is an acquired taste, but for those who love it, it's a must-have in their fridge. If you're looking to elevate your salads or cheese boards with a blue cheese dressing, here are some brands to try, ranked.
Cindy's Kitchen
If you're a blue cheese enthusiast, Cindy's Kitchen Real Bleu Cheese Dressing and Dip is the brand for you. It has big chunks of blue cheese, and its complex flavour profile includes ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, garlic, white pepper, celery salt, and honey. It's a decadent treat that will impress any blue cheese lover.
Toby's
Toby's blue cheese dressing stands out for its creamy texture and unique herbiness, with a prominent dill flavour. It's a great option if you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary but still delicious.
365 (Whole Foods)
For a standard, easy-to-find option, 365's Organic Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing from Whole Foods is a decent choice. While it's not the chunkiest option, it does offer some texture and a creamy base.
Litehouse
Litehouse's blue cheese dressing falls short on flavour and is quite bland. However, if you're looking for a blue cheese dressing for texture rather than taste, this could work in a salad with multiple ingredients.
Signature Select
Signature Select's blue cheese dressing is one of the cheapest options, but the flavour and texture are disappointing. It's watery, thin, and slightly sweet, with no noticeable blue cheese chunks.
When it comes to blue cheese, personal preference plays a significant role. Some people prefer their blue cheese dressings bold and chunky, while others opt for a milder, creamier option. If you're a blue cheese connoisseur, you might want to explore different brands and decide which one suits your taste buds the best.
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Best blue cheese at the grocery store
Blue cheese is an acquired taste, and while it may not be the most popular cheese, it has a unique flavour that is loved by many. Here is a list of some of the best blue cheeses available at your local grocery store.
First up is the Gorgonzola, a distinctive and well-known blue cheese. This Italian cheese is known for its strong flavour and creamy texture. The Gorgonzola Dolce, in particular, is a cut above the rest and is worth buying from a cheese counter rather than a supermarket. This variety has a short creaminess and dense fudginess that make it a favourite among cheese connoisseurs.
Another famous blue cheese is Roquefort, which has enjoyed AOC protected status since 1925. It is strong, salty, and pungent, with a fruity, cheesy flavour. It pairs well with a glass of port or melted on a steak.
If you're looking for a more subtle blue cheese, Danish blue cheese is a good option. It is rich and creamy, with a mellow flavour that goes well with fruits and nuts in a salad.
For those who like their blue cheese on the stinkier side, Trader Joe's offers a few options that are worth trying. Their raw cow's milk blue cheese is creamy with a touch of tang and a nutty finish. It's also a great value, so you can impress your guests without breaking the bank.
Finally, for a limited edition, seasonal treat, try the Rogue River Blue by Rogue Creamery. This cheese is aged in caves for nine to eleven months and hand-wrapped in organic biodynamic Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear spirits. It was named World Champion at the 2019/2020 World Cheese Awards, so you know it's something special.
There you have it! These are just a few of the best blue cheeses available at your local grocery store. Each one offers a unique flavour and texture that are sure to delight blue cheese enthusiasts.
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Blue cheese types and flavours
Blue cheese is an acquired taste, and while it may not be the most popular cheese, it has a dedicated fan base. There are many varieties of blue cheese, each with its own distinct flavour and texture. Here is a guide to some of the most popular types and their unique characteristics.
Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from cow's milk. It is one of the most well-known and easily recognisable blue cheeses, with a strong, tangy flavour and a creamy texture. The Gorgonzola Dolce variety, in particular, has a short creaminess and dense fudginess that earned it the title of World's Best Cheese at the 2023 World Cheese Awards.
Roquefort is a French sheep's milk cheese that has enjoyed AOC protected status since 1925. It is known for its strong, salty, and pungent flavour, with a fruity and cheesy tang. Its strong flavour makes it a favourite among blue cheese enthusiasts.
Stilton is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk. It is a semi-hard, crumbly cheese with a strong, sharp flavour. While it may be an acquired taste for some, it is a classic choice for blue cheese lovers and pairs well with sweet accompaniments like crackers or fruit.
Danish Blue Cheese is a rich and creamy variety with a more subtle flavour compared to other blue cheeses. Its mellow taste makes it a good option for those who want to ease into the strong flavours often associated with blue cheese. It pairs well with sweet and nutty ingredients like grapes, walnuts, and celery in a salad.
Rogue River Blue is a limited-edition, seasonal blue cheese crafted by Rogue Creamery. It gained worldwide recognition when it was named World Champion at the 2019/2020 World Cheese Awards. This cheese is aged in caves for 9 to 11 months and then hand-wrapped in organic biodynamic Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear spirits, giving it a unique flavour profile.
In addition to these popular varieties, there are numerous other blue cheeses to explore, such as Cambozola, Cashel Blue, Delft Bleu, Moody Blue, Roaring 40's, and L'intense St Agur, each with its own distinct characteristics.
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Blue cheese crumbles
If you're looking for blue cheese crumbles, there are several options to choose from. The best option for you will depend on your personal preference for texture and flavour.
Pasteurised vs. Raw Milk
Firstly, it's worth noting that blue cheese crumbles made with raw milk tend to have a more intense flavour than those made with pasteurised milk. This is because raw milk "develops flavour faster" and "develops more breadth of flavour".
Texture
Texture is also an important factor when it comes to blue cheese crumbles. To prevent the crumbles from compacting, most products use an anti-clumping agent such as potato starch or cellulose. However, these agents can affect the texture of the cheese, making it dry and powdery.
Flavour
When it comes to flavour, blue cheese is known for its pungent odour and strong taste. However, not all blue cheeses are alike, and some are surprisingly mild. Here are some options for blue cheese crumbles that stand out in terms of flavour and texture:
- Roth Buttermilk Blue Crumbles: This cheese has a bold, balanced flavour and a creamy texture. It's made with raw milk and uses potato starch to keep the crumbles separate.
- Boar's Head Creamy Blue Cheese Crumbles: This option is perfect for those who value creaminess, with a sharp tang at the end. These crumbles are super-duper creamy and work well in a salad.
- Gorgonzola: This Italian cheese has been around since the Middle Ages and is known for its mild flavour. The texture can vary from soft and crumbly to firm.
- Trader Joe's Blue Cheese: This option has an earthy and funky flavour. It's a great choice for pairing with a glass of port or enjoying with crackers.
- Montagnolo: This cheese marries the creaminess of a soft cheese with the distinct flavour of blue. It has been crowned a top-class cheese at multiple International Cheese Awards.
- Grand Noir: This handcrafted cow's milk cheese has a smooth, golden curd and a buttery texture marbled with blue veining. It was named the best blue cheese in the world by the World Cheese Championships.
Ultimately, the best blue cheese crumbles come down to personal preference. Experiment with different options and find the one that suits your taste buds the most!
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Blue cheese pairings
Blue cheese is a strong and pungent ingredient that can be paired with a variety of dishes to elevate their flavour. Here are some ideal blue cheese pairings:
Blue Cheese and Meat
Blue cheese is a popular topping for steak. The strong flavour of blue cheese can complement the savoury taste of steak, creating a delicious combination. It can also be crumbled over a juicy burger or used as a topping for chicken wings or buffalo chicken wontons.
Blue Cheese and Fruits/Nuts
Blue cheese pairs well with fruits such as grapes and walnuts. Its savoury and creamy notes can be balanced by the sweetness of grapes and the crunch of walnuts. This combination works well in a salad, like a Waldorf salad, creating a harmonious blend of flavours and textures.
Blue Cheese and Crackers
Blue cheese can be enjoyed with crackers, providing a simple yet satisfying pairing. The creaminess of the cheese spreads smoothly on crackers, making it a convenient and tasty snack.
Blue Cheese and Dressings/Dips
Blue cheese dressings and dips are widely available and can be used to enhance the flavour of salads, wings, or vegetables. The tangy and creamy blue cheese dressings, such as Cindy's Kitchen Real Bleu Cheese Dressing, add a decadent touch to any dish.
Blue Cheese and Port
For a relaxing evening, blue cheese pairs beautifully with a glass of port. The earthy and savoury notes of the cheese complement the sweet and fortified flavours of port wine, creating a sophisticated pairing to enjoy by the fireside.
Blue Cheese and Soups
Blue cheese can be a delightful addition to soups, such as creamy potato soup or French onion soup. Its strong flavour can enhance the taste of the soup, making it a hearty and comforting meal.
In conclusion, blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of dishes. Its strong flavour and creamy texture make it a unique and indulgent addition to many recipes, adding a touch of sophistication to your culinary creations.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several brands of blue cheese that have been rated highly by cheese connoisseurs. Rogue Creamery's limited-edition Rogue River Blue was named World Champion at the 2019/2020 World Cheese Awards. Grand Noir’s blue cheese won the title of best blue cheese in the world at the World Cheese Championships. Long Clawson’s blue cheese was named Supreme Champion Cheese at the 2022 International Cheese and Dairy Awards. Gorgonzola Dolce, a cheese that should only be bought at the cheese counter according to experts, won the title of world’s best cheese at the World Cheese Awards in 2023.
Other blue cheese brands that have been recommended by experts include Trader Joe’s, Jasper Hill Bayley Hazen, and Montagnolo.
Some blue cheese varieties that have been recommended by experts include Blue Shropshire, Cambozola, Cashel Blue, Delft Bleu, Moody Blue, Roaring 40’s, Roquefort, and Stilton.
Some blue cheese products that have been recommended by experts include blue cheese crumbles by Boar’s Head, and blue cheese dressings by Cindy's Kitchen and Toby's.
A good blue cheese is often described as having a rich, creamy, and earthy flavour. It can also be tangy, salty, pungent, and fruity.
