Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is a beloved and versatile ingredient, but which are the best blue cheese crumbles? The answer depends on what you're looking for in a cheese. If you're after a creamy mouthful, Boar's Head and Montagnolo are two options that deliver on that front. For those who like their cheese with a bit of a kick, the sharp tang of Trader Joe's Blue Cheese Crumbles or the powerfully flavorful unnamed brand mentioned by Sporked might be more up your alley. If you're looking for a blue cheese with a short creaminess and dense fudginess, the World Cheese Awards 2023 winner, Gorgonzola Dolce, is a great choice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Boar's Head |
| Texture | Creamy |
| Flavor | Sharp tang |
| Use | Salad |
| Crumble size | Small |
| Brand | Trader Joe's |
| Texture | Creamy |
| Flavor | Strong, salty, pungent, earthy, funky, savory |
| Use | Steak, cheese ball, crackers |
| Brand | Roth Buttermilk Blue Crumbles |
| Texture | Creamy |
| Flavor | Tangy, bold, balanced funk |
| Use | Salads, burgers |
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What You'll Learn
Creamy blue cheese crumbles
When it comes to blue cheese crumbles, there are a plethora of options available, but which ones stand out from the crowd? Let's delve into the world of creamy blue cheese crumbles and explore what makes them exceptional.
First and foremost, Boar's Head Creamy Blue Cheese Crumbles are a cut above the rest for aficionados who value creaminess. This product delivers on its promise of creaminess, with a super-duper creamy texture and a sharp tang to boot. These crumbles are perfect for sprinkling over a salad or pairing with rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, and bacon bits. However, it's worth noting that the crumbles are on the smaller side.
On the other hand, if you're a connoisseur who savours a potent tang over creaminess, you'll want to reach for a different option. While the brand isn't specified, these blue cheese crumbles pack a punch with their intensely flavourful tang. Each tub offers a variety of crumble sizes, making them ideal for sprinkling over salads or whipping up a homemade blue cheese dressing.
Moving on to other notable mentions, we have the Roth Buttermilk Blue Crumbles, which took the top spot in America's Test Kitchen's series of tastings. This cheese stands out for its use of raw milk, contributing to a richer and more intense flavour profile. It also boasts a bold, balanced funk and maintains a lovely creamy texture thanks to the addition of potato starch instead of cellulose.
If you're a traditionalist who adores the classic combination of creaminess and the distinct flavour of blue cheese, look no further than Montagnolo. This cheese has earned its accolades, including being crowned Supreme Champion at the 2012 International Cheese Awards and the 2013 World Cheese Awards. Its creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavour make it a favourite among those who appreciate a mild blue cheese.
Lastly, we can't forget the Gorgonzola Dolce, a staple in any cheesemonger's arsenal. This cheese strikes a perfect balance between creaminess and flavour, earning it the title of World's Best Cheese at the World Cheese Awards in 2023. Its short creaminess and dense fudginess will leave you craving more.
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Tangy blue cheese crumbles
When it comes to blue cheese crumbles, there are a plethora of options available, but which ones stand out from the crowd? Well, it depends on what you're looking for. Do you want a creamy, smooth texture or a sharp, tangy flavour? Let's dive into the world of tangy blue cheese crumbles and discover the options that will tantalize your taste buds.
If you're a true blue cheese aficionado, you'll appreciate the strong and salty flavour of Trader Joe's blue cheese. This cheese is earthy, funky, and savoury, making it perfect for pairing with a glass of port by the fireplace. It's also excellent for melting onto a steak or creating a delicious cheese ball. While it may not be the best Stilton, it's a fantastic option for those who enjoy an intense blue cheese experience.
For those who crave a sharp tang, Boar's Head Creamy Blue Cheese Crumbles might be your perfect match. These crumbles deliver on their promise of creaminess, offering a super-duper creamy texture with a good, sharp tang at the end. They're fantastic for sprinkling over a salad or adding to dishes like rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, and bacon bits. However, it's worth noting that the crumbles are on the smaller side.
When it comes to blue cheese crumbles, texture plays a crucial role. You want to ensure that the crumbles don't compact and clump together. Roth Buttermilk Blue Cheese Crumbles excel in this aspect, as they are crafted with potato starch instead of cellulose to keep the crumbles separate. This results in moist, distinct crumbles with a bold, balanced funk. Made with raw milk, these crumbles offer a lovely creamy texture and a pronounced blue cheese flavour.
While some people enjoy the sharp and tangy flavours of blue cheese, others might find them too assertive. If you're looking for a more balanced option, consider blue cheese crumbles that use cellulose. These crumbles may be slightly drier and crumbly, but they can still work well in dressings or melted on crostini. They offer a pungent, lightly bitter, and tropical fruity flavour profile that might appeal to those who want a less intense blue cheese experience.
In conclusion, when it comes to tangy blue cheese crumbles, there are several excellent options to choose from. Whether you're a fan of the strong and salty, or you prefer a creamier texture with a sharp tang, these selections will surely satisfy your cravings. Remember to consider the texture and ingredients, such as the use of raw milk or the addition of potato starch or cellulose, to find the perfect tangy blue cheese crumbles for your palate.
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Blue cheese made with raw milk
Blue cheese is made with the addition of cultures of edible moulds, which create blue-green spots or veins through the cheese. Blue cheese varies in flavour from mild to strong, colour from pale to dark, and consistency from liquid to hard. It is believed that blue cheese was discovered by accident when cheeses were stored in caves with naturally controlled temperatures and moisture levels, which created an environment that was favourable for the growth of harmless moulds.
Raw milk blue cheese can come in any shape, from wheel to block, and may be firm, oozy, creamy, or crumbly. It is almost always made by small-scale artisanal producers and often comes from the milk of a single herd of cows, sheep, or goats.
- Reyes Blue
- Beenleigh Blue
- Harbourne Blue
- Blue de Gex
- Fourme d'ambert
- Blue de Causses
- Blue de Auvergne
- Roquefort
- Cabrales
When it comes to blue cheese crumbles, the top-ranking product is Roth Buttermilk Blue Crumbles, which is made with raw milk and adds potato starch instead of cellulose to keep its crumbles separate while maintaining a creamy texture. Another option is Boar's Head Blue Cheese Crumbles, which are super-duper creamy with a good, sharp tang.
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Blue cheese with added potato starch
If you're looking for the best blue cheese crumbles, you might want to consider a few factors. Firstly, it's worth noting that blue cheese made with raw milk tends to have a more intense and rich flavour compared to those made with pasteurized milk. The texture is also important; you don't want your crumbles to compact, so look out for anti-clumping agents like potato starch or cellulose.
Now, if you're specifically interested in blue cheese with added potato starch, you're in luck! Roth Buttermilk Blue Crumbles, made with raw milk, is a top-ranking product that uses potato starch to keep its crumbles separate. This cheese has a bold, balanced funk and a lovely creamy texture. It's quite blue in colour and has a pronounced blue cheese flavour.
The addition of potato starch helps maintain the moisture of the crumbles, ensuring they don't dry out. This is especially important if you plan to use the crumbles in a dressing or as a topping. Speaking of which, blue cheese crumbles are incredibly versatile. You can sprinkle them over a salad, baked potatoes, or even mashed potatoes for a subtle flavour boost.
If you're feeling creative, try making a blue cheese cream sauce. Simply melt butter, add heavy cream, and crumble in your blue cheese, stirring until melted. This sauce can be drizzled over boiled potatoes or used as a dip.
So, the next time you're at the grocery store, keep an eye out for Roth Buttermilk Blue Crumbles. With its use of potato starch and raw milk, it's sure to deliver on both texture and flavour, making it a top choice for blue cheese enthusiasts.
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Blue cheese with added cellulose
Blue cheese is a beloved cheese variety known for its strong, pungent flavour and characteristic appearance. It is made from cow, goat, or sheep's milk that has been cured with cultures from the mould Penicillium. While blue cheese is often associated with veins of blue mould, it is the type and amount of bacteria in the cheese that give it its distinct flavour and texture.
When it comes to blue cheese crumbles, there are several brands available in the market, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular options include Boar's Head, known for its creaminess and tang; Roth Buttermilk Blue Crumbles, which offer a bold and balanced flavour; and Trader Joe's, which is earthy, funky, and savoury.
While blue cheese is naturally crumbly, some manufacturers add ingredients like cellulose or potato starch to prevent caking and keep the crumbles separate. Cellulose, in particular, has been a topic of debate in the food industry. It is a filler often made from wood pulp or other plant sources, added to stretch and dilute expensive cheese products, thereby increasing profit margins. While it is completely safe to consume and even has some health benefits, the presence of cellulose in cheese can be considered adulteration and is not always accurately disclosed on food labels.
In the context of blue cheese crumbles, the addition of cellulose may impact the texture and flavour. Some tasters have described cellulose-containing cheeses as dry and powdery, especially when eaten plain. However, when mixed into dressings or melted on crostini, the cellulose may become less noticeable. It is worth noting that the type and quality of milk used, as well as the pasteurisation process, also play a significant role in the overall texture and flavour of blue cheese crumbles.
When choosing blue cheese crumbles, it is essential to consider your preferences for texture and flavour. If you prioritise creaminess, look for brands that use potato starch or avoid anticlumping agents altogether, as these tend to have a smoother, moister texture. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more intense, pungent flavour, a product with cellulose may still satisfy your taste buds, especially when used in various recipes or paired with complementary ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several brands of blue cheese crumbles available, but the best one for you will depend on your personal preference. Some popular options include:
- Boar's Head Blue Cheese Crumbles: best for those who prefer creaminess.
- Trader Joe's Crumbled Blue Cheese: an intense, earthy, and funky flavor.
- Roth Buttermilk Blue Cheese Crumbles: a bold, balanced, and pronounced blue cheese flavor.
- Primo Taglio Blue Cheese Crumbles: no further information available.
- Mauro Gianni Blue Cheese Crumbles: no further information available.
Aside from the aforementioned brands, some other well-known blue cheese brands include:
- Kingston
- Litehouse
- BelGioioso
- Treasure Cave Cheese
Some of the top-rated blue cheeses in the world, according to various sources, include:
- Grand Noir: winner of the best blue cheese in the world at the World Cheese Championships.
- Montagnolo: winner of the Supreme Champion at the 2012 and 2013 World Cheese Awards.
- Stichelton: an ancient British blue cheese recipe, considered one of the best in the UK.
- Gorgonzola Dolce: a mild, sweet, and nutty blue cheese, often bought at cheese counters.
- Roquefort: a well-known and loved variety, with AOC protected status since 1925.
When choosing blue cheese crumbles, one of the most important factors is texture. You want to ensure the crumbles are separate and not clumped together. Additionally, the type of milk used can impact the flavor, with raw milk cheeses often having more intense and rich flavors compared to those made with pasteurized milk.
A good-quality blue cheese should have a distinct, assertive, and pungent flavor. It should be creamy, with a smooth texture, and ideally have a balance of sweet and savory notes. The color should be quite blue, indicating a bold blue cheese flavor.
