Randy Chandler
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to pasta dishes. However, its distinctive flavour and texture can be polarising, and some may be put off by its signature mould. If you're looking for an alternative, there are several options to consider. For a similar flavour profile, other cheeses such as feta, goat's cheese, cheddar, or shaved parmesan can be used. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, fermented Chinese bean curd, also known as tofu cheese, can provide a creamy texture and a subtle tang. For a completely different flavour profile, you could experiment with nuts, olives, or even hummus to add a salty, briny burst to your dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dairy substitutes | Feta, Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Sour Cream, Roquefort, Goat Cheese, Gorgonzola, Shaved Parmesan, Chevre, Stilton, Brie |
| Non-dairy substitutes | Tofu Cheese, Miso Mayo, Tzatziki, Beer Cheese, Hummus, Walnuts, Olives, Yogurt |
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What You'll Learn
Salads and pastas
Blue cheese is a popular ingredient in salads and pasta dishes. However, if you're looking for a substitute, there are several options that can be used in its place. Here are some suggestions:
Feta Cheese
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in salads or pasta dishes. It has a tangy and salty flavour profile, and is crumbly in texture. Feta is saltier than blue cheese, so it is recommended to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is another suitable substitute for blue cheese in salads and pasta. It has a tangy taste and a creamy texture. Goat cheese can be saltier than blue cheese, so it is advisable to start with a smaller amount and adjust accordingly.
Parmesan
While parmesan cannot replicate the unique taste and texture of blue cheese, it can still be used as a substitute in salads and pasta dishes. It can add a rich and salty twist to the dish.
Roquefort
Roquefort is a French blue cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a strong, salty flavour similar to traditional blue cheese. It can be crumbly or creamy, depending on the variety. Roquefort can be used in salads or pasta dishes, adding a rich, tangy flavour.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese with a creamy and crumbly texture. It has a strong, tangy, and slightly sweet flavour. It is a milder version of blue cheese, making it a good option for those who are new to blue cheese.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a suitable replacement for blue cheese in salads and pasta. It is mild, creamy, and smooth when young, but becomes nutty, sharp, and tangy as it matures. Start with an equivalent amount of aged cheddar as blue cheese, and adjust to taste.
When substituting for blue cheese in salads and pasta, consider the desired flavour and texture. These suggested substitutes will provide similar characteristics, but the specific quantities and adjustments may vary depending on personal preference.
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Creamy alternatives
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient with a unique flavour profile and texture. It can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to pasta and dips. However, it is not to everyone's taste, and some may be looking for alternatives.
If you are looking for creamy alternatives to blue cheese, there are a few options to consider. Fresh cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and even yogurt can add a similar creaminess without the strong flavour of blue cheese. These cheeses have a subtle tang and can be used to bolster creaminess in your recipes.
Goat's cheese, or Chevre, is another creamy alternative. It is a French goat's cheese with a tangy flavour and a crumbly texture, making it a popular substitute for blue cheese. It is a great option for those who cannot consume blue cheese due to a penicillin allergy, as it gets its tanginess from the aging process rather than mold.
For a milder, less tangy flavour, cream cheese is a good option. It has a similar texture to blue cheese and can be used in dishes with many other strong flavours. Feta cheese is another crumbly, dry option with a mild flavour and salty finish, making it a great mold-free replacement for blue cheese.
If you are looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can try making a creamy 'cheese' from yogurt. It won't have the same firmness as blue cheese, but it will add a lovely tang to your dishes. Hummus can also be a good substitute, adding a similar creaminess and tanginess to your recipes.
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Dairy-free options
If you're looking for a dairy-free substitute for blue cheese, there are several options to consider. One option is to use fermented Chinese bean curd, also known as "tofu cheese". It has a fermented flavour and creamy texture similar to blue cheese, and a little goes a long way. Another option is to create a creamy "cheese" spread using yoghurt, which can be used anywhere you would normally use blue cheese.
For a savoury flavour profile similar to blue cheese, you can use shaved parmesan. The texture is much harder and drier, but it will add similar bursts of flavour and umami. If you're looking for something with a crunch, roasted walnuts or other nuts like almonds, pinenuts, pistachios, macadamias or cashews will add flavour and texture to your dish.
A handful of olives can provide a salty, briny burst of flavour similar to blue cheese. Hummus can also be used as a substitute for blue cheese, adding a creamy texture and tangy flavour to your dish.
For those who love blue cheese but cannot consume dairy, goat's cheese is a great alternative. It has a similar tangy flavour that comes from the aging process, not from mould, and it is also much milder in flavour. Feta is another crumbly, salty cheese that can be used as a dairy-free substitute for blue cheese, especially in salads and pastas.
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Health benefits
Blue cheese is a healthy option despite being high in fat and calories. It contains several health benefits that should not be overlooked. Firstly, it is a great source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. In fact, just one ounce of blue cheese contains about 150 mg of calcium. The calcium in blue cheese may also be linked to anti-obesity mechanisms that reduce body weight from fat.
Secondly, blue cheese contains a compound known as spermidine that may delay aging and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is also a great source of protein and contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health and boost the immune system.
Additionally, studies have shown that blue cheese may have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. It can also help with inflammatory disorders such as joint pain, sinusitis, and asthma, and can help minimize arthritis pain.
If you are looking for an alternative to blue cheese, there are several options that offer similar health benefits. For example, Gorgonzola is a milder Italian cheese that is rich in calcium, protein, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients. Feta, a crumbly and aged cheese, is another great substitute that can help replicate the texture and flavor of blue cheese. Goat cheese is another popular substitute, especially for those with penicillin allergies, as it gets its tanginess from the aging process rather than mold.
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Flavour and texture
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient, adding a pop of rich, sharp flavour to a variety of dishes. It is both salty and creamy, with a tangy, savoury profile. It can be crumbled over salads, melted as a sauce for burgers, or used as a dip for vegetables and chicken wings.
When substituting blue cheese, it is important to consider the role it plays in the dish. For example, blue cheese is often used to add a tangy, salty flavour and a creamy texture to salads and pasta dishes. In these cases, a good substitute would be a cheese with similar characteristics, such as feta, goat cheese, or a sharp aged cheddar. Feta has a dry and crumbly texture, similar to blue cheese, while goat cheese has a tangy flavour and creamy texture. Cheddar, especially an aged white cheddar, can also provide a similar contrast in textures and flavours.
For those who enjoy the creaminess of blue cheese, ricotta and cream cheese are excellent alternatives. These cheeses will add a subtle tang without any strong, distracting flavours. Sour cream and mayonnaise are also mild substitutes with a creamy texture. If a more intense flavour is desired, fermented Chinese bean curd, sometimes called "tofu cheese", can be used as a dairy-free substitute for blue cheese.
In addition to cheese substitutes, there are other creative options to replace blue cheese. Shaved parmesan, for example, has a stronger and more savoury flavour profile. Although it has a harder and drier texture, it will add similar bursts of flavour and umami. Yoghurt can also be used as a tangy and creamy alternative, although its liquid consistency may not work in all applications. For a dairy-free option, a dollop of creamy hummus can provide a similar tang and substance.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good substitutes for blue cheese are feta, goat cheese, cheddar, shaved parmesan, and gorgonzola.
Some dairy-free substitutes for blue cheese are tofu cheese, hummus, and olives.
Some substitutes for blue cheese that can be used in a salad are feta, goat cheese, and cheddar.
