Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is a beloved variety of cheese with a distinct flavour and aroma. While some varieties are more subtle, others pack a punch with their strong, tangy taste. Whether you're a blue cheese connoisseur or a novice, there's a wide range of options to choose from. From the famous Rogue River Blue to the more affordable Trader Joe's options, blue cheese lovers are spoilt for choice. In this discussion, we'll delve into the world of blue cheese, exploring the best varieties, their unique characteristics, and how they can elevate any dish.
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese from specialist stores vs. the grocery store
When it comes to buying blue cheese, you may be spoilt for choice, with both specialist stores and grocery stores offering a range of options. While specialist cheese stores will likely offer a wider variety of unique and high-quality cheeses, grocery stores can also provide some excellent options at more affordable prices. So, which is the better option? Let's delve into the details and find out!
Variety and Uniqueness
Specialist cheese stores excel in offering a diverse and unique selection of blue cheeses. These stores are ideal if you're a connoisseur seeking rare and exotic varieties. They often source cheeses from local producers, giving you a chance to explore regional specialties. For instance, a specialty store like The Courtyard Dairy in the UK offers a range of cheeses that you may not find in your average supermarket.
Grocery stores, on the other hand, tend to carry a more limited selection of blue cheeses. However, they can still surprise you with some unique finds. For example, Trader Joe's in the US offers a range of blue cheeses, including Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and their own branded options, which have received praise from tasters.
Quality and Taste
Specialist cheese stores are known for their high-quality offerings. The cheeses are often crafted by artisan cheesemakers, using traditional methods and the finest ingredients. For instance, the Rogue River Blue Cheese from Oregon, available at specialty stores, is a limited-edition, award-winning cheese wrapped in grape leaves soaked in pear liquor, offering a unique taste experience.
Grocery stores may not always match the quality of specialty stores, but they can still offer excellent tasting blue cheeses. For example, the Danish blue cheese found in grocery stores is described as rich, creamy, and earthy, providing a subtler blue cheese experience.
Price and Accessibility
Specialist cheese stores typically charge a premium for their products, reflecting the quality and uniqueness of their offerings. For instance, a specialty cheese shop in the UK offers cheddar starting at £4 for 150g, which is significantly pricier than your average supermarket cheese.
Grocery stores, on the other hand, cater to a wider range of budgets. While they may have pricier options, they also offer more affordable choices. For example, Trader Joe's blue cheese, praised for its taste, costs only $4 for a large wedge, which is a bargain for cheese lovers.
Both specialist cheese stores and grocery stores have their advantages when it comes to buying blue cheese. If you're seeking a unique, high-quality cheese and are willing to pay a premium, a specialist store is ideal. However, if you want a convenient, affordable option without sacrificing taste, grocery stores can provide excellent choices. Ultimately, your decision may depend on your budget, the intended use of the cheese, and your personal taste preferences.
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Blue cheese crumbles
A good blue cheese crumble should have a rich, creamy texture with a pungent, balanced sharpness. The colour of the cheese also matters, with tasters preferring bluer cheeses over whiter ones, which they likened to feta or cheddar. The use of raw milk, as opposed to pasteurized milk, is said to result in a more intense flavour.
There are a variety of blue cheese crumbles available on the market, with some notable mentions including Boar’s Head for its creaminess, and the unnamed tangier option, which is perfect for homemade blue cheese dressing. Other options include Roth's Buttermilk Blue® Crumbles, crafted with fresh Wisconsin milk for a creamy taste and texture, and Glenview Farms® Blue Cheese Crumbles, which add a tangy characteristic to any dish.
When it comes to grocery stores, Trader Joe's offers a range of blue cheese products, including crumbled blue cheese and French Roquefort cheese, which is described as earthy, funky and savory.
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Blue cheese dressings
Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient for many, with its unique flavour and texture. While there are many varieties of blue cheese available, some of the best options include Rogue River Blue, Shropshire Blue, Danish Blue, and Gorgonzola.
Now, when it comes to blue cheese dressings, there are a plethora of recipes to choose from, allowing you to make a dressing that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. The good news is that making blue cheese dressing at home is easy and quick, and you can adjust the consistency to your liking.
The base of a blue cheese dressing typically consists of sour cream and mayonnaise. These two ingredients are combined to create a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavour. You can adjust the ratio of these ingredients to achieve your desired consistency and taste. For a lighter and thinner dressing, you can add milk, buttermilk, or water. Additionally, lemon juice can be used in place of lemon juice or vinegar for added tanginess and flavour.
The star of the show, blue cheese, is then added to the base. You can use crumbled blue cheese or mash it with a fork before mixing it in. The amount of blue cheese you add will depend on how strong you want the flavour to be and how chunky you want the texture to be. Some recipes also call for adding grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the cheesiness.
To add some freshness and colour to the dressing, fresh herbs like parsley are often included. Additionally, salt and pepper are used to season the dressing and enhance the overall flavour.
Blue cheese dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It is commonly used as a salad dressing, especially for wedge salads with iceberg lettuce and crispy bacon. It also pairs well with buffalo chicken dishes, such as wings, lasagna, and stuffed mushrooms. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for vegetables, chicken wings, or celery sticks. For those who enjoy a cheeseburger, blue cheese dressing can be spread on a burger for an extra indulgent bite.
With its creamy texture and tangy flavour, blue cheese dressing is a popular choice for many, and making it at home ensures you can customise it to your taste preferences. So, the next time you're looking for a savoury and versatile dressing, consider whipping up a batch of homemade blue cheese dressing.
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Blue cheese with fruit
Blue cheese is an incredibly versatile cheese, with a wide range of varieties and flavours. It can be paired with many different fruits to create a delicious snack, side dish, or dessert.
Some classic fruit pairings for blue cheese include apples, pears, and grapes. These fruits have a natural sweetness that can balance out the salty, tangy flavours often found in blue cheese. For a simple yet elegant dish, try slicing up some apples, pears, or grapes and arranging them on a platter with your favourite blue cheese. You can also add some walnuts, dried cherries, or other nuts to the platter for extra crunch and flavour.
If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try pairing your blue cheese with some fresh figs, quince paste, or even caramelised onion jam. These sweeter, more intense flavours can stand up to the boldness of blue cheese and create a truly indulgent taste experience. For an extra special treat, drizzle some honey over your blue cheese and fruit pairing.
For a refreshing summer dish, combine blue cheese with peaches or apples. The crisp, juicy flavours of these fruits can help to balance out the richness of the blue cheese. And of course, don't forget the classic combination of blue cheese and walnuts, which can be enjoyed on their own or added to a salad or pasta dish.
When choosing a blue cheese to pair with fruit, consider the specific flavours and textures you're looking for. Some blue cheeses, like Gorgonzola, are known for their strong, tangy flavours, while others, like Danish blue cheese, are more mellow and creamy. Experiment with different types of blue cheese and fruits to find your favourite combinations.
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Blue cheese with port
Blue cheese and port is a classic pairing that originated in England, where drinkers combined imported Portuguese port with English village cheeses. Port is a fortified wine, often from the Douro region, that was historically popular with English drinkers.
When it comes to choosing a blue cheese to pair with port, there are several options to consider. Firstly, English blues such as Stilton or Shropshire Blue are recommended as sturdy starting points. Stilton, specifically Colston Bassett Stilton, is produced by only five dairies worldwide and is known for its subtle, buttery, and mildly sweet notes, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less pungent blue cheese. Another option is to pair port with a stronger, more pungent blue cheese like Roquefort, which offers a salty, tangy, and fruity flavour. For those who enjoy a creamy blue cheese, options like Gorgonzola, Danish blue, or Cambozola are worth considering. These cheeses can provide a mellow, earthy flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of port. If you're looking for a blue cheese with a touch of tang, the raw cow's milk blue cheese from Trader Joe's is a good option, especially at just $4 for a huge wedge.
When it comes to choosing a port to pair with blue cheese, consider a rich, red-fruited vintage port from the 1970s or '80s if budget is not a concern. Alternatively, a full-bodied crusted port or a serviceable Ruby Port, such as Quinta do Infantado, can be excellent choices. If you're looking for a port from a specific birth year, be prepared to spend upwards of $100. For example, a nice J.W. Hart port from 1984 can cost around $100, while the Taylor's 1984 vintage will set you back about $160.
Finally, it's worth noting that while blue cheese and port is a classic pairing, it may be best enjoyed after a satisfying meal, where other drinks have already been appreciated. This allows the unique combination of flavours in the cheese and wine to truly shine.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several blue cheeses that have been named the best in the world by various sources. The limited-edition Rogue River Blue by Rogue Creamery was named World Champion at the 2019/2020 World Cheese Awards. Gorgonzola Dolce, a handmade cow's milk blue cheese, won the title of World's Best Cheese at the World Cheese Awards in 2023. Grand Noir’s blue cheese won the title of best blue cheese in the world by the World Cheese Championships.
Some of the best blue cheeses that can be found at the grocery store include Trader Joe's blue cheese, Danish blue cheese, and Boar's Head blue cheese crumbles.
Cindy's Kitchen real bleu cheese dressing and dip has been described as the best-tasting option, with big chunks of blue cheese and a complex blend of ingredients, including Worcestershire sauce, garlic, white pepper, celery salt, and honey.
