Blue cheese is a… divisive delicacy, loved by some and reviled by others. And yet one thing is certain: it’s unlike any other cheese.
Blue cheese’s tangy, pungent, and subtly sweet flavor profile is matched by the strong, earthy notes that make this cheese so special in the first place. The distinct, moldy veining that runs through it adds an extra layer of complexity and a special zing to its taste, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for the senses.
But here’s the thing: blue cheese has such a unique and complex flavor that running out of it can leave you in a conundrum: What could you possibly substitute it with?
Don’t fret, fellow cheese lovers, because we’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best blue cheese substitutes that you can sink your teeth into right now. Whether you’re looking for a similar tangy and pungent flavor, or a cheese with a similar moldy veining, we’ve got you covered.
Roquefort Cheese
Roquefort cheese, the king of French blue cheeses, is a great substitute for blue cheese. It’s a sheep’s milk cheese that originates in the small village of Roquefort in Soutern France. It has a flavor that many describe as tangy, pungent, and robust, with a distinct blue veining that adds a certain je-ne-sais-quoi to its taste, similar to that of blue cheese.
Its crumbly, but also creamy, texture makes it perfect for adding to salads, spreading on sandwiches, and crumbling over pasta dishes, and it can be paired with a variety of fruits, nuts, and sweet wines like Sauternes (and other traditional wines from the Bordeaux region).
So, next time you find yourself short on blue cheese, reach for some Roquefort and experience a new level of cheesegasm.
Stilton Cheese
Stilton cheese is another great substitute for blue cheese. This British cheese is made from cow’s milk and it comes in two varieties: blue and white. White Stilton is creamy and savory, and Blue Stilton has that distinct blue veining, which adds a complexity to its taste very much like that of blue cheese.)
Stilton cheese’s crumbly, slightly soft texture makes it the perfect ingredient for salads, sandwiches, and pastas, just like blue cheese. It’s also delicious when paired with a glass of Port wine or Sherry, for a classic English pairing.
Next time you find yourself in a blue cheese drought, reach for some Stilton and discover a new depth of flavor, a new level of creaminess, and, above all, a new world of cheesy goodness.
Cabrales Cheese
Cabrales cheese, a cheese from Spain, is yet another fantastic substitute for blue cheese. This cheese is made from a combination of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk, giving it a unique, complex flavor like no other. It has a sharp, acidic, and salty taste, with blue veining that adds a blue cheese-like depth to its taste.
Cabrales cheese pairs deliciously well with red wine, dry sherry, and it’s the type of cheese that stands up to piquant salamy and spicy sausages. Whenever you find yourself craving some of that blue cheese flavor and you’re in need of substitutes, reach for some Cabrales cheese and indulge in this true Spanish delicacy.
Danablu Cheese
Danablu cheese, also known as ‘Dana Blue’ or ‘Danish Blue,’ is a truly delicious substitute for blue cheese produced by Rosenborg in Denmark. This cheese is made from cow’s milk and is known for its tangy, sharp, and slightly sweet flavor, with fine blue veins and a royal porcelain-like center that adds a unique complexity to its taste.
Danablu cheese has a crumbly texture and a creamy, buttery finish, which makes it a great substitute for blue cheese on cheese plates, in salads, or on burgers. It pairs well with a variety of fruits and nuts, and it’s traditionally paired with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity red wine.
And so, if and when you’re in need of a blue cheese fix, but you don’t happen to have any blue cheese lying around, reach for some good old Danablu.
Gorgonzola Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese, a blue cheese from Italy’s Lombardy region, is one of our favorite substitutes for blue cheese. It’s made from cow’s milk and has a flavor that many a cheese lover describes as tangy, piquant, and very creamy, with blue veins that deepen its taste just like blue cheese.
Gorgonzola cheese is sold in two varieties: Gorgonzola Dolce, which is milder and creamier, and Gorgonzola Piccante, which is sharper and more robust. Both types have a crumbly texture that sits well on pastas, pizzas, and cheese platters. They also pair well with a variety of wines, both red and white, and various styles of bread and crackers. (Which one to substitute blue cheese with comes down to your personal preference.)
That’s that for Gorgonzola! Next time you find yourself short on blue cheese, reach for some.
Buon appetito!
