Roquefort cheese is a… divisive delicacy, loved by some and reviled by others. And yet one thing is certain: it’s unlike any other cheese.
Roquefort 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: Roquefort 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 Roquefort 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.
Stilton Cheese
Stilton cheese is another great substitute for Roquefort 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 Roquefort cheese.)
Stilton cheese’s crumbly, slightly soft texture makes it the perfect ingredient for salads, sandwiches, and pastas, just like Roquefort 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 Roquefort 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 Roquefort 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 Roquefort 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 Roquefort 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 Roquefort 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 Roquefort 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 Roquefort cheese fix, but you don’t happen to have any Roquefort 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 Roquefort 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 Roquefort 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 Roquefort cheese with comes down to your personal preference.)
That’s that for Gorgonzola! Next time you find yourself short on Roquefort cheese, reach for some.
Buon appetito!
Brighton Blue Cheese
Brighton Blue cheese, a British blue cheese, is a delicious and unique substitute for Roquefort cheese. Made from cow’s milk, this semi-soft cheese has a crumbly texture with rich veining that gives it a taste like no other — mellow, with a just-right balance of saltiness, and it deepens as the cheese ages.
Brighton Blue Cheese is a special cheese, one that’s made only in the High Weald Dairy in Sussex, England. It’s made using traditional methods, giving it a flavor profile that takes you back to the times when all cheeses were made in artisanal ways.
So, if you’re out of Roquefort cheese or you just want to try something else, see if you can get your hands on some Brighton Blue. Your tastebuds will thank you!
