Blue cheese – you either love it, or you hate it! The strong, pungent aroma of blue cheese and its distinctive blue veins can be intimidating to those who have never tried it before.
However, for those who have developed a taste for it, blue cheese is a delicious addition to any cheese board or recipe. Blue cheese is both sharp and creamy, tart and sweet. It crumbles, grates, melts, and stands on its own!
Blue cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of recipes. It pairs well with fruits, such as pears and apples, and can be crumbled over salads for added flavor. It adds a pop of rich, sharp flavor that can make bland salads more exciting (and is the main ingredient in Blue Cheese dressing of course!)
If you’re not a blue cheese lover, you can definitely use cheddar or feta cheese in a salad or cobb salad, and still get the same contrast in textures and flavors.
Blue cheese can also be melted and used as a sauce for burgers or as a dip for vegetables, buffalo chicken or wings. If you’re not into the sharpness of blue cheese, you could substitute sour cream or mayonnaise, which have a much more mild flavor profile but the same creamy texture. Blue cheese is also a popular ingredient in many pasta dishes, such as gnocchi and ravioli. It is used as a filling or melted into a sauce, as sometimes used in mashed potatoes or to top a steak.
The bottom line is that blue cheese lovers will find just about any excuse to use blue cheese! It is a healthy option despite being high in fat and calories. It also contains several health benefits that should not be overlooked. One of its main benefits is that 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!
Another benefit of blue cheese is that it 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.
There are many different types of blue cheese, all of which are rich in flavor and history! We’ll share some of them here, as well as some great substitutes if you can’t track down a blue cheese that you love or if you don’t consume dairy.
1. Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola cheese can be used in the same way as blue cheese – crumbled over salads, melted on burgers, or used as a dip for vegetables.
This Italian cheese is also a great choice for those who are new to blue cheese and want to try a milder version. Besides being a great alternative to blue cheese, Gorgonzola has several health benefits. It is rich in calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also contains protein, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients that are good for the body.
Gorgonzola is still quite strong though, so if you are looking for a non-blue cheese substitute for Gorgonzola, you might want to try a milder version of a crumbly, aged cheese such as feta or an aged, white cheddar cheese.
2. Roquefort
Roquefort is a French blue cheese that is made from sheep’s milk! It has a strong, salty flavor that is similar to traditional blue cheese. Roquefort can be used in the same way as blue cheese, such as crumbled over salads or used in pasta dishes.
It is also a great choice for those who want a more intense flavor than gorgonzola. It is considered the King of blue cheese as it is the most sharp and intense in flavor, and also has a very high salt content.
Roquefort is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It adds a rich, tangy flavor to salads, pasta dishes, and burgers. You can crumble it over roasted vegetables, melt it on pizzas, or use it as a dip for crackers and fruit. The possibilities are endless!
Roquefort is not for the faint of heart and may take some getting used to, but like all blue cheese, it will grow on you! You can learn more about French cheeses here.
3. Feta
Feta cheese is a popular Greek cheese that is made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep and goat’s milk. It has a salty and tangy flavor that is similar to blue cheese.
Feta cheese can be crumbled over salads (especially in the famous Greek salad!), used in sandwiches, or melted and used as a topping for pizza.
Feta cheese is also a healthier option compared to blue cheese as it is lower in calories and fat content. With the same salty and tangy flavor as blue cheese, you can enjoy the delicious taste without worrying about the calorie count as much.
Feta is particularly popular because its flavor is much more mild than blue cheese, and it is also a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, as there are many plant-based versions of feta cheese available.
4. Stilton
If you’re a cheese lover, then you have to try Stilton! This popular English blue cheese has a sharp, tangy flavor and a creamy texture that is slightly crumbly.
It’s perfect for those who love strong flavors and are looking for a cheese that can add depth to their dishes. One of the best things about Stilton is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of recipes, from salads to pasta dishes to burgers. It pairs well with fruits such as pears and apples, and can be crumbled over salads for added flavor.
But Stilton cheese is not just delicious, it is a great source of protein and calcium – one ounce of Stilton provides about 6 grams of protein! By adding Stilton cheese to your diet, you can enjoy its unique flavor while reaping its many health benefits.
So, if you’re looking for a new cheese to add to your cheese board or recipe, give Stilton cheese a try. Its unique flavor and health benefits make it a great addition to any dish. Trust us, your taste buds and your body will thank you.
Editor’s Note: A Stilton variety counts among the most expensive cheeses in the world.
5. Chevre
Chevre is a French goat’s cheese that is soft and creamy with a tangy flavor. It can be spread on crackers or used in salads and pastries.
It has a salty flavor and crumbly texture, making it a popular substitute for blue cheese – it still has that tang that blue cheese lovers know and love, but is also much more mild, making it more palatable. Goat’s cheese makes a great alternative for those who love blue cheese but cannot consume it due to a penicillin allergy because it gets its tanginess from the aging process, not from mold.
Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is loved by many for its unique flavor and texture. However, it is not always readily available or suitable for everyone’s taste buds. Whether you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply not a fan of blue cheese, there are plenty of alternatives that can still provide a similar taste and texture.
Because of how it is made, blue cheese is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are allergic to penicillin (because of the mold that is used in production) but luckily there are many suitable alternatives!
Whether you are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply not a fan of blue cheese, there is a substitute out there for you. So go ahead and experiment with different types of cheese to find the perfect substitute for your taste buds. You might just find a new favorite!
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