Blue cheese is a polarising food. For many, its pungent aroma, bold flavours, and streaks of blue or green mould can be overwhelming, particularly if you’ve never tried it before. However, when introduced gradually, blue cheese can be a surprisingly versatile and enjoyable ingredient. If you’ve never liked or tried this type of cheese before, these ten gateway blue cheeses can ease you into the world of blue-veined wonders.
SEE ALSO: How a small mould creates the magic of blue cheese →
Best gateway blue cheeses for hesitant cheese lovers
When selecting the best gateway blue cheeses for beginners, I focused on a few key criteria. First, I prioritised cheeses with milder flavours and creamier textures. Additionally, I avoided the more pungent or crumbly varieties that can overwhelm new tasters.
These cheeses offer a subtle hint of blue mould flavour without the spicy tang that often deters newcomers. I also chose cheeses that have versatile pairing options to further mellow their taste. Finally, these cheeses offer a balanced flavour profile making them perfect for easing into the world of blue cheese.
Without further ado, let’s delve into my list.
1. Gorgonzola Dolce (Italy)
Gorgonzola is one of the most famous blue cheeses. And its mild, creamy version, Gorgonzola Dolce, is a fantastic starting point. Unlike stronger blue cheeses, Gorgonzola Dolce is soft and sweet, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
It pairs beautifully with honey, fruits like figs and pears, or spread on crusty bread. The blue veining in this cheese is subtle, making it a less intimidating choice for beginners.
- Flavour profile: Mild, sweet and creamy
- Perfect pairing: Figs, walnuts, or drizzled honey
2. Saint Agur (France)
If you want to try a more flavourful cheese that isn’t overwhelming, Saint Agur is an excellent choice. This double-cream French blue cheese has a velvety smooth texture that is far less crumbly than stronger varieties.
Furthermore, its taste is rich but not overly in-your-face, striking the perfect balance for those who want to ease into stronger blue cheeses.
- Flavour profile: Buttery, mild and slightly tangy
- Perfect pairing: A baguette, grapes or apple slices
3. Castello Creamy Blue (Denmark)
Castello Creamy Blue is a Danish cheese known for its soft, almost buttery texture. Unlike strong blues, this Castello cheese is mild and creamy, with a delicate blue mould flavour that isn’t overwhelming.
It’s also less salty than many other blue cheeses, making it a good entry point for blue cheese skeptics.
- Flavour profile: Creamy, mild, and slightly sweet
- Perfect pairing: Crisp apples or cucumbers
4. Cambozola (Germany)
A combination of Brie and Gorgonzola, the aptly named Cambozola blends the mild, creamy nature of Brie with the subtle tang of blue cheese. This German cheese is extremely soft and spreadable, making it a great introduction for those who may find firmer or crumbly blues off-putting.
The hint of blue cheese flavour is mild enough for beginners but still offers a taste of what’s to come as you explore more complex blue varieties.
- Flavour profile: Buttery, mild, and slightly tangy
- Perfect pairing: Crackers, fresh grapes or berries
5. Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue (USA)
This award-winning blue cheese from Oregon is milder than many of its counterparts but still provides a satisfying depth of flavour. Oregon Blue has a smooth, creamy texture and a rich, earthy taste that’s perfect for those dipping their toes into the world of blue cheese.
Moreover, its balanced flavour profile makes it approachable without sacrificing complexity.
- Flavour profile: Mild, earthy and slightly nutty
- Perfect pairing: Pear slices, walnuts, or dark chocolate
6. Dolcelatte (Italy)
Dolcelatte, which translates to “sweet milk” in Italian, is a mild and creamy blue cheese created for those who find Gorgonzola too intense. It has a smooth texture and a soft, delicate flavour, with just a hint of the signature blue cheese tang.
Undoubtedly, this cheese is mild enough to appeal to almost anyone. And as an added bonus, you can use it in various dishes without overpowering other flavours.
- Flavour profile: Mild, sweet and creamy
- Perfect pairing: Light crackers, peaches, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze
7. Milawa Blue (Australia)
Milawa Blue is the original Australian blue cheese. And there’s no doubt that it’s an ideal gateway blue cheese for beginners. Inspired by Gorgonzola, this cheese is hand-made using local cow’s milk and has a creamy, smooth texture with a mild blue flavour.
Its gentle pungency and well-balanced saltiness make it a perfect cheese to introduce someone to blue varieties. Milawa Blue also has a more approachable taste compared to many European blue cheeses and is less overwhelming in both aroma and flavor.
- Flavour profile: Mild, creamy and slightly earthy
- Perfect pairing: Fresh pears, walnuts, or a drizzle of honey
8. Cabrales (Spain)
Back in Europe, Spain’s Cabrales is a traditional blue cheese that offers a slightly stronger experience but is still accessible to beginners. Made from a blend of cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s milk, Cabrales is aged in natural caves, giving it a unique flavour that’s earthy, rich, and slightly tangy.
Though it has a more intense flavour than the milder blues, its complex taste is a must-try for those who want to experiment with stronger options without jumping into the deep end of pungency.
- Flavour profile: Tangy, earthy and slightly spicy
- Perfect pairing: Olive oil, crusty bread, or a dry sherry
9. Fourme d’Ambert (France)
One of the oldest blue cheeses in France, Fourme d’Ambert is a mild and approachable cheese with a creamy texture and subtle blue veins. The flavour is delicate, with a light sweetness and a slight tang from the blue mould.
Fourme d’Ambert is less intense than many other blues, making it a fantastic choice for someone who wants to explore blue cheese but isn’t ready for something strong.
- Flavour profile: Mild, creamy and slightly sweet
- Perfect pairing: Fresh figs, almonds or a drizzle of honey
10. Bayley Hazen Blue (USA)
The final cheese on this list of gateway blue cheeses comes from the USA. Made by Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont, Bayley Hazen Blue is an American cheese with a rich, creamy texture and complex flavour. Although it has the characteristic blue cheese tang, it’s milder than some of the more pungent blues, making it an excellent gateway cheese for blue cheese novices.
Its approachable flavour profile has won numerous awards, and its balance of creaminess and tang is perfect for those ready to take the plunge into blue cheese.
- Flavour profile: Rich, creamy and nutty
- Perfect pairing: Dark chocolate, roasted nuts or crusty bread
How to enjoy blue cheese as a beginner
When trying blue cheese for the first time, it’s important to pair it with foods that will complement and balance its flavours. Fresh fruits like pears, apples or figs can temper the tangy bite, while honey or jams add a layer of sweetness to counteract any saltiness.
Nuts like walnuts and almonds provide a crunchy texture that contrasts the creaminess of the cheese, and a good crusty bread or cracker gives it a perfect vehicle for tasting.
Another way to ease into blue cheese is by incorporating it into dishes where its flavour is toned down by other ingredients. Try crumbling a mild blue cheese into a salad, stirring it into pasta or risotto, or adding it to a burger or sandwich for a subtle introduction.
Final thoughts
For those new to blue cheese or for those who think they don’t like it, there are plenty of mild and approachable options that will ease you into this beloved and complex category of cheese.
Whether you start with the soft creaminess of Gorgonzola Dolce or the velvety richness of Saint Agur, there’s a blue cheese out there that’s perfect for your palate.
With the right introduction, you might just find yourself falling in love with the bold and beautiful world of blue cheese.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
