Welcome, flavour adventurers, to the exciting world of blue cheese pairings! If you’re ready to embark on a taste journey that will tantalise your taste buds, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re uncovering the best food pairings for blue cheese that will leave your palate singing with joy.
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What is blue cheese?
Blue cheese is no ordinary cheese—it’s a flavour powerhouse that boasts a distinctive blue-green marbling. Overall, this type of cheese owes most of its organoleptic properties to the presence of mould cultures like Penicillium roqueforti.
While blue cheeses can vary, most are known for their bold, spicy flavour profile and creamy texture.
Different types of blue cheese
Before we jump into the pairings, let’s take a quick look at the different varieties of blue cheese. From the intense Roquefort to the milder Gorgonzola, each type brings its own character to the table.
Roquefort hails from France and has a spicy, salty taste. On the other hand, Gorgonzola Dolce, an Italian creation, offers a creamier and milder profile. Stilton, the English blue cheese, strikes a delightful balance between the two.
Rationale between different types of pairings
Pairing blue cheese involves a delicate dance between contrasting and complementary flavours. The intensity of the cheese, whether mild or robust, plays a crucial role in determining the ideal companion.
Light and crisp, or rich and hearty, the perfect pairing enhances the overall tasting experience. And creates a harmonious blend that dances on your taste buds.
Best food pairings for blue cheese
In this section, we’ll reveal the secrets behind the perfect food companions for blue cheese.
1. Green pears
The combination of mild blue cheeses and green pears provides a fusion of contrasting textures and complementary flavours. The creamy texture and gentle sweetness of Gorgonzola Dolce or Danablu seamlessly intertwines with the crisp and succulent bite of green pears.
In addition to this, the vibrant green of the pears stand out against the marbled blue cheese. Therefore, this pairing is not only a taste sensation but also a feast for the eyes.
2. Apricots
Stronger blue cheeses and apricots forge a heavenly alliance on the palate, creating a pairing that beautifully balances savoury and sweet elements. The spicy richness of Stilton and Roquefort finds a perfect counterpoint in the natural sweetness and slight tartness of apricots.
The pairing’s success lies in the contrast and synergy between the two ingredients. The texture of blue cheese coats the palate, while the succulent apricots refresh and cleanse.
3. Muscatels
Next, the pairing of blue cheese with muscatels marries the richness of blue cheese with the natural tartness from these delectable grapes.
Muscatels introduce a burst of sweetness that complements the bold and savoury character of blue cheese. Even though most blue cheeses work with this pairing, moderate intensity blues like Gorgonzola Piccante and Fourme d’Ambert truly excel.
Whether enjoyed on a cheese board or as a standalone treat, the blue cheese and muscatel pairing is visually enticing.
4. Raw honey
Pairing blue cheese with raw honey blends the distinct profiles of sweet and savoury in perfect harmony. The complex spiciness of Roquefort or Bleu d’Auvergne finds its sweet counterpart in the golden nectar of raw honey.
This dynamic duo creates a flavour symphony that tantalises the taste buds with every bite. Furthermore, the contrasting textures of the crumbly cheese and smooth honey add a delightful complexity to the experience.
5. Fig jam
Continuing the trend of connecting sweet and savoury, we have blue cheese and fig jam. Indeed, the savoury and spicy notes of most blue cheeses find a perfect companion in the luscious sweetness of fig jam.
This delightful union introduces a layer of complexity to the tasting experience. Effectively, the richness of the cheese is beautifully complemented by the jam’s fruity undertones.
Whether spread on crusty bread or served alongside a cheese platter, this cheese and jam combination is also visually appealing.
6. Prosciutto
Blue cheese and prosciutto form a complementary pairing that is nothing short of extraordinary. The salty and savoury richness of prosciutto seamlessly complements the bold and tangy profile of blue cheese. Our favourite blue cheeses to use here come from Italy and include Gorgonzola Piccante and Dolcelatte.
Whether wrapped around a wedge of blue cheese or presented on a cheese and charcuterie board, the combination of prosciutto and blue cheese is a testament to the notion that complementary pairings can work in the world of gastronomy.
7. Walnuts
Our next pairing also showcases the beauty of contrasting textures and complementary flavours. The creamy and crumbly nature of blue cheese meets its match in the earthy crunch of walnuts, creating a dynamic mouthfeel that elevates the tasting experience.
The nutty undertones of walnuts seamlessly meld with the bold flavours of blue cheese, resulting in a harmonious blend that is both wholesome and satisfying.
Our favourite blue cheeses to pair with walnut include Shropshire Blue and Cashel Blue. Whether sprinkled atop a salad or enjoyed on a cheese platter, this combination is versatile and aesthetically pleasing.
8. Dark chocolate
The marriage of blue cheese with dark chocolate is a masterstroke that brings together the rich, bittersweet notes of chocolate with the robust flavours of blue cheese. This unexpected yet harmonious pairing creates a symphony of tastes that captivates the palate.
Dark chocolate’s intense cocoa profile serves as a perfect foil to the salty nuances of blue cheese. Thus, they create a sophisticated and indulgent combination. We’ve found that robust blue cheeses like Roquefort and Valdéon work best for this pairing.
Furthemore, this pairing is a visual delight, with the deep brown hues of chocolate juxtaposed against the marbled blue cheese.
9. Caramelised onion relish
Undoubtedly, the pairing of blue cheese with caramelised onion relish is a gustatory revelation. We find that the salty notes of Stilton or Maytag Blue find a perfect companion in the rich, caramelised sweetness of onion.
Whether smeared on a cracker or as a topping for grilled meats, this blue cheese and onion relish duo is a versatile choice for both casual and elevated dining occasions. Moreover, the deep golden hues of the relish look gorgeous against the marbled blue cheese.
10. Ginger cookies
Finally, blue cheese and ginger cookies will take you on a flavour adventure that intertwines the richness of the cheese with the warm, spiced notes of the cookies. The crumbly, buttery texture of ginger cookies offers a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of blue cheese. It’s a surprising and charming pairing that plays on the sweet and savoury spectrum.
We love Scandinavian blue cheeses for this pairing. So, look out for Danablu, Kraftkar or Nidelven Bla.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our exploration into the world of blue cheese pairings has been nothing short of a culinary revelation. From the classic companionship with green pears to the unexpected yet delightful unions with ginger cookies, the versatility of blue cheese has proven to be a canvas for experimentation.
The magic of these pairings lies in the artful balance of contrasting textures and complementary tastes. Whether it’s the sweet embrace of honey or the savoury allure of prosciutto, each pairing has unfolded a new chapter in the symphony of flavours.
So, as you embark on your own gastronomic adventures, consider the myriad possibilities that await when you bring together the bold character of blue cheese with unexpected companions.
What’s your go-to food pairing for blue cheese? Leave us a comment below to join the conversation.
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!
