How to Make Blue Cheese Taste Better: A Comprehensive Guide

Blue cheese. The mere mention of it elicits strong reactions. Some recoil in disgust, wrinkling their noses at its pungent aroma and sharp, tangy flavor. Others, however, are immediately drawn in, captivated by its complexity and bold character. If you’re among those who find themselves on the fence, or if you simply want to elevate your blue cheese experience, this comprehensive guide is for you. We’ll explore various methods to tame the intensity, enhance the flavor, and ultimately, make blue cheese taste better.

Table of Contents

Understanding Blue Cheese: A Flavor Profile

Before diving into techniques for improving its taste, it’s crucial to understand what contributes to blue cheese’s distinctive flavor profile. Blue cheese derives its character from the introduction of Penicillium molds during the cheesemaking process. These molds, such as Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum, create the characteristic blue or green veins and impart a pungent, often salty, and sometimes metallic flavor.

The type of milk used (cow, sheep, or goat) significantly impacts the final taste. Cow’s milk blue cheeses tend to be milder and creamier, while sheep’s milk varieties are often richer and tangier. Goat’s milk blue cheeses can have a more earthy and grassy flavor. The aging process also plays a vital role. Longer aging intensifies the flavors, creating a sharper and more pronounced blue cheese experience.

Different blue cheese varieties possess unique flavor nuances. Roquefort, made from sheep’s milk in France, is known for its intense, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor. Gorgonzola, an Italian cow’s milk cheese, is generally milder and creamier. Stilton, a British blue cheese, offers a nutty and robust flavor profile. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the right blue cheese for your palate and application.

Balancing the Boldness: Flavor Pairing Strategies

One of the most effective ways to enhance the taste of blue cheese is through strategic flavor pairings. The key is to find complementary flavors that either contrast with or enhance the cheese’s inherent characteristics.

Sweet Sensations: Counteracting the Sharpness

Pairing blue cheese with sweet elements is a classic strategy for taming its boldness. The sweetness counteracts the sharpness and saltiness, creating a more balanced and harmonious flavor profile.

Fruits: Ripe pears, apples, figs, grapes, and even berries offer a delightful sweetness that complements blue cheese beautifully. Serve them alongside a wedge of blue cheese on a cheese board or incorporate them into salads.
Honey and Maple Syrup: Drizzling honey or maple syrup over blue cheese adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of floral or woody notes. This combination works exceptionally well with strong blue cheeses like Roquefort.
Dried Fruits: Dried apricots, cranberries, and dates provide a concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs well with the crumbly texture of many blue cheeses.
Sweet Wines: Dessert wines, such as Sauternes or Port, offer a rich sweetness and complex flavors that harmonize beautifully with blue cheese.

Savory Companions: Amplifying the Umami

While sweetness can tame the boldness, savory pairings can amplify the umami notes and create a more complex flavor experience.

Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, and almonds provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the earthy notes of blue cheese. Toasted nuts offer an even more intense flavor.
Cured Meats: Prosciutto, salami, and other cured meats offer a salty and savory counterpoint to the richness of blue cheese.
Balsamic Glaze: The tangy and slightly sweet flavor of balsamic glaze adds depth and complexity to blue cheese.
Red Wine: Bold red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, can stand up to the intensity of blue cheese and create a harmonious pairing.

Textural Contrasts: Adding Dimension

The texture of accompaniments can also significantly impact the overall eating experience.

Crackers and Bread: Choose crackers or bread that offer a neutral flavor and a satisfying crunch. Crusty baguette slices, water crackers, or even gingerbread cookies can be excellent choices.
Salads: Adding blue cheese to salads provides a creamy and tangy element that elevates the overall flavor profile. Pair it with bitter greens like arugula or radicchio to balance the richness.
Pizza: Crumbled blue cheese adds a burst of flavor to pizzas. Pair it with sweet ingredients like caramelized onions or figs for a delightful combination.

Transforming Blue Cheese: Culinary Applications

Beyond simple pairings, blue cheese can be incorporated into various culinary applications to enhance its flavor and create exciting dishes.

Blue Cheese Sauces: Creamy and Tangy

Blue cheese sauces are incredibly versatile and can be used to elevate steaks, burgers, salads, and vegetables.

Cream-Based Sauces: Combine crumbled blue cheese with cream, butter, and seasonings to create a rich and decadent sauce.
Vinaigrette Dressings: Incorporate blue cheese into vinaigrette dressings for a tangy and flavorful addition to salads.
Blue Cheese Dips: Blend blue cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a creamy dip for vegetables, chips, or wings.

Baking with Blue Cheese: Savory Delights

Blue cheese adds a unique flavor dimension to baked goods.

Quiches and Tarts: Add crumbled blue cheese to quiches and tarts for a savory and flavorful twist.
Scones and Biscuits: Incorporate blue cheese into scones and biscuits for a slightly tangy and savory treat.
Bread: Add crumbled blue cheese to bread dough for a flavorful and aromatic loaf.

Melting Blue Cheese: Enhancing Flavors

Melting blue cheese can soften its intensity and create a creamy and gooey texture.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Add blue cheese to grilled cheese sandwiches for a sophisticated and flavorful upgrade.
Burgers: Top burgers with melted blue cheese for a creamy and tangy addition.
Vegetables: Melt blue cheese over roasted or grilled vegetables for a decadent and flavorful side dish.

Tips and Tricks: Elevating the Blue Cheese Experience

Beyond pairings and recipes, certain tips and tricks can significantly enhance your blue cheese experience.

Serve at Room Temperature: Allow blue cheese to come to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop.
Use High-Quality Blue Cheese: Opt for high-quality blue cheese from reputable cheesemakers. The quality of the cheese directly impacts the flavor.
Store Properly: Store blue cheese wrapped in cheese paper or plastic wrap in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors.
Experiment with Different Varieties: Explore different blue cheese varieties to discover your personal favorites.
Start Small: If you’re new to blue cheese, start with milder varieties and gradually work your way up to more intense flavors.
Pair with Wine: Experiment with different wine pairings to find the perfect complement to your chosen blue cheese.
Don’t Overpower: Avoid pairing blue cheese with flavors that are too strong or overpowering, as this can mask its delicate nuances.
Consider the Occasion: Choose blue cheese and pairings that are appropriate for the occasion. A simple cheese board with fruit and nuts is perfect for a casual gathering, while a more elaborate dish with blue cheese sauce might be suitable for a formal dinner.

By understanding the flavor profile of blue cheese, exploring various pairing strategies, and incorporating it into different culinary applications, you can transform this often-misunderstood cheese into a culinary delight. Whether you’re a seasoned blue cheese aficionado or a curious newcomer, these techniques will help you appreciate and enjoy the complex and rewarding flavors that blue cheese has to offer.

Beyond the Basics: Addressing Specific Blue Cheese Challenges

Sometimes, the challenge isn’t about improving the inherent taste, but about mitigating issues that arise during storage or handling.

Combating Dryness: Rehydrating Techniques

Blue cheese, especially if not stored properly, can dry out. This can lead to a crumbly texture and a less appealing flavor.

Wrap in Damp Cloth: Wrap the cheese in a slightly damp cheesecloth or paper towel and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The moisture will help rehydrate the cheese.
Olive Oil Bath: For very dry cheese, consider briefly submerging it in olive oil. This will not only rehydrate the cheese but also add a layer of richness. However, be mindful that this method can slightly alter the flavor profile.

Taming Ammonia Smells: A Sign of Aging

As blue cheese ages, it can develop an ammonia smell. This is a natural byproduct of the aging process, but it can be off-putting.

Remove Outer Layer: If the ammonia smell is only present on the surface of the cheese, try cutting away the outer layer. The interior may still be perfectly fine.
Vinegar Rinse: Gently rinse the cheese with a solution of water and vinegar. This can help neutralize the ammonia smell. Be careful not to soak the cheese, as this can affect its texture.

Preventing Mold Growth: Proper Storage

While blue cheese is supposed to have mold, you want to prevent the growth of unwanted, non-Penicillium molds.

Proper Wrapping: As mentioned before, wrap the cheese in cheese paper or plastic wrap. This prevents the growth of unwanted mold and keeps the cheese fresh.
Separate Storage: Store blue cheese separately from other cheeses to prevent cross-contamination.

The Art of Presentation: Enhancing the Visual Appeal

Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of presentation. How you serve and present blue cheese can significantly impact the overall experience.

Cheese Boards: Create visually appealing cheese boards with a variety of cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers.
Garnishes: Use fresh herbs, edible flowers, or colorful fruits to garnish dishes that contain blue cheese.
Serving Dishes: Choose serving dishes that complement the color and texture of the blue cheese.

By paying attention to these details, you can create a more enjoyable and memorable blue cheese experience for yourself and your guests.

What are the most common reasons why people dislike blue cheese, and how can these issues be addressed?

Blue cheese often suffers from two common detractors: its intensely pungent aroma and its strong, sometimes overwhelming, flavor. The smell is due to specific molds used during the cheese-making process, which release volatile compounds some find off-putting. Similarly, the sharp, salty, and sometimes bitter taste can be too much for those unaccustomed to such strong flavors, leaving a lingering aftertaste that some find unpleasant.

To overcome these issues, consider serving blue cheese at room temperature, as this allows the flavors to mellow slightly. Pairing it with sweet accompaniments like honey, fruit (grapes, pears, figs), or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze can balance the sharpness and create a more harmonious taste experience. Additionally, choosing a milder variety of blue cheese, such as Cambozola or some Gorgonzolas, can be a gentler introduction for those new to the flavor profile.

How does pairing impact the taste of blue cheese, and what are some ideal food and drink combinations?

Pairing dramatically alters the perception of blue cheese by complementing, contrasting, or cutting through its strong flavor profile. The right pairings can create a delightful synergy where the cheese’s strengths are highlighted while any undesirable qualities are minimized. Poor pairings, on the other hand, can amplify the cheese’s harshness or clash unpleasantly, resulting in an unbalanced and unenjoyable experience.

Ideal pairings for blue cheese include sweet wines like Sauternes or Port, which balance the cheese’s saltiness and sharpness. Fruits, such as apples, pears, and grapes, offer a refreshing sweetness and crispness that complements the creamy texture and pungent flavor. Crackers, crusty bread, and nuts provide textural contrast and a neutral base, allowing the blue cheese to shine without being overwhelming. Hearty greens like spinach or arugula can also provide a peppery counterpoint to the cheese’s richness.

Can the way blue cheese is stored affect its flavor, and what are the best storage practices?

Improper storage can significantly degrade the flavor of blue cheese, causing it to become overly pungent, dry, or even moldy beyond edibility. Exposure to air accelerates oxidation, leading to a loss of moisture and a concentration of ammonia flavors, resulting in a less pleasant and more intense taste. Cross-contamination with other foods in the refrigerator can also alter its flavor profile.

To preserve the optimal flavor and texture of blue cheese, wrap it tightly in wax paper or cheese paper and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps to maintain humidity while preventing the cheese from absorbing odors from other foods. Avoid storing blue cheese near strong-smelling items, and consume it within a reasonable timeframe (usually 1-2 weeks) after opening for the best taste.

What cooking methods can improve the taste of blue cheese, and what recipes are suitable for beginners?

Cooking can transform the flavor of blue cheese by melting its texture, mellowing its sharpness, and infusing it into dishes for a creamy and savory depth. The heat softens the cheese, allowing its flavors to meld with other ingredients and create a more integrated and balanced taste profile. This can be particularly helpful for those who find the raw flavor too assertive.

Beginner-friendly recipes that highlight blue cheese include simple sauces for pasta or grilled meats. A classic blue cheese dressing or dip for vegetables is also a great starting point. More adventurous cooks can try incorporating blue cheese into quiches, pizzas, or even cheeseburgers for a unique and flavorful twist. The key is to start with small amounts and adjust to your preference.

How do different types of blue cheese vary in taste, and which are considered milder options for beginners?

Different types of blue cheese vary significantly in taste due to variations in milk type (cow, sheep, goat), aging process, and the specific cultures used. Some blues are intensely pungent, salty, and sharp, while others are milder, creamier, and sweeter. Understanding these differences allows you to select a blue cheese that aligns with your personal preferences.

For beginners, milder options like Gorgonzola Dolce, Cambozola, or some Danish Blues are excellent choices. Gorgonzola Dolce is known for its creamy texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor. Cambozola is a cross between Brie and blue cheese, offering a buttery richness with a gentle blue tang. These varieties provide a less intimidating introduction to the world of blue cheese, allowing you to gradually appreciate its unique flavor profile.

Are there any specific tools or serving methods that can enhance the blue cheese tasting experience?

Using the right tools and serving methods can elevate the blue cheese tasting experience by optimizing the presentation and flavor release. A cheese knife with a forked tip is ideal for slicing and serving blue cheese, as it helps to prevent crumbling and allows for easy transfer to a plate. Presenting the cheese on a wooden board or slate platter adds a rustic and visually appealing touch.

Serving blue cheese at room temperature is crucial, as it allows the flavors and aromas to fully develop. Consider offering a selection of accompaniments, such as crackers, fruit, nuts, and honey, to provide a variety of textural and flavor contrasts. A dedicated cheese server can further enhance the experience by providing information about the different types of blue cheese and suggesting pairings.

What are some common mistakes people make when trying to enjoy blue cheese, and how can they be avoided?

A common mistake is consuming blue cheese straight from the refrigerator, which mutes its flavors and hardens its texture. This results in a less enjoyable experience, as the cheese’s full potential is not realized. Another frequent error is pairing blue cheese with incompatible flavors that overpower or clash with its unique characteristics.

To avoid these mistakes, always allow blue cheese to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. Experiment with different pairings to find combinations that complement and enhance the cheese’s flavor profile. Start with small amounts and gradually increase your consumption as you become more accustomed to the taste. Don’t be afraid to try different varieties of blue cheese to discover your personal favorites.