Dairy | Vegetarian Keto Low Carb

Blue Cheese

Penicillium roqueforti/glaucum (cultures) Allergens: Milk
blue cheese

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (Fungus)
  • Primary Cuisine European
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Cow's milk, Sheep's milk, Goat's milk

The Forktionary Angle

"The bold, complex dairy delight that challenges and rewards the palate."

Definition

A category of cheese characterized by pungent flavor, distinct aroma, and blue-green mold veins produced by cultures of Penicillium bacteria.

Sensory Profile

TastePungent,salty,sharp,creamy,savory,umami
TextureCrumbly,creamy,sometimes firm,moist
AromaStrong,pungent,ammoniated,earthy,mushroomy
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Calcium Content

Excellent source

Mold Type

Penicillium cultures

Optimal Storage

Airtight, refrigerated

Nutrition Facts

Per 28g (1 oz)
Calories350 kcal
Total Fat29g
Saturated Fat18g
Trans Fat1g
Cholesterol75mg
Protein21g
Total Carbohydrate2.5g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars0.5g
Calcium530mg
Iron0.3mg
Potassium80mg

Chef’s Secret

Always bring blue cheese to room temperature before serving to allow its complex aromas and flavors to fully develop.

Substitutions

Best Match

Gorgonzola

1:1

Similar flavor profile and texture, good in salads or sauces.

Feta cheese

1:1

Salty and crumbly, but lacks the pungent mold flavor; good for texture in salads.

Goat cheese (chevre)

1:1

Tangy and creamy, offers a similar sharp note but without the distinct blue mold.

Aged Cheddar

1:1

Sharp and tangy, can substitute for a strong, savory cheese in some contexts, but without the blue notes.

Buying Guide

Purchase from a reputable vendor; look for fresh, earthy aroma, not ammonia-like; store wrapped tightly in the refrigerator.

Flavor Pairings

Salads dressings cheese boards burgers pasta sauces dips steak toppings.

Recipes Using Blue Cheese

Rice Course Presentation Main Dish

Beat The Blues Blue Cheese Risotto

Banish those blues with this creamy, dreamy blue cheese risotto! The ultimate comfort food, it's like a warm hug in a bowl. So easy to make, you can ditch the fancy cutlery and enjoy this decadent dish with just a spoon. Rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this risotto is the perfect antidote to a bad day. Get ready to be comforted!

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Finger Food Finger Food Preparation Time To Make

10 Minute Buffalo Shrimp With Blue Cheese Dip

Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe puts a delicious twist on buffalo wings, using succulent shrimp for a lighter, faster, and equally addictive meal! Inspired by Redbook Magazine, this recipe features crispy, spicy shrimp tossed in a fiery buffalo sauce and served with a cool, creamy blue cheese dip. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day snack!

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Main Dish Vegetables Chicken Breasts Pork

Almost Alice Chicken

Inspired by the Outback's Alice Springs Chicken, this recipe puts a delicious twist on a classic! Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a zesty blue cheese and cheddar crust, then baked to perfection. Cooking time is flexible based on your oven and desired doneness. (Marinating time not included). Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll transport you to the Australian outback!

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Cheese Course Apples Fruit

Apple Blue Cheese Spread

Delight your taste buds with this refreshing Apple Blue Cheese Spread! Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this creamy dip combines the sweetness of apples with the tangy bite of blue cheese, all perfectly balanced by the subtle sharpness of red onion and crunchy pecans. Don't skip the onion – it truly elevates the flavor! Serve with triscuits or your favorite crackers for a simple yet unforgettable appetizer.

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For 1 Or 2 For 1 Or 2 15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make

Apple And Blue Cheese Salad

This vibrant and surprisingly satisfying Apple and Blue Cheese Salad is a meal in itself! Crisp romaine lettuce, sweet apples, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy almonds create a symphony of flavors and textures. Our secret? Ice-water chilling the romaine for maximum crispness. Use our homemade blue cheese dressing (recipe #175543) or your favorite bottled variety for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a stunning appetizer. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a delightful dinner.

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European Occasion Eggs Dairy Served Hot

Arugula Rocket And Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Elevate your mashed potatoes with a surprising twist! This recipe combines creamy garlic mashed potatoes with pungent blue cheese and peppery arugula for a flavor explosion. The bitterness of the arugula is perfectly balanced by the richness of the potatoes and cheese, making it a delicious introduction to this often-overlooked green. A quick and easy weeknight meal or impressive side dish.

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Asparagus Course Main Ingredient Dietary

Asparagus And Green Bean Salad With Herb Dijon Dressing

This vibrant Asparagus & Green Bean Salad is a delightful blend of fresh asparagus, crisp green beans, and a creamy herb Dijon dressing. The tangy dressing perfectly complements the tender-crisp vegetables, while crumbled blue cheese adds a salty, creamy bite. Easy to make and perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or starter for a summer gathering!

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Preparation Cheese Canadian Low Sodium

Avocado Salad With Bleu Cheese Bacon

Indulge in this creamy and satisfying avocado salad! Perfectly ripe avocados are tossed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crumbled bleu cheese, and smoky bacon bits. A simple yet vibrant dressing ties it all together for a delicious and healthy meal or side dish. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party appetizer!

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Preparation Course Salads Easy

Baby Greens Pear Walnut And Blue Cheese Salad

A delightful and elegant salad, perfect for book club or a special dinner! This recipe combines the freshness of baby greens with the sweetness of pears, the crunch of walnuts, and the tang of blue cheese for a flavor explosion in your mouth. Easy to make in just 10 minutes, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.

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Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less 60 Minutes Or Less Easy

Bacon And Blue Cheese Potato Surprise

Creamy, dreamy, and surprisingly delicious! This Bacon & Blue Cheese Potato Surprise recipe delivers the perfect balance of tangy blue cheese and smoky bacon. Quick and easy to make, it's equally enjoyable hot, cold, or at room temperature. A perfect side dish or light meal!

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Low Carb Low In Something Dips Course

Bacon Cheese Dip Southern Living

Game day just got a whole lot tastier! This creamy, dreamy Bacon Cheese Dip, inspired by Southern Living, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Sharp blue cheese provides a tangy kick that perfectly complements the smoky bacon. Serve warm (try it in a mini crock-pot!) or chilled with your favorite crackers for an unforgettable appetizer. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Served Hot Side Dishes Savory Broccoli

Baked Broccoli With Blue Cheese Sauce

Elevate your broccoli game with this decadent baked broccoli recipe featuring a creamy, tangy blue cheese sauce! Inspired by Maytag Dairy Farm, this recipe uses high-quality blue cheese (Maytag preferred!) for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian meal. Get ready for a cheesy, comforting explosion of flavor in just 70 minutes!

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Course Vegetarian Equipment 15 Minutes Or Less

Balsamic Bleu Beets

A vibrant and flavorful Balsamic Bleu Beet Salad, ready in 15 minutes! Sweet roasted beets are tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, then topped with crunchy walnuts and creamy bleu cheese. Support your local farmer's market and find the freshest beets for this simple yet elegant salad.

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High Protein Easy Preparation Low Carb

Beef Tenderloin With Blue Cheese

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly quick and easy recipe! Juicy pan-seared beef tenderloin is topped with a luscious blue cheese and sour cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this impressive dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

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Time To Make 15 Minutes Or Less Salad Dressings Blueberries

Berry Blue Salad

This vibrant Berry Blue Salad from Whole Foods Market is bursting with flavor and antioxidants! Sweet blueberries, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy red onion are tossed in a zesty olive oil and orange juice dressing, infused with fragrant lemon thyme. Grilled chicken or tempeh adds protein for a complete and satisfying meal. Roasted almonds provide the perfect crunchy topping. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 10 minutes!

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Time To Make Preparation Number Of Servings Easy

Best Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Dip

Indulge in this unbelievably creamy blue cheese dip! Perfect for crudités, buffalo wings, or as a decadent topping for your favorite dishes. This easy 10-minute recipe delivers a rich, tangy flavor that will impress your guests. Get ready for flavor explosions!

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Poultry Easy European Preparation

Chicken With Blue Cheese

Indulge in this sophisticated French-inspired dish! Our Chicken with Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce features succulent chicken perfectly complemented by a rich, tangy blue cheese sauce. The strong flavor of blue cheese makes this a recipe for adventurous palates – those who love it will adore it! Easy to follow instructions and a reasonable cook time make this a perfect weeknight dinner.

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