Discover the Best Blue Cheese Pairings for Every Occasion

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we truly believe that blue cheese deserves more time in the spotlight. It’s bold, rich, crumbly, creamy and packed with flavour. But many of us are unsure how to pair blue cheese to make the most of it. Whether you’re planning an evening with friends or adding something extra to your everyday meals, pairing blue cheese the right way can make a big difference.

From wines and beers to fruits, crackers and cooked dishes, we’ve explored all the perfect matches to help you get the most from every bite of blue cheese. Ready for flavour combinations that work beautifully? Let’s get started.

What Makes Blue Cheese So Special?

Blue cheese is easy to spot, quite literally. Those blue or greenish veins running through it are mould cultures, usually Penicillium roqueforti. Don’t worry, they’re safe to eat and give the cheese its strong, tangy taste and unique aroma.

Some blue cheeses are creamy, like Gorgonzola, while others, such as Roquefort and Stilton, are firmer and crumblier. Visit our blue cheese section at Cheese Shop Nantwich to see the range we have available. Whether mild or powerful, the right side dish or drink can completely change how blue cheese tastes on your tongue.

Perfect Wines to Pair with Blue Cheese

Matching blue cheese with wine may seem tricky at first. The bold saltiness of the cheese can overwhelm a delicate wine, so we tend to look for sweet wines that contrast and balance the flavour. Here are some winning combos:

Port and Stilton

A classic pairing that never fails. The deep, fruity, and sweet nature of port wine pairs well with the rich tanginess of Stilton. The salt in the cheese brings out the sweetness in the wine beautifully. Set up a festive platter with hunks of blue cheese, a chilled decanter of Port and a few oat biscuits. Everyone will enjoy it.

Sauternes and Roquefort

Sauternes is a sweet white wine from Bordeaux, and when sipped with Roquefort, something magical happens. The wine’s honey tones soften the sharpness of the cheese, and its floral notes pair well with the creamy texture.

Riesling and Gorgonzola

If you’re after something lighter, go for a bottle of slightly sweet Riesling alongside milder blue cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness, giving you a balanced taste that works well with each mouthful.

Beer and Blue Cheese: Strong Matches

Though wine might be the more common companion, blue cheese and beer are best mates too. The carbonation in beer cleans the palate while the bitter or sweet notes enhance the cheese flavour.

Stout or Porter

Pair a creamy Stilton or Gorgonzola with a dark stout or porter. These beers have roasted notes similar to coffee or chocolate that contrast well with blue cheese and bring out its creamy nature.

IPA and Danish Blue

Indian Pale Ales are hoppy and bold. A strong IPA goes well with sharp Danish Blue, as the hop bitterness matches the tang of the cheese without getting lost.

Wheat Beers and Mild Blue

Soft and fruity wheat beers are great with mild blue cheeses. The beer’s natural citrus notes highlight the sour, fruity tang of a young blue cheese. Try this combo on a warm evening with a side of grapes and bread.

Fruits and Nuts: Natural Blue Cheese Partners

Fresh fruit, dried fruit, and nuts are simple touches that change everything on a cheese board. Blue cheese already has depth and saltiness. Add sweet or crunchy bites for contrast and texture.

Pears and Apples

Sliced fresh pear or apple is lovely with crumbly blue cheese. The juicy sweetness tones down the salty notes, making each bite more mellow and fresh. Place slices beside wedges of Gorgonzola or Blue Stilton.

Figs and Dates

Dried fruits like figs and dates are packed with natural sugar. Pairing Roquefort with figs is a rich treat, especially with a drizzle of honey on top. It’s soft, sweet and intense.

Walnuts and Almonds

Crunchy nuts provide texture to go with creamy cheeses. Walnuts, in particular, complement the earthy, sharp taste of blue cheese. Serve them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a quick appetiser.

The Perfect Crackers and Bread for Blue Cheese

Good cheese deserves a solid base. The right cracker or slice of bread should carry the cheese without competing for attention. Look for flavour and texture that complement rather than overshadow.

Oatcakes or Wholegrain Crackers

Oat-based biscuits are quite mild in taste but firm enough to support bold cheese. The nutty flavour of wholegrain or oat biscuits carries the sharpness of blue cheese well and offers a textured crunch.

Rye Bread

Rye is dark, chewy and often slightly bitter. As a base for creamy blue cheese, it works wonders. Add a dab of chutney on top for a blend of savoury and sweet.

Fruit Bread

A slice of fruit loaf with bits of dried fruit and a soft dollop of blue cheese is like eating a dessert. This might sound odd at first, but the sweet and savoury mix is delicious and memorable.

How to Add Blue Cheese to Hot Dishes

One of our favourite ways to enjoy blue cheese is when it melts and gets all soft and gooey. Adding just a bit to a warm dish brings out a creamy boldness that spreads across the whole plate.

Blue Cheese on Steak

Top a cooked steak with a slice of Stilton or Gorgonzola and let it melt. The heat brings out the richness of the cheese and adds flavour to the beef without overpowering it. Add some cracked pepper, and you’ve got yourself a treat.

Stirred into Pasta or Risotto

You only need a little blue cheese to make a big change. Melt a spoonful into a mushroom risotto or stir it through creamy pasta with spinach. The salt of the cheese replaces the need for extra seasoning.

On Pizza

Crumbled blue cheese as a topping works really well with sweet ingredients like caramelised onions or roasted butternut squash. The contrast between sweet and salty gives a delightful surprise with each bite.

Cheese Boards That Impress: Putting it All Together

Making a blue cheese platter is easy once you know what to include. Think textures, tastes, and colours. Guests enjoy trying new things, so offer a little variety and space everything out nicely.

Start by choosing two or three blue cheeses with different strengths. Add fresh fruit like pears and grapes, a few oatcakes or rye slices, and a small pot of chutney on the side. Throw in some nuts and maybe a little dark chocolate on the board.

And don’t forget, you can explore a wonderful range of artisan blue cheeses at the Cheese Shop Nantwich website. We’re always happy to help you pick out the right pairings or suggest cheeses you might not have tried before.

FAQs

Is blue cheese safe to eat?
Yes, the veins of Penicillium mould are completely safe and add to the flavour. Just store it properly and eat it before the use-by date.

How do I store blue cheese once opened?
Wrap blue cheese in wax paper or foil and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps retain moisture and stops it from drying out or absorbing other smells.

Can blue cheese go off?
Yes, like all dairy. If it smells sour (not strong, but off), has unusual colours or textures, then it may not be safe to eat. Always check.

What’s the best drink with blue cheese apart from wine or beer?
You might be surprised, but apple juice or ginger beer works very well. The sweetness tones down the tang of cheese and it’s great if you’re avoiding alcohol.

Can I freeze blue cheese?
You can, but it may change the texture and become crumbly. It’s best used frozen in cooked dishes rather than on a cheese board.

Enjoy the Flavour with Cheese Shop Nantwich

Blue cheese is full of flavour, and with the right pairings, you’ll enjoy each bite so much more. Whether you’re sipping on a sweet wine, crunching into a wholegrain cracker or digging into warm pasta topped with melting cheese, these combinations bring out the best in every cheese.

We’ve tried and tested all of these pairings over time through our experiences at Cheese Shop Nantwich, and we encourage you to give them a go. If you’re after top-quality cheeses, have a look at our full selection over at Cheese Shop Nantwich, where we carry everything from creamy Gorgonzola to strong, crumbly Stilton.

Pick your favourites, mix and match the right pairings, and make your next snack, dinner or gathering something special. Ready to try new flavours? Visit our online shop and start building your perfect cheese board today.