Blue Cheese is amazingly versatile; equally perfect on a fruit and cheese plate or as a stand-out ingredient in your next meal. (Scroll down for a terrific roundup of delectable blue cheese recipes!)
Mr B and I took a trip to the Rogue Creamery in Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley, where we visited the Rogue Creamery to learn more more about blue cheese, and see first-hand how they create their award-winning cheeses.
For many years, I erroneously thought that blue cheese, Roquefort, Gorgonzola and the like were distinctly different cheeses. And they are... but they aren't. Like Swiss- and cheddar-style cheeses, there are a wide variety of blue cheeses, each with its own unique flavor and textures, but they can ofttimes be used interchangeably in recipes. So before we go any farther, let's take a moment to discuss what blue cheese is.
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Blue Cheese Basics
- Blue cheese is most often made from cow, sheep, or goat milk.
- Blue cheese is made by culturing milk with Penicillium, a type of mold.
- Different blue cheeses are cultured in various ways, using unique strains of Penicullium, giving them their distinct flavor, texture, and aroma.
- In the European Union, many blue cheeses (e.g., Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Stilton) are protected, and can bear their name only if they have been made in a particular region.
Some Popular Varieties of Blue Cheese
- Cabrales - Traditionally made from mixing goat and sheep's milk together, Cabrales has a strong, spicy flavor.
- Danish Blue - This strong blue cheese is creamy, with a semi-soft texture.
- Dorset Blue Vinney - This English blue cheese is made with unpasteurized, skimmed cow's milk, and has a hard texture, a crusty outer layer, and a strong aroma and taste.
- Gorgonzola - Made with either cow or goat's milk (sometimes both), Gorgonzola is a firm, creamy cheese with a salty and often slightly sweet taste.
- Roquefort - Famously green-veined, Roquefort has a tangy, salty flavor with sweet undertones.
- Stilton - This semi-soft cheese is made from unpasteurized cow's milk, and has a strong aroma and outstanding flavor.
A Trip Back in Time: Rogue Creamery, Est. 1933
There's something comforting and wonderful about the rustic feel of a real, honest-to-goodness (emphasis on the goodness!) cheese shop, and the Rogue Creamery is about as honest a cheese shop as they come.
Founded in 1933 at the height of the depression, Rogue Creamery began producing blue cheese in 1954. Today, they continue to draw both inspiration and resources from Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley, and offer award-winning varieties of outstanding handcrafted blue cheese, cheddar cheese, and TouVelle.
Step inside to sample cheeses to your heart's content. Hungry travelers can order one of their crazy-good panini-style grilled cheese sandwiches, prepared with more than a generous amount of cheese.
A great place to pack a perfect picnic, Rogue Creamery also offers a carefully curated selection of deli items, crackers, fruit, beer, and wine, as well as local artisan jams, jellies and sauces. The staff at the shop is helpful and knowledgeable, and will be more than happy to help you with your selections. Samples are always available, but if something you want to try isn't out, all you need to do it ask.
Rogue Creamery Notes:
- Smokey Blue: Referred to in-house as "Beginner Blue," this smooth, smokey blue packs in all of the flavor (and then some) without the harsh, bitey quality of some blue cheeses. This classic Roquefort-style blue cheese is cold smoked sixteen hours with Oregon Hazelnut shells, resulting in a sweet, creamy, smoky flavor. It crumbles well, and is "easy to eat" as blue cheese goes, and pairs well with well-rounded "food" wines that are on the fruity side and lighter on tannins and acidity.
- LaDiDa Lavender Cheddar: I know - it sounds weird, but Mr B and I both love this uniquely floral cheese. LaDiDa would be perfect on a dessert tray with chocolate or scones, and paired with a light dessert wine.
- Caveman Blue: Full-bodied, buttery, and AMAZING! Rogue Creamery uses a unique aging environment to create this golden-hued blue that tastes of sweet, fresh buttermilk with hints of tropical fruit. Caveman’s earthy undertones pair well with a wide range of beverages, from bold reds to sweeter desert wines to full-flavored Stouts.
- Blue Heaven (Powdered Cheese): Blue Heaven is a proprietary blend of Oregon Blue, Oregonzola, Crater Lake Blue and special reserve blue cheeses. Perfect for sprinkling on salads, breads, popcorn, nuts, and anything else you can think of.
Not a fan of dry, tannin-rich red wines? Me either. But next time you have the chance, try some with a bite of blue cheese. You may be pleasantly surprised (as I was) to discover that the pairing opens up whole new venues to you. Tannins literally bind to the cheese's protein and fat, measurably softening the astringent qualities of the tannins, and making the entire tasting experience smoother in the process.
Blue Cheese is an amazingly versatile cheese; equally perfect on a fruit and cheese plate or as a stand-out ingredient in your next meal. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs! With herbs, veggies, and a little spicy cayenne. Heat is balanced by the cool, yogurt Blue Cheese Sauce. Healthy & delish! This cool, creamy Blue Cheese Dip pairs perfectly with Buffalo Wings, tortilla chips, or cut veggies. Fast and easy to make, it’s a great choice for all your backyard parties and game day celebrations! Serve this delicious savory and sweet Blue Cheese Fig Tart for brunch, as an appetizer and/or as a snack, and be ready for your tastebuds to start dancing the can-can! Slow cooked beef and creamy blue cheese sauce make these savory steak sliders a little bite of heaven! Time to turn up the heat in your weeknight meals with Buffalo Shrimp and Blue Cheese Grits! Easy to make and packed with protein, this zesty dish is a delicious twist on a southern favorite. There's nothing subtle about this dish! Chicken, Roasted Broccoli, and Bleu Cheese Penne has bold flavors that pair perfectly with bleu cheese. Here’s a truly unique fall salad option! A fig salad full of spinach, figs, blue cheese, roasted acorn squash and candied pecans, all tossed in a balsamic dressing. This Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Candied Pecans is an autumn staple! Especially for entertaining. An “Italian Blue” Salad – mixed greens served with blue cheese, honey roasted pecans, fresh blueberries and a homemade apricot vinaigrette dressing. Great for a fresh summer salad, your family will love it! Crisp-tender beets come to life in this Spiralized Beets with Bleu Cheese, Walnuts, and Sage! You'll love the earthy flavors of this hearty side dish; ready to serve in about 20 minutes. Celeriac and Blue Cheese Soup with Spinach is gloriously colorful, creamy and rich. Garnish with your favored topping and serve it up for lunch, supper or as an elegant appetizer. Creamy blue cheese mashed potatoes with caramelized onions and horseradish are a fun twist on your standard mashed potato recipe! Great for the holidays, or to pair with a steak. Tender roasted cauliflower dripping with blue cheese sauce and sprinkled with crispy bacon. This 15-Minute Blue Cheese Garlic Bread is studded with flavor thanks to a vibrant blend of cheese, butter, and fresh herbs! These savory, rich Bacon and Roquefort Cheese Muffins are areal treat. They are a wonderful addition to a breakfast or brunch bread basket. (Just imagine them with steak and eggs!) These Blue Cheese Watercress Artichoke Tarts combine some strong & classic flavors with rich, buttery pastry. Ideal for supper alongside a crisp green salad or made into mini tartlets for parties. These blue cheese biscuits special are packed with a double dose of blue cheese! It starts with creamy blue cheese dressing, and finishes with real blue cheese crumbles to give you the perfect cheese texture in every bite. Chicken tenders, marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce and then coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs before baking. Finish them off with a tasty bath in a delicious buffalo blue cheese sauce. Cream cheese, blue cheese, green onion, and parsley create a unique, cheesy topping over flaky puff pastry crust. These easy Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares will be a hit at any party or holiday gathering. Steak Bites with Creamy Blue Cheese dipping sauce – the perfect celebratory end of season meal! This Gorgonzola Butter is perfect on steaks and baked potatoes for a little something extra! Everyone loves this easy appetizer and its trio of cheeses - this Blue Cheese and Pecan Cheese Ball is made to party! This small batch homemade blue cheese dressing uses a few simple ingredients and can be ready in minutes. Gorgonzola Cream Cheese Spread is super easy to make, packed with flavor, and great as a dip with crackers or spread on your favorite bread!24 Delectable Blue Cheese Recipes
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Cool Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip
Blue Cheese Fig Tart
Bourbon Blue Cheese Steak Sliders
Buffalo Shrimp and Blue Cheese Grits Recipe
Chicken, Roasted Broccoli, and Bleu Cheese Penne
Fig Salad with Spinach
Pear And Gorgonzola Salad With Candied Pecans
Italian Blue Salad with Homemade Apricot Dressing & Honey Pecans
Spiralized Beets with Bleu Cheese • Beyond Mere Sustenance
Celeriac and Blue Cheese Soup with Spinach
Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
Bacon & Blue Cheese Roasted Cauliflower Wedges
15-Minute Blue Cheese Garlic Bread
Bacon and Roquefort Cheese Muffins with Toasted Walnuts
Blue Cheese, Watercress & Artichoke Tarts
Blue Cheese Biscuits
Baked Chicken Tenders with Buffalo Blue Cheese Sauce
Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares
Steak Bites With Creamy Blue Cheese - Camp Food
Gorgonzola Butter
Blue Cheese and Pecan Cheese Ball
Small Batch Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Gorgonzola Cream Cheese Spread
Oregon's Rogue Valley is growing and thriving, and Mr B and I have simply fallen in love with it. Click through to read more about our favorite Southern Oregon discoveries on the Applegate Valley Wine Trail, and in Jacksonville and Ashland.
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Tamara Andersen says
Wow! What an awesome post about one of my FAVORITE foods! I love the point you made about dry, tannic red wines with bleu cheese... So true! You've brought together some great recipes that feature bleu cheese. Thanks for including my Spiralized Golden Beets with Toasted Walnuts, Blue Cheese, and Sage!
Holly says
Oh how I love blue cheese and all of these tasty recipes! The Rogue Creamery sounds like a fantastic place to visit and sample some yummy cheesy goodness. Can't wait to start trying out some of these delicious recipes!
jane @ littlesugarsnaps says
You've got some wonderful recipes included here. I just don't know where to start. And I'd love to visit a creamery - sounds like The Rogue is a great place.
Heather @ The Spicy Apron says
What a great article full of info on Blue Cheese! The Rogue Creamery sounds like it's right up my alley!
Anya says
Yumm!! I'm such a sucker for blue cheese anything. Thanks for including my Buffalo Chicken Salad.