Blue Cheese vs Dunlop Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Dunlop Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Scotland.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
What Is Dunlop Cheese?
Dunlop is a hard cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk in Scotland. It has a natural rind and offers a flavor profile that is buttery, nutty, and sweet. The cheese's texture is firm and smooth, making it a satisfying option for those who enjoy a rich, full-bodied cheese. Known also as Smoked Dunlop, it can sometimes be found with a smoky flavor variation. This cheese pairs well with fruit and nuts or can be enjoyed on its own. It's a traditional Scottish cheese that has remained popular for its straightforward yet appealing flavor.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Dunlop Cheese?
- Origin: Blue Cheese (France), Dunlop Cheese (Scotland)
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Dunlop Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Blue Cheese (Pasteurized or Raw), Dunlop Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Dunlop Cheese (hard)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Dunlop Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Dunlop Cheese (buttery, nutty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Dunlop Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Scotland |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Hard |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Buttery, nutty, sweet |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Dunlop Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Blue Cheese and Dunlop Cheese
Blue Cheese
Dunlop Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Dunlop Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Dunlop Cheese brings buttery, nutty, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Dunlop Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Dunlop Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Dunlop Cheese brings buttery, nutty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Dunlop Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a hard profile, Dunlop Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Dunlop Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, nutty, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Dunlop Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese originates in France, while Dunlop Cheese comes from Scotland. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Dunlop Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Dunlop Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Dunlop Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Dunlop Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Dunlop Cheese is buttery, nutty, sweet.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. It originates in France.
What is Dunlop Cheese made of?
Dunlop Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Scotland.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Dunlop Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Dunlop Cheese is hard.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Dunlop Cheese.