Blue Cheese vs Huntsman Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Huntsman Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
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 Huntsman Cheese?
Huntsman cheese is a British creation made from cow's milk. It combines layers of Double Gloucester and Stilton, resulting in a semi-hard texture. The cheese has a natural rind and offers a smooth, buttery flavor. The combination of the creamy Double Gloucester with the tangy Stilton creates a balanced taste. It's often enjoyed on a cheese board or melted in savory dishes.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Huntsman Cheese?
- Origin: Blue Cheese (France), Huntsman Cheese (United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Huntsman Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Huntsman Cheese (semi-hard)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Huntsman Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Huntsman Cheese (buttery, smooth)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Huntsman Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United Kingdom |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | — |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Buttery, smooth |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Huntsman 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?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Blue Cheese and Huntsman Cheese
Blue Cheese
Huntsman Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Huntsman Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Huntsman Cheese brings buttery, smooth character.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Huntsman Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Huntsman 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 semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Huntsman Cheese brings buttery, smooth notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Huntsman 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 semi-hard profile, Huntsman Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Huntsman Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Huntsman Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese originates in France, while Huntsman Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Huntsman Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Huntsman Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Huntsman Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Huntsman Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Huntsman Cheese is buttery, smooth.
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 Huntsman Cheese made of?
Huntsman Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Huntsman Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Huntsman Cheese is semi-hard.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Huntsman Cheese.