Blue Cheese vs Saint Marcellin Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Saint Marcellin Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Saint Marcellin is a soft, artisan cheese from France made with cow's milk. It has a mild, tangy flavor that is easy to enjoy. The cheese is soft in texture and typically comes in a small, round form. Its white color is inviting, and it tends to become creamier as it ripens. Saint Marcellin is often enjoyed on its own or spread on bread. It pairs well with light wines, making it a popular choice for cheese platters. Whether called Saint Marcellin, St Marcellin, or Saint-Marcellin, this cheese is a charming addition to any cheese board.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Saint Marcellin Cheese?
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Saint Marcellin Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Saint Marcellin Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Saint Marcellin Cheese (mild, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Saint Marcellin Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | — |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Mild, tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Saint Marcellin 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 Saint Marcellin Cheese
Blue Cheese
Saint Marcellin Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Saint Marcellin Cheese brings mild, tangy character.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Saint Marcellin 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Saint Marcellin Cheese brings mild, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Saint Marcellin 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 soft, artisan profile, Saint Marcellin Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Saint Marcellin Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Saint Marcellin Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Saint Marcellin Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Saint Marcellin Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Saint Marcellin Cheese is mild, tangy.
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 Saint Marcellin Cheese made of?
Saint Marcellin Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Saint Marcellin Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Saint Marcellin Cheese is soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Saint Marcellin Cheese.