Cabrales Cheese vs Gorgonzola Cheese
Cabrales Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese
Cabrales Cheese is a crumbly, open paste cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Gorgonzola Cheese is soft to crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Cabrales Cheese?
Cabrales is a strong, pungent blue cheese from the Asturias region in northern Spain. It is traditionally made from a mixture of raw cow's, goat’s, and sheep's milk that is aged in natural limestone caves, facilitating the development of its intense flavor and blue veining. Cabrales is known for its deep, spicy earthiness and can be quite sharp, making it a favorite among blue cheese aficionados.
What Is Gorgonzola Cheese?
Gorgonzola is one of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses, produced in Northern Italy. It's rich and creamy with a sharp, piquant flavor that varies depending on its age. Gorgonzola can be spicy (Piccante) or sweet (Dolce), with the latter being softer and less aged.
What's the Difference Between Cabrales Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese?
- Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Gorgonzola Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Cabrales Cheese (unpasteurized), Gorgonzola Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Cabrales Cheese (Crumbly, open paste), Gorgonzola Cheese (Soft to crumbly)
- Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Gorgonzola Cheese (None)
- Taste: Cabrales Cheese (Intense, piquant), Gorgonzola Cheese (Sweet to savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cabrales Cheese | Gorgonzola Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Asturias | Lombardy, Piedmont |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, open paste | Soft to crumbly |
| Rind | Natural | None |
| Aging | 2 to 3 months | 2 to 3 months |
| Taste | Intense, piquant | Sweet to savory |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cabrales Cheese | Gorgonzola Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Asti Spumante, Dried Fruit, Steak |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Bresaola |
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Where to buy Cabrales Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese
Cabrales Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Gorgonzola Cheese?
Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Gorgonzola Cheese brings sweet to savory character. On the nose, Cabrales Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Gorgonzola Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Cabrales Cheese shows hints of hazelnuts, dark cocoa, sharp, metallic finish; intensely acid curd, while Gorgonzola Cheese leans toward dolce: creamy, slightly spicy, delicate. piccante: blue-veined, crumbly, strong, with widespread bluish-green marbling.
Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Gorgonzola Cheese?
In most recipes, Cabrales Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect crumbly, open paste bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to crumbly. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant while Gorgonzola Cheese brings sweet to savory notes.
Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Gorgonzola Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, open paste cheese, go with Cabrales Cheese. For a soft to crumbly profile, Gorgonzola Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese suits recipes that want intense, piquant notes, while Gorgonzola Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet to savory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Gorgonzola Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Gorgonzola Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Gorgonzola Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Gorgonzola Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Gorgonzola Cheese?
Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Gorgonzola Cheese is sweet to savory. Aromas also diverge. Cabrales Cheese leans strong, and Gorgonzola Cheese is closer to nutty.
What is Cabrales Cheese made of?
Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.
What is Gorgonzola Cheese made of?
Gorgonzola Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Cabrales Cheese or Gorgonzola Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is crumbly, open paste, while Gorgonzola Cheese is soft to crumbly.
See full profiles: Cabrales Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese.