Gorgonzola Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Gorgonzola Cheese is a soft to crumbly cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

What Is Gorgonzola Cheese?

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from unskimmed cow's milk, named for a town near Milan. It comes in two styles: dolce, mild and buttery, and piccante, sharper with a firm, crumbly body.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Gorgonzola Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Gorgonzola Cheese (Soft to crumbly), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Gorgonzola Cheese (None), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Gorgonzola Cheese (Sweet to savory), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Gorgonzola Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Gorgonzola Cheese reads as sweet to savory, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Gorgonzola Cheese offers nutty, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Gorgonzola Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Gorgonzola Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft to crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to hard. Flavor-wise, Gorgonzola Cheese reads as sweet to savory while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Gorgonzola Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft to crumbly cheese, go with Gorgonzola Cheese. For a soft to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gorgonzola Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to savory notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gorgonzola Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Gorgonzola Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Gorgonzola Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Gorgonzola Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Gorgonzola Cheese reads as sweet to savory, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Gorgonzola Cheese leans nutty, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

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.

What is Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Gorgonzola Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Gorgonzola Cheese is soft to crumbly, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.