Blue Cheese vs Kernhem Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Kernhem Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
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 Kernhem Cheese?
Kernhem is a soft cheese from the Netherlands, made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a fat content of 60%, giving it a rich and creamy texture. The flavor profile is mild, with nutty and sweet notes that make it appealing to many palates. The cheese has a yellow hue and is known for its aromatic presence. It features a washed rind, which contributes to its distinctive aroma. Kernhem is versatile in use, suitable for both snacking and cooking.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Kernhem Cheese?
- Origin: Blue Cheese (France), Kernhem Cheese (Netherlands)
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Kernhem Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Blue Cheese (Pasteurized or Raw), Kernhem Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Kernhem Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Kernhem Cheese (washed)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Kernhem Cheese (mild, nutty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Kernhem Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | — | Kernhem |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Soft |
| Rind | Natural | Washed |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Mild, nutty, sweet |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Kernhem 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 Kernhem Cheese
Blue Cheese
Kernhem Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Kernhem Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Kernhem Cheese brings mild, nutty, sweet character. On the nose, Blue Cheese offers strong, pungent, earthy, funky, contrasted with Kernhem Cheese's aromatic.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Kernhem Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Kernhem 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. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Kernhem Cheese brings mild, nutty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Kernhem 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 profile, Kernhem Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Kernhem Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, nutty, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Kernhem Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese originates in France, while Kernhem Cheese comes from Netherlands. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Kernhem Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Kernhem Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Kernhem Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Kernhem Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Kernhem Cheese is mild, nutty, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Blue Cheese leans strong, pungent, earthy, funky, and Kernhem Cheese is closer to aromatic.
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 Kernhem Cheese made of?
Kernhem Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Kernhem Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Kernhem Cheese is soft.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Kernhem Cheese.