Blue Cheese vs Leicester Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Leicester Cheese is , 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 Leicester Cheese?
Red Leicester, from Leicester, England, is a firm cheese known for its rich, nutty flavor and vibrant orange color, due to the addition of annatto. It is similar to cheddar but with a moister, crumblier texture. Red Leicester is often used in cheese dishes, melted in toasties, or grated over salads.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Leicester Cheese?
- Origin: Blue Cheese (France), Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | — | England |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | — |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | — |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Leicester 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 Leicester Cheese
Blue Cheese
Leicester Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Leicester Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Leicester Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Leicester Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Leicester Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Leicester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese originates in France, while Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Leicester Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Leicester Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Leicester Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Leicester Cheese made of?
Leicester Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Leicester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Leicester Cheese.