Blue Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese
Blue Cheese
Washed Rind Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese is .
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 Washed Rind Cheese?
Washed Rind cheese is known for its strong aroma and rich, savory flavor profile. This type of cheese is characterized by its orange to reddish exterior, which results from regular washing with brine or alcohol during the aging process. The washing encourages the growth of specific bacteria that contribute to its pungent smell and distinct taste. The texture can range from soft and creamy to semi-soft, often with a slightly sticky rind. Inside, the cheese is usually buttery and smooth, offering a bold taste that can be mildly salty with a hint of sweetness. Washed Rind cheeses are best enjoyed with hearty breads and can pair well with robust wines or beers, which help balance their intense flavors. Popular examples include Limburger, Taleggio, and Epoisses.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| 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 | Washed Rind 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 Washed Rind Cheese
Blue Cheese
Washed Rind Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Washed Rind 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 Washed Rind Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Washed Rind 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 Washed Rind Cheese made of?
Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Washed Rind 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 Washed Rind Cheese.