The best Stilton cheese substitutes are Roquefort Cheese, Brie Cheese, Feta Cheese, Mountain Gorgonzola, and Camembert Cheese.
So, I was browsing through some recipes in forums. And I came across posts where many people were looking for Stilton Cheese, but trying to find it is almost like a treasure hunt. I came across posts like, “Help, can’t find Stilton anywhere!”
That got me thinking and researching substitutes for Stilton cheese. I struggle with not having the exact stuff a recipe calls for. So, this article is all about sharing some amazing substitutes for Stilton cheese. It’s a crucial kitchen hack for moments when you can’t get Stilton cheese but still want to add that flavor to your dish.
Table of Contents
What is Stilton Cheese?
Stilton Cheese is a special kind of cheese that comes from England. It’s named after the village of Stilton, although it’s not made there. Stilton cheese has been around for a long time, dating back to the early 18th century.
It’s made from pasteurized cow’s milk and is known for its distinct blue veins running through it, created by a special mold called Penicillium roqueforti. This mold also gives the cheese its unique flavor. Stilton has a crumbly texture and a rich taste ranging from mild to strong.
The cheese is usually made in specific regions of England, and it has even been granted a special status called Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), which means it must be made in a certain way in designated areas to be called Stilton. People enjoy Stilton for its delicious and complex taste, and it’s often paired with fruits, nuts, or bread.
What is a Good Substitute for Stilton Cheese?
1. Roquefort Cheese
One of the top picks as a Stilton cheese substitute is the well-known Roquefort cheese. Originating from France, Roquefort shares a bold and tangy flavor that remarkably mirrors the distinctive taste of Stilton.
Crafted from sheep’s milk and aged in natural caves, Roquefort develops a crumbly yet creamy texture. Its notable blue-green veins emit a rich and pungent aroma, adding to its unique appeal.
Despite being pricier than some alternatives, Roquefort maintains a high level of quality. It’s great for topping salads, enhancing pasta dishes, or simply enjoying with crackers and fruit.
2. Brie Cheese
Brie cheese is a popular alternative for Stilton cheese, especially for those leaning towards milder flavors and a non-blue cheese option. Originating from France, Brie offers a soft and creamy texture, velvety and smooth, perfect for spreading on bread or crackers.
While it lacks the tanginess of Stilton, Brie brings a buttery, slightly fruity taste that complements various accompaniments. Known for its versatility, Brie works well in baked dishes, sandwiches, and cheese platters.Â
Even though it doesn’t have Stilton’s distinctive blue veins, its melt-in-your-mouth creaminess and earthy notes make it an attractive choice for those seeking a less bold alternative in their meals.
3. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese, a brined curd cheese from Greece, provides a distinctive Stilton cheese substitute. Although not a blue cheese, its tangy and salty flavor brings an intriguing contrast when used as a Stilton substitute. The crumbly texture of feta lends itself well to various uses.Â
Made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk, feta has a milder aroma than the more pungent Stilton. Its wide availability makes it a convenient choice in many stores worldwide.
With lower fat and calories, feta offers a healthier option when a lighter alternative to Stilton is desired. Its briny taste makes it a great match for fruits, salads, and Mediterranean dishes. While feta won’t precisely mimic Stilton’s characteristics, experimenting with it in recipes can bring a unique twist to the final dish, considering the distinctive flavor profile of feta.
4. Mountain Gorgonzola
Much like Roquefort, Mountain Gorgonzola proves to be a great Stilton cheese substitute. Originating from Italy, this blue cheese brings a robust, earthy flavor and a creamy texture to the table. Aged Mountain Gorgonzola packs a stronger punch, while the younger version offers a milder taste, adding versatility to various recipes, similar to Stilton.
With its semi-soft consistency and hints of spiciness, it’s a good match for salads, dips, and pasta. An added bonus is that Mountain Gorgonzola is often more budget-friendly and easier to find in grocery stores, making it a practical substitute for those who want both affordability and great flavor.
5. Camembert Cheese
Camembert cheese, a creamy French delight, is a great non-blue cheese alternative to Stilton cheese. With a rich flavor profile and a somewhat similar texture to Stilton, Camembert offers a milder taste that’s less pungent but still deliciously earthy. While it doesn’t match Stilton’s boldness, Camembert’s subtle fruity rind adds an extra layer of flavor.
Although not an exact replica, Camembert shines when looking for a more delicate and subtle taste experience in dishes and cheese platters. Camembert may not be the go-to for recipes needing a strong, bold taste, but it’s perfect for those who prefer a gentler, softer cheese that enhances, rather than overpowers, the other ingredients.
6. Fourme D’Ambert
Fourme D’Ambert is an excellent substitute for Stilton cheese, especially for those seeking a milder blue cheese option. Originating from France, this cheese offers a creamy flavor that is slightly less pungent than Stilton while maintaining a distinct fruity taste.
With a smooth and dense texture that softens as it ripens, Fourme D’Ambert blends seamlessly into various dishes, providing a desirable creaminess. It proves versatile in salads, sauces, or on a cheese board. Fourme D’Ambert is generally more accessible and budget-friendly than Stilton, making it an appealing alternative for everyday use.
7. Vegan Blue Cheese
Vegan blue cheese is a delicious Stilton cheese replacement for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle or steering clear of dairy. Crafted from plant-based ingredients like cashews, almonds, or soy, these alternatives mimic traditional blue cheese’s bold, tangy flavors and semi-soft, crumbly texture.Â
Many vegan blue cheeses on the market can be seamlessly incorporated into recipes or enjoyed as guilt-free snacks, elevating dishes like salads, pasta, and snacks, or as a highlight on a vegan cheese board. Beyond their delectable taste, these dairy-free options are lactose-free, lower in fat and cholesterol, catering to dietary restrictions and offering a flavorful transition for those opting for more sustainable or compassionate food choices.
8. Nut-based Cheeses
Nut-based cheeses present a distinctive option as a Stilton cheese substitute, especially for those exploring dairy-free or plant-based alternatives. Crafted from nuts like cashews and almonds, these cheeses can closely replicate the texture and flavor of traditional dairy cheeses.
Cashew-based blue cheeses, in particular, deliver a bold and tangy taste reminiscent of Stilton. Fermented with various molds, these vegan blue cheeses share the crumbly texture of Stilton, making them versatile in both cooking and cheese platters. However, the texture and flavor of nut-based cheeses can vary widely between brands and recipes.
9. Bleu d’Auvergne
Bleu d’Auvergne, a delightful French blue cheese hailing from the picturesque Auvergne region, stands out as an enticing alternative to Stilton cheese. This cheese, often likened to Roquefort, offers a slightly less intense flavor, featuring balanced notes of spiciness and creaminess, making it a fitting substitute for Stilton’s bold profile.
With a texture that’s a bit softer and creamier than Stilton, Bleu d’Auvergne is versatile, making it perfect as a spread on crackers and bread or melted into various dishes. Whether enjoyed in cooking or straight from the cheeseboard, its rich taste caters to a range of cheese enthusiasts.
10. Maytag Blue
Hailing from the United States, Maytag Blue proves to be an excellent Stilton cheese alternative. With its rich, earthy flavor and crumbly texture, this cheese adds a delightful touch to various dishes.
Produced in Iowa since the 1940s, Maytag Blue is renowned for its piquant taste and distinctive aroma, thanks to its specific aging process and homogenized cow’s milk in production. Though slightly milder than Stilton in flavor intensity, Maytag Blue still holds its own in recipes calling for a strong-flavored blue cheese.
It brings delicious contrast to other ingredients, whether in salads, sauces, or cheese platters. An added perk is its wider accessibility in the US, making it an excellent homegrown alternative for those seeking a Stilton substitute.
11. Danish Blue Cheese
Danish Blue cheese, also known as Danablu, is a delightful replacement for Stilton cheese. Hailing from Denmark, this blue cheese offers a robust, tangy flavor profile akin to Stilton, and its creamy, semi-soft texture makes it an effortless swap for various dishes. Danish Blue adds mouth-watering appeal, whether crumbled over salads, incorporated into sauces, or featured on cheese platters.
Slightly milder than Stilton, it provides a more approachable option for those seeking the distinctive blue cheese taste without overwhelming pungency. Danish Blue has a more accessible price point and broader global availability compared to Stilton, making it a flavorful and wallet-friendly alternative for your dishes.
12. Cabrales Cheese
Cabrales cheese, a robust and pungent blue cheese from Spain, is a suitable substitute for Stilton cheese. With a strong, tangy flavor profile akin to Stilton, Cabrales features a semi-soft and somewhat crumbly texture, making it a fitting alternative.
Recognizable by its veined appearance, Cabrales is crafted from a blend of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk. This Spanish cheese proves versatile, whether used in cooking, spread on crackers, or featured on a cheese board with fruits and nuts.
Similar to Stilton, it’s wise to consume Cabrales in moderation due to its higher sodium and saturated fat content. Cabrales could be the perfect substitute for your meals if you’re searching for a robust alternative to Stilton cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Stilton Cheese Taste Like?
Stilton Cheese has a rich and bold flavor with a creamy texture. It can be slightly tangy, earthy, and savory, with distinctive blue veins running through it. The taste is robust and can range from mild to strong, offering a complex blend of flavors. Overall, Stilton has a unique and enjoyable combination of creamy, tangy, and bold elements that make it a prized and distinctive cheese.
What Cheese Can Be Used Instead of Blue Cheese?
Gorgonzola or Roquefort can be used as substitutes for blue cheese. These cheeses share similarities with blue cheese, offering a tangy and creamy texture with distinctive blue veins. While each has its unique flavor profile, they can be suitable alternatives in recipes or dishes that call for blue cheese, providing a similar pungency and creaminess to complement various culinary creations.
What Is the Closest French Cheese to Stilton?
Roquefort is the closest French cheese to Stilton. Both are renowned blue cheeses, but Roquefort is made from sheep’s milk and originates from France. It shares Stilton’s crumbly texture and bold, tangy flavor profile, making it one of the suitable Stilton cheese substitutes in recipes or cheese pairings. While they have distinct characteristics, Roquefort’s blue veins and creamy consistency make it a comparable choice for those seeking a French alternative to Stilton.
Is Brie Similar to Stilton?
No, Brie is not similar to Stilton. Brie is a soft, creamy French cheese with a mild flavor and white, bloomy rind. It belongs to the category of soft-ripened cheeses. On the other hand, Stilton is a crumbly and robust blue cheese from England, known for its distinct blue veins and strong flavor profile. The two cheeses differ significantly in texture, flavor, and origin.
Is Stilton Cheese a Cheddar?
No, Stilton Cheese is not a Cheddar. Stilton and Cheddar are distinct types of cheese with different characteristics. Stilton is a blue cheese with a crumbly texture, made from cow’s milk and known for its strong flavor and blue veins. On the other hand, Cheddar is a firm, smooth-textured cheese that can range from mild to extra sharp, originating from the English village of Cheddar.
What Is Special About Stilton Cheese?
Stilton Cheese is special because it’s a crumbly and flavorful cheese from England. It has blue lines running through it, which gives it a unique look and taste. The cheese is made using cow’s milk and has a strong flavor ranging from mild to strong. People like it because it’s different from regular cheeses, and it’s made in specific places in England, making it a bit fancy and special.
Is Stilton Cheese Expensive?
Yes, Stilton Cheese is generally considered expensive. Stilton is a high-quality blue cheese with a specific production process and minimum maturation period. Its distinct flavor, crumbly texture, and limited production contribute to its higher price than more common cheeses. Additionally, Stilton’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status means it can only be produced in certain regions of England, further influencing its scarcity and cost.
What French Cheese Is Closest to Stilton in Taste and Texture?
The French cheese closest to Stilton in taste and texture is Roquefort. Both cheeses share a crumbly texture and bold, tangy flavor, with distinctive blue veins running through them. While each has its unique characteristics, Roquefort serves as a suitable substitute for Stilton in various recipes or cheese pairings, offering a comparable richness and complexity.
Should You Eat the Rind on Stilton Cheese?
No, you should not eat the rind on Stilton Cheese. The outer rind of Stilton is typically not consumed as it can have a strong, earthy flavor and a different texture compared to the creamy interior. Stilton’s delicious and distinct characteristics are found in the creamy blue-veined cheese inside, making it unnecessary to include the rind in your consumption. It’s common practice to cut or scoop out the creamy center while leaving the rind aside when enjoying Stilton.
What Is the Best Thing to Eat With Stilton?
The best accompaniment for Stilton is often considered to be fruit, especially pears or apples. These fruits’ sweet and slightly tart flavors complement Stilton’s rich and bold taste, creating a delightful contrast. Additionally, nuts like walnuts or almonds can enhance the texture and provide a crunchy element that pairs well with the creamy cheese. Crackers or crusty bread can also be excellent choices to balance the flavors and provide a neutral base for enjoying Stilton.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding Stilton Cheese substitutes, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a milder flavor, a plant-based alternative, or something more budget-friendly, there’s a cheese out there for you.
From creamy Brie to nut-based varieties, each substitute brings its unique twist to dishes. So, don’t hesitate to explore and experiment with these alternatives to discover the perfect match for your meals.
Cynthia Odenu-Odenu is the founder of Cyanne Eats. She is an avid baker and cook of delicious delicacies. She uses this blog to share her love for different cuisines.
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