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When you think of blue cheese, you might picture something bold, funky, and maybe even a little intimidating. But not all blue cheeses are created equal, and there’s a world of creamy, mild options that are perfect for easing your way into the world of moldy goodness. With National Moldy Cheese Day right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to dive into five blue cheeses that are beginner-friendly, packed with flavor, and ready to become your new favorite snack or addition to recipes.
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1. Point Reyes Original Blue (California)
A pioneer in the world of blue cheese, Point Reyes Original Blue has been charming cheese lovers since 2000. This gluten-free, all-natural gem is made on a family farm in Northern California and is known for its smooth, almost buttery texture. Aged for 3.5 months, it boasts a bold flavor without overwhelming your palate. Expect hints of sweet milk that give way to a satisfying peppery finish—a combination that’ll have you reaching for more with each bite.
Tasting Notes: Creamy and bold, with a sweet milkiness followed by a zesty pepper finish.
Pairings: For a winning pairing, serve Point Reyes with fig jam or honey on toasted sourdough. A glass of crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc balances the rich flavors perfectly.
Unique Pairings:
Dark Chocolate: The deep, bittersweet flavor of dark chocolate enhances the blue cheese’s peppery finish, creating an indulgent sweet-savory contrast.
Candied Walnuts: For extra crunch and a caramelized sweetness that balances the tanginess of Point Reyes, candied walnuts add texture and a hint of luxury.
Grilled Peaches: Lightly charred peaches bring out the cheese’s sweet milkiness, offering a delicious summer-like combo, even in cooler months.
Drink Pairing: A glass of tawny port, with its rich, fruity notes, adds depth and sweetness to complement the creamy blue.
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2. The Blue Jay by Deer Creek (Wisconsin)
If you’re looking for a blue cheese that stands out from the crowd, The Blue Jay by Deer Creek delivers in both flavor and visual appeal. This Wisconsin beauty is made with a unique infusion of juniper berries, lending the cheese its striking piney, botanical notes. Not only does this quintuple cream blue cheese melt in your mouth, but it also offers a slightly crumbly texture that’s still delightfully moist. It’s a blue cheese with attitude, perfect for those who love a flavor adventure.
Tasting Notes: Creamy and decadent with subtle hints of pine and juniper berries, giving it a botanical kick.
Pairings: Enjoy Blue Jay with gin-based cocktails or serve it alongside fresh pears and a drizzle of honey. The juniper berries beautifully complement the citrus and botanical notes in a gin and tonic.
Unique Pairings:
Rosemary Crackers: Amplify the herbal notes in Blue Jay with the earthy, aromatic flavor of rosemary crackers for a full-on botanical experience.
Gin-Soaked Grapes: Add a playful twist by marinating grapes in gin, giving a burst of juicy flavor that complements the juniper berries in the cheese.
Smoked Almonds: The smoky flavor of these nuts provides a wonderful counterbalance to the creamy richness and piney bite of the cheese.
Drink Pairing: A juniper-forward gin cocktail like a French 75 highlights the unique infusion of the juniper berries, making each bite more complex.
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3. Gorgonzola Dolce (Italy)
For a softer, almost spreadable blue cheese experience, look no further than Gorgonzola Dolce. This Italian classic hails from the Lombardy region and is known for its rich creaminess. The name “Dolce” means sweet, and while this cheese has a signature blue tang, it’s much milder than its sharp counterpart, Gorgonzola Piccante. Its supple, buttery texture makes it ideal for spreading on crusty bread or incorporating into a variety of dishes.
Tasting Notes: Mildly tangy, with a creamy and slightly sweet flavor that melts on your tongue.
Pairings: Spread Gorgonzola Dolce thickly on a baguette and top with a drizzle of truffle oil. Or crumble it over a walnut and arugula salad with a light vinaigrette.
Unique Pairings:
Fig and Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle a sweet, tangy balsamic reduction over fresh figs and spreadable Gorgonzola for a decadent, rich bite that contrasts beautifully with the cheese’s creamy tang.
Pumpkin Seeds: For an autumn-inspired combo, roasted pumpkin seeds add a crunchy texture and subtle nuttiness that balances the cheese’s sweetness.
Sliced Prosciutto: Wrap creamy Gorgonzola in paper-thin prosciutto for a salty-sweet combo that’s both elegant and irresistible.
Drink Pairing: A chilled Moscato d'Asti, with its light bubbles and sweetness, provides a delightful contrast to the rich creaminess of the Gorgonzola.
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4. Irish Cashel Blue
For a taste of Ireland, Cashel Blue offers a delightful balance between creaminess and tang. It starts mild, with firm but creamy edges, and grows richer as it ages. By the time it reaches around three months of maturation, you’ll notice a wonderful balance between the blue veins and the creamy, milky body. Cashel Blue is an excellent introduction to the blue cheese world, offering just enough tang to keep things interesting without overwhelming your palate.
Tasting Notes: Creamy, mild, with a touch of tanginess that grows richer over time.
Pairings: Pair Cashel Blue with oat crackers and a light drizzle of caramelized onion chutney. A glass of full-bodied Chardonnay enhances the creamy texture, making it a perfect companion for cheese boards.
Unique Pairings:
Apple Butter: Spread apple butter on oat biscuits and top with Cashel Blue for a sweet and savory bite that’s comforting and flavorful.
Pickled Beets: The earthy sweetness and vinegar tang of pickled beets provide a lovely contrast to the cheese’s creamy texture and light tanginess.
Brown Bread with Sea Salt Butter: For a simple yet perfect pairing, serve Cashel Blue with rustic Irish brown bread and a pat of sea-salted butter. The salt enhances the blue’s tang and brings out its creamy richness.
Drink Pairing: A dry Irish cider adds a refreshing, crisp counterpoint to the smooth, rich flavor of Cashel Blue.
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5. St. Agur (France)
If you’re in search of a blue cheese that’s luxurious but approachable, St. Agur is a must-try. Hailing from the Auvergne region of France, this cow’s milk blue is rich and creamy, with a mellow blue flavor that won’t overpower your taste buds. Its mild spiciness and perfect balance of saltiness make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re spreading it on fresh fruit or melting it into a sauce, St. Agur adds a touch of sophistication to any dish.
Tasting Notes: Creamy and smooth, with a mild blue flavor and a slightly spicy finish.
Pairings: Spread St. Agur on pear slices or raisin bread for a delightful contrast of flavors. It also melts beautifully, making it an ideal choice for stirring into a cream sauce or melting over grilled meats.
Unique Pairings:
Honeycomb: Place a chunk of honeycomb alongside St. Agur for a gorgeous blend of sweetness and texture. The mild blue flavor melts into the honey’s delicate floral notes.
Caramelized Pears: The soft, caramelized sweetness of cooked pears brings out the rich creaminess of St. Agur, enhancing its delicate blue notes.
Toasted Hazelnuts: For a nutty crunch that pairs well with St. Agur’s creamy nature, sprinkle toasted hazelnuts on top of slices of raisin bread.
Drink Pairing: A rich Sauternes wine adds an elegant sweetness that pairs harmoniously with St. Agur’s creamy, mild blue flavor.
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National Moldy Cheese Day might sound a bit quirky, but it’s a delicious excuse to explore the world of blue cheeses—especially if you’re new to the bold and beautiful blue varieties. These five mild, beginner-friendly cheeses offer a range of flavors, textures, and pairings that’ll keep your taste buds happy without overwhelming your palate. Whether you’re hosting a cheese night or just looking for a new snack obsession, these blues are the perfect place to start your journey.
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