The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat blue cheese. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.

What blue cheese etiquette is

Blue cheese etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat blue cheese. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve blue cheese to your guests appropriately.

As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat blue cheese at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.

What you should know about blue cheese

Blue cheese is a type of cheese that has been aged and inoculated with a mold known as Penicillium. This mold gives the cheese a distinctly blue or green veining and a strong, tangy flavor.

Blue cheese has a crumbly texture and can vary in color from pale yellow to creamy white. The blue or green veins running through the cheese are distinctive and vary in intensity. The flavor is rich, tangy, and bold with a slightly sweet, nutty finish.

Etiquette rules to serve and eat blue cheese

1) How to store blue cheese

Blue cheese should be stored in the fridge, ideally in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent the cheese from drying out. The ideal temperature to store blue cheese is between 35-45°F (2-7°C). If you need to freeze blue cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and it can last for up to 6 months. In the pantry, you can store blue cheese for up to a few days. However, it is not recommended.

Store cooked blue cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

2) How to clean blue cheese

There is no need to clean blue cheese.

If blue cheese has gone bad, it may have an ammonia-like smell, or the cheese may have turned slimy or moldy.

3) How to prepare & cook blue cheese

Blue cheese can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is a popular ingredient in many dishes. When cooking with blue cheese, use a non-reactive utensil or appliance such as a wooden spoon or ceramic dish to avoid any metallic or acidic reactions. Common ways to cook with blue cheese include using it in dips, sauces, dressings, or as a topping for meats and vegetables.

Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient. You can use it in many different dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and soups. Blue cheese is not suitable for a vegan diet. It could be suitable for keto but it is usually not appropriate for paleo diets. Some people may have allergies or food intolerances to blue cheese. It is important to check with your guests before serving. Blue cheese is not restricted by any religious dietary laws.

4) How to serve & present blue cheese

Blue cheese is appropriate for both formal and informal meals. You can serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or cheese course.

You should serve blue cheese at room temperature. It is best to present it on a cheese board with other cheeses and accompaniments. Use a cheese knife to cut the cheese, and serve it on a neutral plate or board. Common accompaniments include crackers, fruit, nuts, and honey.

5) Food and wine to pair blue cheese with

Blue cheese pairs well with many flavors, including sweet and savory. It goes well with honey, figs, pears, and walnuts. Vegetables such as celery and carrots can pair well with blue cheese, but avoid pairing it with bitter vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

You can pair blue cheese with many types of meat, including steak, pork, and chicken. It can also pair well with lamb, venison, and duck. It is best to avoid pairing it with fish or seafood, as its taste can be overpowering.

Blue cheese can match well other cheese and dairy, such as goat cheese, feta, brie, gouda, and goat cheese. Some good dairy pairings include sour cream, cream cheese, and yogurt. It is best to avoid pairing blue cheese with other pungent or strong cheeses, such as Limburger or Munster, as it can be overpowering.

Blue cheese pairs well with red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz. It can also pair well with white wines, such as Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Some good wine and beverage pairings include Port, Sauternes, and Madeira. It is best to avoid pairing it with high-tannin wines, such as Barolo, as it can clash with the cheese’s strong flavor.

6) How to eat blue cheese

The most polite etiquette for eating blue cheese is to use a cheese knife or fork to cut a small piece of cheese and place it on a cracker or bread. It is considered impolite to eat blue cheese with your fingers, as it can be messy and unhygienic. It is also important to discard any moldy or discolored parts of the cheese.

Blue cheese etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the most common blue cheese etiquette mistakes:

• 7/10. Not properly storing the cheese.
• 5/10. Not properly storing the cheese.
• 4/10. Not providing appropriate utensils or crackers.

Additional information for properly serving blue cheese

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.

The number of calories in blue cheese varies depending on the serving size and type of cheese. One ounce of blue cheese contains approximately 100-120 calories, and 100 grams of blue cheese contains approximately 353 calories.

How to buy the best blue cheese

A crucial factor in blue cheese etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.

Season and availability 

Blue cheese is available all year round, but some varieties may be more readily available during certain seasons. For example, some blue cheeses may be produced in the summer months when cows are grazing on fresh grass, which can affect the cheese’s flavor.

Choose the best

Blue cheese is commonly found in commerce as a wedge or block, and can also be crumbled or pre-packaged in containers. It’s also sometimes sold as part of a cheese platter or charcuterie board.

Some popular varieties of blue cheese in commerce include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Danish Blue. Roquefort is considered one of the most prized and expensive blue cheeses due to its unique production process and distinct flavor.

To buy the best blue cheese, look for cheese that is well-ripened and has a creamy texture with a strong but not overwhelming aroma. The cheese should be uniform in color and have a consistent texture without any visible signs of mold or discoloration.

Alternatives to blue cheese

Some common alternatives to blue cheese include feta, goat cheese, Camembert, and Brie. These cheeses offer similar creamy and tangy flavors without the strong blue cheese flavor.

Resources

• The effect of storage temperature on blue cheese mechanical properties: researchgate.net