Gorgonzola cheese has a distinct taste with a sharp, tangy flavor to it which differentiates it from other types of cheese. It is also quite striking in appearance with blue veins. That said, it’s not widely available in the markets, so you might have to opt for gorgonzola substitute in your recipe.
Gorgonzola is a famous cheese that is only made in Italy. It is used in a variety of dishes from sauces, to soups, pasta, salads, and desserts. Because of its different taste as compared to other cheeses, people are not very confident when it comes to adding them to recipes, so the next best thing to do is to use a substitute.
Best Gorgonzola Substitutes with Similar Flavor
As said earlier, Gorgonzola is not available in local markets, so finding the cheese can be a bit of a hassle. Thankfully, there are plenty of substitutes available that you can use if you cannot find gorgonzola cheese. Here are the five popular substitutes.
1. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a great replacement for gorgonzola because it’s easily available everywhere and due to its creamy texture, it goes well with all recipes. If you don’t like the intense flavor of gorgonzola cheese, you can try goat cheese as it tastes more buttery with less tanginess.
Because of its creamy texture, goat cheese is used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. It can either be used as slices or crumbles.
Another reason why I had placed it at the top of the list is that goat cheese has low-fat content as compared to other types, so it’s perfect for people with dietary restrictions.
2. Stilton Cheese
Stilton cheese is another close gorgonzola substitute and is one of the best choices for you in terms of the similarity of texture, look and taste.
Stilton Blue is an English cheese that is slightly yellow in color with blue mold towards the center. Its taste is quite intense and creamy with nutty undertones. It is also salty and tangy like gorgonzola.
There are different kinds of Stilton cheese, but blue cheese is most similar to gorgonzola in taste and texture, while white cheese is creamier and less tangy.
Stilton is a great addition to pasta, desserts, salads, and risottos. Pair it with honey, sliced apples, and walnuts to complement its nutty flavor on a cheese board.
3. Danish Blue
Danish blue or Danablu is another blue cheese made from cow’s milk which is very similar to gorgonzola in taste and texture. It has higher levels of salt bringing out a salty flavor that is close to gorgonzola.
Danish blue cheese can be used in savory dishes like pasta, soups, beef, pork, and other meats. I personally don’t use Danish cheese in deserts, but it does complement the sweet flavor of chocolate, figs, and truffles.
4. Roquefort
The French Roquefort is a perfect gorgonzola substitute and it even looks like it. It is made from sheep’s milk and just like gorgonzola, it tastes a bit tangy.
Roquefort originates from Southern France, but you can easily find it in your local market. It is very easy to find as there is only one original cheese that can be named Roquefort that has been aged in the caves of Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, according to the European policy.
Roquefort cheese is white, with a characteristic smell and flavor that is quite similar to gorgonzola. It is creamier than gorgonzola and mild in taste.
5. Shropshire Blue
Shropshire Blue is made from cow’s milk and originates from the UK. It has a buttery flavor with hints of nuttiness and burnt caramel, a perfect addition to desserts.
This bright orange cheese is a perfect substitute for gorgonzola cheese. Like Danish blue and Stilton, Shropshire blue also has blue veins through the block. It has a tangy and sour taste, similar to gorgonzola.
It is used in salads, pasta, soups, and even risotto. The only thing to consider while choosing Shropshire is that it’s orange in color, so it might change the color of your dish.
You can also see substitutes for stewed tomatoes, and tex mex paste substitutes.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a perfect gorgonzola substitute with similar tastes and flavor, your best choices are goat Stilton cheese, Roquefort, and Danish blue. These even look the same as gorgonzola with similar consistency and undertones.
