Gorgonzola is a type of tangy Italian blue cheese made from cow’s milk. It is characterized by the blue or greenish lines that run through it.
You can crumble this semi soft, earthy, salty cheese onto salads or melt it into sauces to enhance the flavor of your meals.
But what if you don’t have any on hand? Many gorgonzola cheese substitutes work well to offer a similar bold flavor, including goat cheese, feta, aged sharp white cheddar, and even other kinds of easily available blue cheeses like Roquefort.
Its bold sour taste might be strong for some people, so it’s a good idea to start with a small amount if you’re trying it for the first time.
However, let’s first find out what this cheese tastes like and how you can incorporate it in various dishes!
The flavor of Gorgonzola cheese
When you take a bite of Gorgonzola, you’ll notice a creamy and slightly crumbly texture. As you chew, the cheese releases a burst of flavor. The first thing you might taste is a creamy, buttery richness. This comes from the fats in the cheese.
Then, there’s a tangy, salty and earthy flavor that follows. It’s a bit like a zesty or sharp taste that really hits your taste buds. This tanginess is a hallmark of blue cheeses like Gorgonzola. It’s caused by special friendly bacteria that are added during the cheese-making process. These bacteria release compounds that give the cheese its unique tang.
Lastly, there’s the distinctive earthy and slightly pungent note. It’s a bit like a deep, aged flavor. This comes from the aging process of the cheese. Gorgonzola is left to age for up to four months, which allows its flavors to develop and intensify.
Some people find the flavor of Gorgonzola cheese to be quite strong, so it’s often used in smaller quantities to add a bold kick to dishes. It’s a cheese that can truly make a statement in your cooking!
Gorgonzola cheese substitutes
For times when you don’t have Gorgonzola, several other cases can serve as a great stand-in. These include:
1. Goat cheese
Goat’s cheese has a creamy texture and a tangy, earthy flavor that can be somewhat similar to Gorgonzola. However, it is slightly milder and does not have the blue mold veins. Regardless, it is a great alternative to use!
Use an equal amount of goat’s cheese as you would Gorgonzola in your recipe.
2. Roquefort
Roquefort cheese is produced from sheep’s milk and is more creamy than Gorgonzola. However, it has a pungent kick that serves as an excellent substitute for Gorgonzola.
While not entirely identical, Roquefort shares similarities with Gorgonzola, like a long aging process and crumbly texture. Its sharper, more tangy taste brings a distinct richness to dishes.
Because of how similar these cheeses are, you can alternate Gorgonzola with an equal amount of this cheese!
3. Bleu d’Auvergne
Bleu d’Auvergne is a French blue cheese with blue mold veins and a suitable alternative to Gorgonzola, provided it’s aged just as long. It is slightly more spicy and buttery than Gorgonzola, but its pungent, earthy flavor profile brings a similar intensity to your dishes.
While you can replace Gorgonzola with an equal amount of Bleu d’Auvergne, it is best to only add 75% of it first and see if you like the flavor. If you do, proceed to adding the remaining 35%!
4. Blue Stilton
This cheese is known for its rich, crumbly texture and sharp, tangy taste that brings a distinct depth to dishes. Stilton excels in salads, spreads, and sauces, where its potent flavor can stand out.
Replace Gorgonzola with an equal amount of Stilton, and you’re good to go!
5. Feta
Feta cheese has a crumbly texture and a tangy, salty flavor. It can provide a similar crumbly texture to Gorgonzola with a mild taste.
Use an equal amount of feta cheese as you would Gorgonzola in your recipe.
Bonus gorgonzola substitute idea: We love the bright, bold flavor of the cheese that comes in cans. Not the Cheez-Whiz cans, but the ones developed and crafted at the University of Wisconsin. We love them all, and the creamy, sharp flavor of their Natural Viking makes a great charcuterie offering. For its bold and briny flavor, we think it could sub in for gorgonzola very well.
How Gorgonzola cheese is often used in cooking
You may use Gorgonzola cheese in various recipes, including but not limited to:
Salads
Crumble Gorgonzola on top of salads to add a creamy, tangy element. It pairs well with fruits like pears or figs, as well as with nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Sauces
Melted it into creamy sauces for pasta or risotto dishes. The rich, tangy flavor of the cheese adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Pizza toppings
Gorgonzola cheese can be used as a pizza topping. When it melts in the oven, it creates a creamy and flavorful layer that contrasts nicely with other toppings like caramelized onions or prosciutto.
Stuffed in meats
Some chefs like to stuff meats like chicken or beef with Gorgonzola. This creates a delightful surprise burst of flavor when you cut into the meat.
Spread on bread or crackers
It can also be spread on bread or crackers for a delectable appetizer. The creamy texture and bold flavor make it a great match for crusty bread or crunchy crackers.
In pasta dishes
Gorgonzola cheese can be tossed into pasta dishes, especially with ingredients like mushrooms or spinach. It melts beautifully and creates a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
Baked goods
In some recipes, Gorgonzola cheese is used in baking. It can be incorporated into scones, tarts, or even bread, providing a unique and savory twist.
Remember, because Gorgonzola cheese has a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way. It’s best used in moderation to complement other ingredients in a dish.
The bottom line
These five cheese alternatives we’ve discussed offer unique properties that make them excellent substitutes when Gorgonzola cheese isn’t available. Each option brings its own texture and flavor to dishes, providing a versatile range of options.
Whether you’re looking for the bold flavor from the blue accents or a crumbly texture with that bite of aged, sharp cheese, these alternatives can step in admirably. Remember to adjust quantities based on personal taste preferences and the specific recipe. Embracing these alternatives can add a delightful twist to lots of home-cooked meals.