Skip to Content

Savory Tweaks: 5 BEST Stilton Cheese Substitutes

Stilton cheese is an English blue cheese that traces its traditions to the 18th century.

It has a strong, salty flavor and a crumbly texture.

It’s often served as part of an assorted cheese platter and pairs excellently with sweet treats like pears and grapes or savory foods like walnuts and jam.

There are many uses for Stilton in recipes, from sauces to desserts, but it can sometimes be difficult to find, depending on where you live.

Fortunately, there are several great substitutes for Stilton cheese if you’re looking for something similar in flavor and texture.

In this article we’ll examine five of the best substitutes for Stilton cheese and discuss their flavor profiles, where each type is made, and how it can be used as a substitute for Stilton in recipes.

What is Stilton Cheese?

Stilton cheese is an English cheese, named after the village of Stilton in Cambridgeshire.

This blue-veined cheese is considered a specialty of its region.

Classified as a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) product in the United Kingdom, Stilton adheres to a strict set of guidelines when it comes to production and comes in three categories — blue, white and green — depending on its aging time.

Stilton has a bright and strong flavor but is also creamy, crumbly and smooth in texture.

The flavor profile of this cheese is both sharp and salty with slightly sweet overtones thanks to its production process.

It has been used historically as an ingredient in recipes such as stews, salads and sauces because its mellow bite adds complexity to many dishes.

How to Cook and Use Stilton Cheese?

Stilton cheese is a beloved British cheese of the blue veined variety that is ivory in color, with a crumbly texture.

It has a unique flavor that’s strong and slightly salty, but with a mellowing sweetness.

It’s typically served with fruit and port wine, but can also be crumbled over salads or used to make delicious sauces for meats and vegetable dishes.

5 Best Stilton Cheese Substitutes to Consider

Unfortunately, this popular cheese can be difficult to find in some regions or outside of the UK, leaving chefs and home cooks sometimes having to improvise with a substitute.

Here are five delicious alternatives to consider when you can’t find Stilton.

1 – Danish Blue Cheese

Danish blue cheese is one of the closest substitutes for Stilton.

It has a unique blend of cultures and enzymes that create a distinctive taste without being overly salty.

The texture and flavor are often described as creamy and mild with just the right hint of tanginess.

It’s perfect for balancing salads, pasta, or even a simple plate of crackers with mild-flavored fruits, such as red grapes or peaches.

One thing to consider when substituting Danish blue cheese is that it has slightly less fat content than Stilton, so it may not be as rich in flavor.

If you are looking for something bigger and bolder, consider other options such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola.

2 – Gorgonzola Cheese

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from cow’s milk, produced in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.

Gorgonzola has a creamy and soft texture, with a mild flavor and pungent aroma.

The cheese is aged for three to four months, with some aged up to six months or longer depending on producer preference.

Gorgonzola pairs exceptionally well with sweet-tart fruits and white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

It can also be used in cooked dishes and as a topping for salads, pastas, pizzas and more.

Gorgonzola is considered to be one of the top substitutes for Stilton cheese.

3 – Roquefort Cheese

Roquefort cheese is the king of blue cheeses and is made from sheep’s milk in southeastern France.

It has a subtle, earthy flavor and creamy texture.

Roquefort is rich in calcium, zinc, selenium and phosphorus.

Its rich flavor makes it ideal for use in salads or as a cheese course alongside with crackers, nuts and fruits.

It also pairs well with sweet sherry or champagne.

Roquefort is often compared to Stilton because of its similar blue veining and piquant taste.

However, due to the location restrictions of producing Roquefort within certain areas of France, it can be more difficult to find than Stilton, making it an excellent substitute.

4 – Camembert Cheese

Camembert cheese is a soft, banana-shaped cow’s milk cheese with a smooth texture and mild flavor.

It has been made in France since the 18th century and is a popular choice for many recipes.

The rind is white or gray and slightly wrinkled from the moist aging process.

Camembert has a creamy, slightly sweet flavor with earthy notes.

It pairs well with fruits, nuts, and roasted vegetables.

As for its cheese substitutes for Stilton cheese, this French delicacy will do the trick perfectly.

5 – Brie Cheese

Brie cheese is one of the most popular choices as a substitute for Stilton cheese.

Brie has a soft, mild texture and buttery flavor that is similar to Stilton, although it does not have the same pungent sharpness of Stilton.

Brie cheese can be served alone or with bread, crackers, and fruits and pairs nicely with white wines.

A baked version of Brie that is heated in a pastry shell can also be an enjoyable substitute for those who want to taste a variety of flavors while still staying true to their preference for Stilton-style cheese.

Conclusion

All in all, there are plenty of great substitutes for Stilton cheese out there.

Whether you don’t have the time to find the real thing or you just have a personal dislike for its flavor, there is an alternative out there to satisfy your need for a strong-flavored blue cheese.

Consider trying roquefort, gorgonzola, cambozola, maytag blue and danish blue — each of these will provide a unique and delicious flavor experience.

Whichever of these you choose to use for your next dish or snack, you won’t be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stilton cheese?

Stilton is a distinctive blue cheese, originally from the English counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire.

It has a creamy texture and a strong, tangy flavor.

What are the 5 best substitutes for Stilton cheese?

The 5 best substitutes for Stilton cheese are Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Maytag Blue, Danish Blue, and Cambozola.

Is Stilton cheese vegetarian?

Yes, Stilton cheese is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any animal products.

5 Best Stilton Cheese Substitutes to Consider

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 – Danish Blue Cheese
  • 2 – Gorgonzola Cheese
  • 3 – Roquefort Cheese
  • 4 – Camembert Cheese
  • 5 – Brie Cheese

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
  • Organize all of your ingredients.
  • Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!