Here are the five most delicious things to do with Blue Stilton, Englands famous blue-veined cheese.
The British rejoice in their Stilton. This blue cheese, with its PDO status, can only be made from local cow’s milk in the counties of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in the Midlands. The distinctive blue veins come are caused by a strain of penicillin, Penicillium roqueforti, which is injected into the truckles.
No doubt, centuries ago, the blue veining would have formed naturally as penicillin moulds are abundant in the air and will out-compete other moulds given favourable conditions i.e. cool damp cellars. There were plenty of those in England in the early 1700s, which is when the first reliable records make mention of it. Indeed, by 1724 it was well-known enough for author Daniel Defoe to refer to it as ‘English Parmesan’.
There is possibly no more seasonal cheese than Stilton. It graces nearly every British cheese board at Christmas. Its strong salty flavour works with earthy winter vegetables, its acidity cuts through even the richest meats; it can be paired with port, red wine, fruits and even single malt whisky. Here are just a few of our favourite ways to enjoy middle England’s most famous cheese.
The sweetness of the figs perfectly matches the salty creaminess of Stilton. Cut open the figs and stuff each of them with a lump of Stilton cheese. Close them as best you can, place them in a baking dish, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil and bake in a hot oven for 8-10 minutes.
Serve with crackers or plum bread and a mango chutney for a change. Sweet wines go especially well with Stilton – Port being the favoured choice of many; try a dessert wine for a change or a full bodied robust red wine. Stilton freezes beautifully.
Mushrooms stuffed with Stilton and crabmeat
The earthiness of mushrooms work well with Stilton’s assertive flavour. Soften finely chopped onion and garlic in a little butter, then add a handful of breadcrumbs, the crabmeat and Stilton with a pinch of salt and a little chopped parsley. Place the filling inside large upturned mushrooms and bake in a hot oven for 20 mins or until the filling is bubbling. Garnish with a little more parsley.
How It’s Made: Blue Stilton Cheese
FAQ
What is Stilton cheese good with?
What accompaniments go with Stilton?
What does blue cheese pair well with?
Which drink is Stilton cheese traditionally served with?
What to serve with Stilton cheese?
On a cheese board, MasterClass recommends drizzling Stilton with sweet honey and serving it alongside fruits and nuts. Fresh cranberries, apricots, and pears provide a fresh element with a complimentary perfumed earthiness. If you’re feeling decadent, the Stilton Cheesemakers’ Association suggests serving it with a dessert wine.
What goes well with Stilton?
2. Drizzled with honey: For a sweet and savory appetizer or dessert, serve Stilton with crusty bread or crackers and a drizzle of honey. 3. With dried fruit and nuts: The sweet flavors of dried cranberries, apricots, pears, or walnuts pair well with Stilton, either at the beginning or end of a meal.
What wine goes with Stilton cheese?
Stilton is a rich and bold cheese that pairs incredibly well with certain types of wine. When it comes to choosing the perfect wine to serve with Stilton, it’s important to consider the flavour profile of the cheese. Stilton has a strong, salty taste that pairs well with bold and full-bodied wines such as port, sherry and red wine.
What is a good substitute for Stilton cheese?
However, blue cheeses made with milder-tasting Penicillium glaucum rather than bolder Penicillium roqueforti will taste sweeter and milder than Stilton, so bolder cheeses like Roquefort may be a better substitute for blue Stilton. Try Gorgonzola Dolce as a substitute for milder white Stilton.