What is Gorgonzola cheese?

Gorgonzola is a popular type of blue-veined cheese that originates from the northern Italian region of Gorgonzola. It is a type of blue cheese made with cow’s milk. It comes in two varieties, Gorgonzola Dolce, meaning “Sweet Gorgonzola,” and Gorgonzola Piccante, which translates to “Spicy Gorgonzola.” Gorgonzola Piccante is also known as Mountain Gorgonzola. 

What does Gorgonzola cheese taste like?

Depending on the variety and the age, the flavor can range from mild to sharp. Gorgonzola Dolce is soft and crumbly and has a slightly sharp flavor. On the other hand, Gorgonzola Piccante is spicy and pungent, with a hard and crumbly texture. 

How can you eat Gorgonzola cheese?

Like other blue cheeses, Gorgonzola can be crumbled onto salads or served paired with fruits, nuts, and bread. The cheese softens as it’s heated, making it a great way to add a pungent flavor to sauces, pasta, and soups.

Where can you buy Gorgonzola cheese?

Gorgonzola cheese can usually be found at the deli counter in block form or with the other packaged cheeses in crumbled form. 

How do you store Gorgonzola cheese

Store Gorgonzola cheese in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving or cooking. Store pre-crumbled cheese in a plastic airtight container. Wrap wedges of Gorgonzola in parchment or wax paper and refrigerate for up to four weeks. Alternatively, store it in the freezer for six months.

Fun Fact about Gorgonzola cheese

The London Stock Exchange in England has the nickname “Gorgonzola Hall,” because of the green marble used in its interior.

Did you know?

Gorgonzola gets its veins during the aging process when cheesemakers make holes in the cheese that allow the mold to “breathe”. As a result, this creates the blue and green lines throughout the cheese.

Recipes Using Gorgonzola Cheese

Gorgonzola With Fettuccini and Broccoli

In a saucepan, coming chicken stock, gorgonzola cheese, cream, and butter, and cook for until the sauce thickens. Toss the sauces with cooked fettuccine pasta and steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Feel free to substitute the fettuccine with another long pasta or replace the broccoli with another veggie such as green beans, asparagus, or add herbs.

Whipped Gorgonzola

This tangy gorgonzola dip is great for dipping raw veggies like cauliflower, carrots, and celery, and it takes less than five minutes to prepare. In a food processor, combine cream cheese, gorgonzola, a splash of heavy cream, and salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and serve.

Gorgonzola Burgers

Add a funky take on the classic cheeseburger with gorgonzola. Take ground beef patties and season them with paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill the burgers on medium-high heat for 4 minutes on each side. Place the burgers on a bun and top with gorgonzola, tomatoes, and arugula.

Pear and Gorgonzola Ravioli

Sweet pears and tangy gorgonzola make a great combination in this homemade ravioli recipe. Sauté pears in a saute pan with butter and thyme until soft. Add in crumbled gorgonzola and stir until the cheese is melted. Dollop the cooled filling onto a thin, rolled out pasta sheet, and cover with a second sheet of pasta. Cut the ravioli and cook in boiling water for three minutes. Top the ravioli with parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Orange Gorgonzola Chicken

For an easy yet elegant meal, sear breaded chicken breasts in a frying pan with olive oil and transfer them to a baking dish. Pour melted orange marmalade over the chicken and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle the chicken with gorgonzola and continue baking for an additional 3 minutes or until gorgonzola melts.