What are the Different Types of Crumbly Cheese?

• Asiago
• Blue
• Cheddar
• Cheshire
• Cotija
• Feta
• Paneer

Asiago

Asiago is a nutty-flavored Italian cheese.  Asiago only crumbles after being aged for some time.  This cheese is commonly used in pasta dishes, baked with chicken, and melted into creamy sauces.

Blue

Blue cheese is a sharp-flavored cheese.  While not all blue cheese crumbles, popular types of crumbly blue cheese include Gorgonzola and Stilton.  Blue cheese is used in recipes such as blue cheese sauce or pasta with gorgonzola.  This cheese is also commonly used on cheese plates and crumbled over salads.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a sharp-flavored English cheese.  Cheddar crumbles because of its harder texture.  This cheese comes in different sharpnesses, ranging from mild to extra-sharp, and can also be white.  Cheddar cheese is used widely in many dishes such as macaroni and cheese, omelets and scrambled eggs, melted over burgers, and even on cheese plates.

Cheshire

Cheshire cheese is a mild-flavored English cheese.  Cheshire cheese crumbles because of its density.  This cheese is used in cheese and onion pies and cheese and onion tarts.  Cheshire cheese is also used to top scones or bread.

Cotija

Cotija is a salty-flavored Mexican cheese.  This cheese crumbles because it is both dry and firm.  Cotija cheese is used in grilled corn, cheese dips, and corn salads.  Cotija cheese can also be crumbled over tacos or enchiladas.

Feta

Feta is a tangy-flavored Greek cheese.  Feta crumbles after being aged.  This cheese is commonly used in Greek salad, baked chicken or pasta dishes, mixed into dips, or baked on its own with herbs or vegetables.

Paneer

Paneer is a mild-flavored Indian cheese.  Paneer is soft, but it can be crumbled.  This cheese is used in tikka masala, grilled or fried on its own or in a sauce.

Recipes Using Cheeses that Crumble

Blue Cheese Dressing

Create a popular salad dressing that tastes better than store-bought! In a bowl, combine blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Use as a dip, or add more buttermilk to create a thin dressing perfect for drizzling.

Corn Salad with Cotija

Make a fresh salad for everyone to enjoy. Cut fresh corn off the cob into a large bowl. Then, mix chopped avocado, cherry tomatoes, cotija, and fresh cilantro together. Drizzle vinaigrette over the top and serve chilled.

Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad

Enjoy this dish as a side dish to a heavy entree. Combine chopped grape tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, and red onions in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the top of the salad.

Cheese Plate

Make a unique dessert by putting together a cheese plate. Use wedges of blue cheese, cheddar, manchego, and gorgonzola. Arrange them on a clean wooden cutting board with figs, assorted sliced meats, and crackers.

Asiago Cream Sauce

Asiago pairs well with cream to transform into a tasty pasta sauce. Simmer asiago, parmesan, heavy cream, garlic, butter, and olive oil in a saucepan. Serve with ribbon pasta such as fettuccine or linguine.