Bresse Bleu - The Gentle Blue Cheese

Welcome, cheese enthusiasts and curious foodies! Today, we’re exploring a unique gem: Bresse Bleu.  

This gentle blue cheese from the picturesque region of Bresse in eastern France is a culinary delight not to be missed.

With its delicate blue veins and creamy texture, it’s a milder alternative to its bolder blue relatives, making it an excellent introduction for those new to blue cheese and a refreshing change for seasoned aficionados.

Bresse Bleu's story is tied to Italian immigration in the 1950s, when French cheesemakers collaborated with Italian immigrants to create a new blue cheese to replace unavailable Gorgonzola. The cheese, known as Bleu de Bresse, was first trademarked by a dairy in Servas, France, in 1952.

The dairy maintains strong ties with its local milk producers, who are part of a cooperative and are located within 45 km of the dairy. These producers guarantee the high-quality milk essential for the cheese.

    What is Bresse Bleu?     

This cheese stands out in the world of blue cheeses with its unique blend of characteristics. It’s as if a traditional blue cheese and a creamy Brie decided to combine their best features into one unique delicacy.

Unlike many other blue cheeses that can be quite sharp and pungent, Bresse Bleu offers a softer, milder flavor profile. Its taste is creamy with a delicate hint of mushroom, providing a gastronomic experience that is both subtle and complex. The veining of blue mold throughout the cheese adds just the right amount of tanginess without overpowering the overall flavour.

The texture of Bresse Bleu is another feature that sets it apart. Soft, creamy, and spreadable, it’s reminiscent of a good Brie. Whether you’re spreading it on a piece of crusty French bread or melting it into a gourmet sauce, Bresse Bleu brings a touch of luxury to any dish.

Aged for about 2 to 3 weeks, Bresse Bleu develops a bloomy rind that contrasts beautifully with its pale, creamy interior and blue-grey veins. This cheese pairs well with fruits like pears and apples, and wines such as Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône, making it a perfect choice for a cheese platter or a refined picnic.

   Meal Idea -  Bresse Bleu Burgers, Bon Appétit!