Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient that adds a distinctive tang and creamy texture to a variety of dishes, from salads to dressings and even burgers. When it comes to popular restaurant chains like Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW), the choice of blue cheese can significantly influence the flavor profile of their signature wings and other menu items. Many fans wonder, "What blue cheese does BWW use?" Understanding the type of blue cheese used by BWW can enhance your appreciation of their dishes and help you replicate that authentic flavor at home. In this article, we'll explore the specific blue cheese used by BWW, the reasons behind their choice, and practical tips for incorporating similar flavors into your own cooking.
What Blue Cheese Does Bww Use
Buffalo Wild Wings is renowned for its flavorful wings served with a side of blue cheese dressing. While the restaurant has not officially disclosed the exact brand or type of blue cheese used in their dressings, industry sources and culinary experts suggest that BWW likely uses a traditional blue cheese variety such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola. These cheeses are known for their bold, tangy flavors that complement the spicy heat of their wing sauces perfectly.
Many restaurant chefs and food service providers prefer to use pre-made blue cheese dressings that incorporate high-quality blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Danish Blue, combined with mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and seasonings. The choice of blue cheese can vary depending on the supplier, regional availability, and the desired flavor profile.
However, based on taste tests, customer feedback, and culinary sourcing, it is widely believed that BWW uses a Gorgonzola-based dressing or a similar blue-veined cheese that delivers a creamy texture with a pungent, tangy flavor. Gorgonzola is a versatile blue cheese that offers a balance between sharpness and creaminess, making it a popular choice in restaurant dressings.
Understanding the Types of Blue Cheese Used in Restaurants
Before delving deeper into the specific cheese used by BWW, it's helpful to understand the main types of blue cheeses commonly used in restaurants and their characteristics:
- Roquefort: Originating from France, Roquefort is made from sheep's milk and is known for its crumbly texture and sharp, tangy flavor. It has a moist, creamy consistency and a distinctive blue-green veining.
- Gorgonzola: An Italian blue cheese that comes in two varieties: Dolce (sweet and mild) and Piccante (spicy and robust). Gorgonzola is creamy, slightly crumbly, and offers a milder blue cheese flavor compared to Roquefort.
- Danish Blue (Danablu): A semi-soft blue cheese from Denmark with a milder, slightly salty flavor. It is often used in dressings and spreads for its smooth texture.
- Stilton: An English blue cheese that is less pungent but still offers a rich, creamy flavor. Typically crumblier and less intense than Roquefort or Gorgonzola.
Chefs and food manufacturers select among these based on desired flavor intensity, creaminess, and regional availability. For BWW, Gorgonzola or a similar milder yet tangy blue cheese is likely used to appeal to a broad customer base and balance the heat of their wing sauces.
Why BWW Chooses a Specific Blue Cheese
Several factors influence BWW's choice of blue cheese for their signature dressings:
- Flavor Balance: The tangy, pungent flavor of blue cheese enhances the spicy wings, providing a cooling contrast that balances heat and flavor.
- Texture: Creamy dressings coat the wings evenly, and a cheese with good meltability or smooth texture ensures consistency across servings.
- Cost and Availability: Commercial blue cheese dressings are cost-effective and easier to standardize across multiple locations, which is crucial for a franchise.
- Customer Preference: Blue cheese dressings are a classic accompaniment to wings, and BWW aims to offer a familiar, high-quality flavor that appeals to most customers.
While the exact brand remains proprietary, the flavor profile suggests that BWW relies on pre-made dressings with high-quality blue cheese, likely Gorgonzola or similar, to maintain consistency and flavor integrity.
Practical Advice for Using Blue Cheese at Home
If you want to replicate BWW's blue cheese experience at home or incorporate similar flavors into your cooking, here are some practical tips:
- Choose the Right Blue Cheese: For a similar flavor, opt for Gorgonzola Dolce for a milder, creamy texture, or Gorgonzola Piccante if you prefer a sharper taste. Roquefort works well for a more pungent, intense flavor.
- Make Your Own Blue Cheese Dressing: Combine crumbled blue cheese with mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Add a splash of buttermilk or milk to thin the dressing. Season with garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Adjust to Taste: Start with small amounts of blue cheese and build up to your desired flavor intensity. Remember, the cheese's pungency will mellow as it blends with other ingredients.
- Use Fresh Blue Cheese: Always buy fresh blue cheese for the best flavor. Crumble or cube the cheese yourself for better control over texture and flavor.
- Experiment with Pairings: Blue cheese pairs well with celery, walnuts, and honey, which can add complexity to salads and appetizers.
By following these tips, you can create a blue cheese dressing that rivals the one served at BWW and tailor it to your taste preferences.
Summary of Key Points
In summary, while Buffalo Wild Wings has not officially disclosed the specific brand or type of blue cheese used, industry insights and taste profiles suggest that they favor Gorgonzola or a similar blue-veined cheese known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. This choice complements their spicy wings and enhances the overall dining experience. For home cooks, selecting high-quality blue cheese such as Gorgonzola Dolce or Piccante allows you to recreate the authentic flavor. Remember to balance the pungency of the cheese with other dressing ingredients and customize the recipe to suit your palate. Whether you are a fan of BWW or simply want to elevate your wings, understanding the role of blue cheese can make all the difference in creating delicious, restaurant-quality flavors.
References
- Cheese.com. (2023). Types of Blue Cheese. Retrieved from https://www.cheese.com/types/blue/
- Gourmet Traveller. (2021). The Difference Between Roquefort and Gorgonzola. Retrieved from https://www.gourmettraveller.com.au/ingredients/cheese/difference-between-roquefort-and-gorgonzola-21956
- Food & Wine. (2020). How to Make Blue Cheese Dressing at Home. Retrieved from https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/blue-cheese-dressing
- Restaurant Business. (2019). The Art of Blue Cheese in Restaurants. Retrieved from https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/art-blue-cheese-restaurants