As winter sets in and the festive season approaches, few flavor pairings evoke as much nostalgia in the Nordics as gingerbread cookies with blue cheese. The sweet and spicy snap of the cookie contrasts beautifully with the creamy, salty richness of the cheese. But what many may not realize is just how well this duo pairs with the right wine.
Let’s explore why this works so well – and how you can elevate it even further with thoughtfully chosen cheese and wine.
Why Do Gingerbread and Blue Cheese Work So Well Together?
It’s all about contrast and balance. The gingerbread brings sweetness, warmth, and crunch, while the blue cheese delivers saltiness, umami, and a smooth texture. Together, they create a rich and balanced bite – sweet meets savory, crisp meets creamy.
It’s the same principle behind the classic pairing of blue cheese and dessert wine on a cheeseboard. Add a glass of well-matched wine, and suddenly you have a holiday-worthy taste experience.
Best Blue Cheeses for Gingerbread
Not all blue cheeses are created equal – some are mild and creamy, while others are sharp and powerful. Here are a few that pair beautifully with gingerbread:
Ädelost (Sweden) – A Swedish classic. Mild and creamy with a touch of saltiness. A perfect match with the spice of the cookie.
Kvibille Ädel (Sweden) – A slightly bolder Swedish blue, still balanced enough for pairing with sweet elements.
Gorgonzola Dolce (Italy) – Soft, creamy, and sweet. Less intense than most blues, which makes it ideal for beginners.
Roquefort (France) – Strong and tangy. Great with sweeter wines like Sauternes or Port.
Stilton (UK) – Crumbly, rich, and earthy. A go-to for pairing with port wine.
Cambozola (Germany) – A hybrid between brie and blue cheese – mild, buttery, and crowd-pleasing.
Tip: Let the cheese reach room temperature before serving to bring out the full flavor.
Wines That Pair With Gingerbread & Blue Cheese
To handle both the sweetness of the gingerbread and the salty, umami-packed cheese, you need a wine with sweetness, high acidity, and fruit-forward notes. Here are some top picks:
1. Sauternes (France)
The classic choice. This botrytized dessert wine offers honey, apricot, and citrus notes that balance both cheese and cookie beautifully.
2. Tokaji Aszú (Hungary)
Similar to Sauternes but often with more spice and nuttiness – excellent with Nordic-style blue cheese.
3. Port Wine (Portugal)
Especially tawny or vintage Port. Rich, sweet, and nutty – a luxurious match with strong blue cheeses and gingerbread’s spice.
4. Recioto della Valpolicella (Italy)
A sweet red wine with notes of berries and cocoa. A fun alternative for red wine lovers who want something sweet and bold.
5. Moscato d’Asti (Italy)
Low alcohol, lightly sparkling, and sweet. Fruity and refreshing – perfect with mild cheeses like Gorgonzola Dolce or Cambozola.
Serving Tips
Slice the cheese thinly so it doesn’t overpower the bite.
Try mini gingerbread cookies for one-bite snacks – ideal for pairing and easy to serve.
Add a drizzle of honey or fig jam if you're feeling adventurous – especially with saltier cheeses.
Serve with chilled dessert wine in smaller glasses to keep the experience light and elegant.
Gingerbread and blue cheese isn’t just a quirky Scandinavian tradition – it’s a surprisingly refined pairing that deserves a spot on your holiday table. Add the right wine, and you have a winter-friendly dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and gourmet. Easy to serve, hard to forget.
