The king of the cheeseboard is now trendy.
There's a title I have always wanted to write as a self-confessed cheese lover. Once a favourite of older generations, Stilton has surged in popularity thanks to viral TikTok trends and creative recipes like savoury cocktails. This shift has fuelled a 6% year-on-year rise in sales, with younger foodies embracing the artisanal quality and unique taste of this iconic blue cheese.
TV food and drink influencer Aidy Smith, known for his innovative savoury cocktails featuring Clawson 1912, says the younger generation is fuelling the revival. "Gen Z are adventurous and appreciate artisanal foods like Stilton for the craftsmanship and flavour," Smith explains.
"From updated classics like Stilton Martinis to the viral Blue Maple cocktail, social media has turned these creations into a must-try trend. This Christmas, Stilton cocktails could easily replace traditional favourites like Eggnog and Mulled Wine at parties."
Stilton Hits the Spotlight with BBC's 'Inside the Christmas Factory'
The resurgence of Stilton is also taking centre stage in next week's episode of Inside the Christmas Factory (BBC One, Dec. 22, 6:30 PM), where presenter Cherry Healey explores the artisanal process behind the award-winning 1912 Blue Stilton.
At Clawson Farm Dairy, one of only five producers of Stilton in the UK, Healey works alongside Master Cheesemaker Steve Smith, learning the intricate methods of hand-grading and maturing Stilton—a process that takes up to 14 weeks.
Healey, a self-proclaimed cheese lover, called the experience "cheese heaven." She even joined in adding the signature blue mould to the milk vat, joking, "Merry Christmas magic mould, transform this enormous tub of milk into Stilton!"
Leicestershire’s Stilton : Long Clawson Dairy:
Leicestershire's Stilton is one of Britain’s most celebrated cheeses, a true testament to the region’s rich dairy heritage. Often referred to as the “King of English Cheeses,” Stilton boasts a protected designation of origin (PDO) status, meaning it can only be made in the counties of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. This ensures that every wedge of Stilton maintains the same high standards of quality and taste.
Nestled in the picturesque Vale of Belvoir, Long Clawson Dairy is one of Leicestershire’s premier Stilton producers. Founded in 1911, this farmer-owned cooperative has perfected the art of crafting traditional Blue Stilton, earning a reputation for excellence worldwide. Using milk sourced from local farms, the dairy combines time-honored methods with modern quality standards.
Long Clawson’s Stilton is renowned for its rich, creamy texture and bold, tangy flavor, achieved through meticulous hand-ladling and careful aging. Visitors can often find their award-winning cheeses at local markets or specialty shops, a true testament to Leicestershire’s proud cheese-making heritage.
Here's a recent stilton recipe fave of mine, as a sage lover of sage and stilton - it's a winning combo for me:
Blue Cheese Pasta with Stilton and a Sage Crumb
This quick and flavourful dish combines creamy Stilton with crispy golden sage breadcrumbs for an elegant and satisfying meal. Here's a high-level overview:
Ingredients: Includes dried pasta, Stilton, crème fraîche, sage, white wine, shallots, and garlic.
Preparation: The pasta is cooked until al dente, while a sauce made with reduced white wine, garlic, shallots, and Stilton is prepared. Simultaneously, sage and breadcrumbs are toasted to create a crunchy topping. The sauce is combined with the pasta, and the dish is finished with the sage crumb.
This recipe is simple yet indulgent, ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. For full details and measurements, you can check the recipe on Krumpli.
