Blue cheese is salty and strong, so pair it with something sweet to balance the salt, or something strong enough to stand up to it.

• Food: honey, figs or fig spread, and walnuts. Cured meats and olives also work. Fresh apples, grapes or cucumber give a lighter contrast.
• Wine: sweet wines like port or a dessert wine such as Sauternes. On my chart, blue also goes with Champagne, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Beer: stout, porter or brown ale.
• Cider: a sweet cider.
• Whiskey: a smoky single malt Scotch is a common match.
• Bread: whole grain or crusty bread.

Related: Pairing cheese: fruit, nuts, honey and jam · Pairing cheese: wine