Blue cheese dressing has always been a favorite of mine. What makes it truly special is the rich, tangy flavor of the blue cheese itself. This condiment is a staple in American cuisine.
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Blue cheese dressing recipe
Blue cheese dressing is a creamy, tangy condiment made primarily from blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk. This trio creates a rich, smooth texture that coats the palate luxuriously. Blue cheese forms the heart of the dressing, with its pungent, salty notes providing depth and character.
When compared to other creamy dressings like ranch dressing or Caesar dressing, Blue Cheese stands out from the crowd due to its bold, pungent flavor and unique texture. Here’s a comparison table of specific creamy dressings:
| Aspect | Blue Cheese Dressing | Ranch Dressing | Caesar Dressing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk | Buttermilk, sour cream | Olive oil, egg yolk |
| Key ingredients | Crumbled blue cheese | Herbs (dill, chives, parsley) | Parmesan cheese, anchovies |
| Flavor profile | Tangy, pungent, salty | Herby, slightly tangy | Garlicky, savory, slightly salty |
| Texture | Chunky | Smooth with herb specks | Smooth |
This condiment perfectly complements a wedge salad with bacon, a mixed greens salad with pears and walnuts, or a spinach salad with grilled chicken and strawberries.
It also excels as a dipping sauce for appetizers like Buffalo chicken wings, fried pickles, potato wedges, and vegetable crudités. It adds a creamy tang to burgers, grilled portobello mushroom sandwiches, turkey avocado wraps, and steak sandwiches.
Beyond cold uses, this dressing can be incorporated into cooking. It creates a rich filling for twice-baked potatoes, adds tang to pasta salads, offers a gourmet twist on mashed potatoes, and makes a flavorful finishing drizzle for roasted vegetables.
Here is how to make the blue cheese dressing:
Best Blue Cheese Dressing
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon milk optional, for desired consistency
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add crumbled blue cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, stir in milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Notes
- Adjusting the blue cheese quantity for a stronger or milder flavor
- Incorporating fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill
- Adding a touch of honey for a subtle sweetness
- Experimenting with different vinegars, such as balsamic or apple cider
- Including a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing
- Mash some of the blue cheese into the base for a more uniform flavor
- Allow the dressing to rest for at least an hour before serving
- Adjust consistency with buttermilk if needed
- Taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Feel free to adjust and make the blue cheese dressing your own. Here are some ideas you can try at home:
- Dietary Restrictions
- Dairy-free Version uses dairy-free yogurt or mayo as a base.
- Low-fat Variation substitutes Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
- Vegan Dressing experiments with cashew-based “blue cheese” alternatives.
- Tangy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing incorporates a combination of: white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard
- Blue Cheese Vinaigrette offers a lighter alternative to its creamy counterparts.
- Whisk together vinegar, Dijon mustard, and crumbled blue cheese
- Slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking
- Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of honey to balance the flavors
- Variations and Specialty Blends
- Roasted garlic blue cheese salad dressing incorporates sweet, mellow notes of roasted garlic.
- Herb-infused blue cheese dressing blends fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and dill for added complexity.
- Spicy blue cheese salad dressing introduces a kick of heat with the addition of cayenne or hot sauce.