Blue cheese dressing has always been a favorite of mine, and what makes it truly special is the rich, tangy flavor of the blue cheese itself. This condiment has become a staple in American cuisine.

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

Here is how to make the blue cheese dressing:

Best Blue Cheese Dressing

A perfect blend of tangy and rich flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for salads, vegetables, or as a dip for your favorite snacks. With its sharp blue cheese notes, this dressing adds a gourmet touch to any dish.

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Prep Time 10

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 120 kcal

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

Generally, homemade blue cheese dressing can last about 1 week when stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator

Keyword blue cheese dressing, creamy salad dressing, homemade condiment, homemade salad dressing

– To customize your blue cheese dressing, consider:

Adjusting the blue cheese quantity for 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

The key is to start with small adjustments and taste as you go, allowing the flavors to meld before making further changes.

– Here are some tips for achieving the ideal blue cheese salad dressing:

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 seasoning just before serving

Variations

1. Dietary Restrictions

If you’re on a specific diet, here are some substitutions I’ve successfully used:

For dairy-free: Use dairy-free yogurt or mayo as a base
For low-fat: Substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise
For vegan blue cheese dressing: Experiment with cashew-based “blue cheese” alternatives

The key is to maintain the balance of creaminess, tanginess, and blue cheese flavor while adapting to specific dietary needs.

2. Tangy Blue Cheese Salad Dressing

Tangy blue cheese dressing emphasizes the sharp, acidic notes that blue cheese naturally possesses. To achieve this, incorporate a combination of:

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Fresh lemon juice
A touch of Dijon mustard

These ingredients work in harmony to amplify the tanginess without overpowering the blue cheese’s distinctive flavor profile.

3. Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

Blue cheese vinaigrette offers a lighter alternative to its creamy counterparts. This dressing combines the pungent notes of blue cheese with the brightness of a vinaigrette, resulting in a versatile condiment that’s perfect for salads and marinades. To make this version, you can:

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

4. Variations and Specialty Blends

The world of blue cheese dressing extends beyond these classic types, with numerous variations and specialty blends available. You can create with this recipe as your preference:

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.

How to use

1. As a Salad Dressing

Blue cheese dressing shines brightest when paired with robust salad ingredients. Some of my favorite combinations include:

Wedge salad with crisp iceberg lettuce, bacon, and cherry tomatoes
Mixed greens with toasted walnuts, sliced pears, and crumbled blue cheese
Spinach salad with grilled chicken, red onions, and sliced strawberries

The key lies in balancing the dressing’s richness with crisp, fresh ingredients and textural elements.

2. Dipping Sauce for Appetizers

As a dipping sauce, blue cheese salad dressing elevates a wide array of appetizers. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor provide the perfect counterpoint to crispy, savory bites. Some popular pairings include: