Blue cheese dressing is a rich and creamy addition to a variety of foods, including tossed salads and chicken wings. While store-bought dressing is convenient, preparing your own blue cheese dressing is far cheaper. It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and you can substitute any blue cheese—like Roquefort or Gorgonzola—that you choose.
In this dish, the sour cream and mayonnaise make the dressing thick and creamy, while the buttermilk adds a little tang. This blue cheese dressing is delicious on a wedge salad, served with Buffalo wings, or as a topping for grilled steak.
This article explains how to prepare a thick and creamy blue cheese dressing from scratch. We’ll look at the ingredients and processes for making the dressing, as well as how to perfect it, serving ideas, and correct storage techniques to keep it fresh.
Blue Cheese Dressing
Blue cheese dressing is a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and crumbled blue cheese. Its origin is uncertain, although the first mention is in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928, when it was known as Roquefort dressing. Blue cheese is merely a variety of Roquefort, a cheese created from ewe’s milk and ripened in caves.
In the process of creating it, you can control the texture and flavor by adding or removing chunks of blue cheese. Because blue cheese has such a strong flavor, the dressing is really powerful.
Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
This wonderful homemade blue cheese dressing is simple to make and goes great with salad or dippers like wings and vegetables.
| Ingredients | Instructions | Servings | Nutrition (per serving) |
| ¾ cup mayonnaise1/4 cup sour cream.¾ cup buttermilk2 teaspoons of distilled vinegar.1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.1 and 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon sea salt.¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper.1/2 cup nice shredded blue cheese. | In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper.Next, carefully fold in the blue cheese until incorporated. Don’t overmix.Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. | 12 | Calories: 110Total Fat: 11gCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2g |
Tips On Making The Best Blue Cheese Dressing
- Choose a blue cheese you love. The trick to making a great blue cheese dressing is to start with a blue cheese that you like. Because blue cheese is the major component, its flavor will dominate the dressing, so choose one that matches your tastes.
- Use plain mayonnaise with a little sugar. Some mayonnaise types (particularly reduced-fat varieties) contain a lot of sugar, which might give your dressing an odd sweetness. Some blue cheese dressing recipes even call for sugar, which I consider superfluous. Read the comments—most people prefer it without! I’d also avoid using “zippy” mayonnaises like Miracle Whip or Primal Kitchen’s avocado oil mayonnaise, as they can overshadow the other flavors.
- Allow the dressing to infuse for a while. Refrigerate the completed dressing for at least 30 minutes (preferably 3-4 hours) to allow the flavors to combine. It will go from “That’s pretty good” to “Mmm, that is SO yummy.” Believe me, it is worth the wait!
Ways to Serve This Simple Blue Cheese Dressing
Salads
Blue cheese dressing goes great with a variety of salads. Here are a few of the top choices:
- Classic wedge salad: A fresh wedge of iceberg lettuce with blue cheese dressing, bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, and chives.
- Cobb Salad: A mix of greens, grilled chicken, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, bacon, and blue cheese crumbles stirred with blue cheese dressing.
- Caesar Salad: Instead of typical Caesar dressing, try blue cheese dressing for a creamy and tangy twist on this classic salad.
- Spinach and Pear Salad: Fresh spinach leaves, sliced pears, candied nuts, and blue cheese dressing combine to produce a great flavor balance.
Dipping Sauce
Blue cheese dressing is a great dip for a variety of appetizers and snacks.
- Vegetable Platter: Dip raw carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber slices in blue cheese dressing.
- Buffalo Wings: The creamy and tangy dressing is a popular combination for spicy buffalo wings, reducing the heat while providing great taste.
- Chips: To make a rich and savory snack, dip potato chips or pita chips in blue cheese dressing.
Sandwich Spread
Blue cheese dressing can be used to enhance the flavor of sandwiches and burgers.
- Burgers: Spread blue cheese dressing on the bread of a grilled burger to provide another layer of creamy, tangy taste.
- Chicken Sandwich: Top a grilled or fried chicken sandwich with a big dollop of blue cheese dressing, lettuce, and tomato.
- Steak Sandwich: Spread blue cheese dressing on steak sandwiches to provide a gourmet touch that complements the flavorful meat.
- Wraps: For a wonderful and hearty meal, add blue cheese dressing to wrap with turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.
These serving suggestions highlight blue cheese dressing’s versatility, making it a great addition to a variety of entrees and snacks.
Storage & Shelf Life
Proper Storage Techniques
How to store it in the fridge:
- Refrigeration: To retain freshness and prevent spoilage, blue cheese dressing should always be kept refrigerated. Keep your refrigerator’s temperature at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Sealing: Keep the dressing in an airtight container to avoid absorbing aromas from other foods and drying out.
Recommended Containers:
- Glass Mason jars with tight-fitting lids work well for storing blue cheese dressing. They are non-reactive, which helps to preserve flavor.
- Plastic Containers: BPA-free plastic containers with secure lids can be used, but they must be food-grade and free of lingering odors.
Shelf Life
How long will the dressing stay fresh?
- Freshness Duration: When properly maintained in the refrigerator, homemade blue cheese dressing will typically last 5 to 7 days.
- Commercial dressings: Preservatives are usually added to store-bought blue cheese dressings to lengthen their shelf life. Always refer to the expiration date on the bottle for assistance.
Signs of bad dressing:
- One of the earliest indicators of spoilage is a sour or unpleasant odor. If the dressing smells bad or is rancid, it should be discarded.
- Texture Changes: If the dressing gets too thick, separates, or has a watery consistency, it may be spoiled.
- Mold: Visible mold growth on the surface of the dressing is a clear indication that it should be discarded.
- Flavor: A sour or off flavor is another indication that the dressing is no longer safe to consume.
By following these storage techniques, you can keep your blue cheese dressing fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
The bottom line
Homemade blue cheese dressing is an adaptable and delicious addition to a variety of recipes. By choosing the correct blue cheese and using proper preservation practices, you can enjoy a fresh, savory dressing that enriches your meals, whether as a salad dressing, dip, or sandwich spread.
