Randy Chandler
Blue cheese and ranch are both popular salad dressings, but they have distinct flavours and are used in different types of dishes. While blue cheese is often paired with chicken wings, ranch is better suited for salads with milder or sweeter flavours, such as a Cobb salad or a salad with fruit. Blue cheese has a stronger, more intense, and saltier flavour compared to the milder taste of ranch. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific dish being served.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common uses | Both are commonly used as salad dressings. Blue cheese is also used with chicken, burgers, sandwiches, steak, and chicken wings. Ranch is also used for dipping raw vegetables, crackers, or breadsticks. |
| Taste | Blue cheese has a stronger, more intense, and saltier taste. Ranch has a milder flavor. |
| Ingredients | Blue cheese is made from cow's milk, goat's milk, or sheep's milk. It also contains sour cream and sometimes milk. Ranch is made with buttermilk and mayonnaise. |
| Texture | Ranch has a smooth and creamy texture. Blue cheese has a different texture from ranch. |
| Nutritional value | A general comparison shows that one serving (2 tablespoons) of ranch dressing has around 140 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrates. |
| Popularity | In a survey conducted by the chicken wing network "Wingaddicts Community", 61% of wing enthusiasts preferred blue cheese, 17% preferred ranch, and 12% would take both or neither. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese and ranch dressing have a lot in common
Blue cheese and ranch dressing are two popular salad dressings with a lot in common. Both dressings are versatile and delicious, and they share a buttermilk base. However, they differ in texture and seasonings, with blue cheese having a stronger, more intense and saltier flavour.
Blue cheese and ranch dressings are often pitted against each other, especially when it comes to chicken wings. Some people prefer the creamy, mild flavour of ranch to balance out the heat of spicy wings, while others opt for the sharper, saltier taste of blue cheese. The choice between the two dressings often comes down to personal preference and the type of dish being served.
Blue cheese is believed to have originated in France and is commonly made from cow's milk, goat's milk, or sheep's milk. The blue marbling in the cheese is a result of the addition of a mould called Penicillium. One of the earliest mentions of blue cheese dressing is found in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book, dating back to 1928, where the recipe was called Roquefort dressing, named after the French blue cheese used in it.
Ranch dressing, on the other hand, gained popularity in the 1970s when the "Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing" seasoning mix was sold to Clorox. It is a buttermilk and mayonnaise-based dip, known for its smooth and creamy texture. Ranch dressing is a good choice for milder or sweeter salads, and it pairs well with raw vegetables, crackers, or breadsticks.
While the two dressings have distinct flavours and characteristics, they are not mutually exclusive. Some people even choose to blend the two together, creating a savoury, herby, and cheesy combination that enhances the flavour of dishes like chicken wings or salads.
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Blue cheese is stronger in flavour
Blue cheese and ranch dressings are both popular choices for salads and chicken wings. However, blue cheese is considered to have a stronger flavour profile compared to ranch. While ranch dressing is known for its mild and creamy taste, blue cheese offers a more intense and salty flavour. This difference is partly due to the ingredients used in each dressing. Ranch dressing typically contains buttermilk and mayonnaise, resulting in a smooth and mild flavour that pairs well with milder or sweeter dishes such as salads with fruit or sweet wings. On the other hand, blue cheese is made with ingredients like sour cream and milk, and its distinct taste can come from the addition of a mould called Penicillium, which gives it its characteristic blue marbling. Blue cheese is often preferred by those who enjoy stronger, saltier flavours and can enhance dishes like spicy buffalo wings, steaks, or burgers.
The stronger flavour of blue cheese also makes it a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. For instance, it is commonly paired with chicken, adding a nice flavour to sandwiches or burgers with bold toppings. The saltiness of blue cheese also makes it a natural coolant, helping to balance the heat of spicy foods. This characteristic has led to its popularity as a pairing with chicken wings, as it can provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the wings.
While personal preferences may vary, surveys among chicken wing enthusiasts have consistently shown a preference for blue cheese over ranch. In surveys conducted by the "Wingaddicts Community" on Facebook, a significant majority (61%) of respondents preferred blue cheese, while only 17% chose ranch. This preference may be influenced by the perception that blue cheese, with its stronger flavour, can better complement the bold and spicy flavours often associated with chicken wings.
The origin of blue cheese dressing is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, with one of the earliest recordings found in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book from 1928. However, there is also a mention of it in Fannie Farmer's book from 1918, where the recipe was called Roquefort dressing, named after the French blue cheese used in its preparation. Despite their differences in flavour intensity, both blue cheese and ranch dressings share some similarities. They are both savoury, herby, and cheesy, and they can be blended together to create a unique and delicious dressing that combines the best of both worlds.
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Ranch is better for milder foods
When it comes to choosing between blue cheese and ranch dressings, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of food being served. However, ranch dressing is generally better suited for milder foods due to its milder flavour profile.
Ranch dressing, with its creamy buttermilk and mayonnaise base, offers a smooth and mild taste that complements rather than overwhelms more delicate dishes. It is the perfect choice for those who want a subtle flavour boost without overpowering the other ingredients. Its versatility shines when paired with salads, especially those with sweeter or milder flavours, such as a Cobb salad or a fruity option. It also serves as an excellent dip for raw vegetables, crackers, or breadsticks, enhancing their flavour without being too dominant.
On the other hand, blue cheese dressing boasts a stronger, more intense flavour. This makes it ideal for bolder, spicier dishes, such as buffalo wings or a juicy steak. The robust flavour of blue cheese can stand up to and enhance these heartier meals. The sharp, salty notes of blue cheese can also add a nice kick to burgers or sandwiches with bold toppings, creating a more complex and satisfying bite.
While both dressings have a buttermilk base, their textures and seasonings differ significantly. Blue cheese, for example, often includes sour cream and milk, resulting in a thicker consistency. The type of cheese used also plays a role in the overall taste and texture, with varieties like Roquefort blue cheese from France contributing to a distinct flavour profile.
In conclusion, while both ranch and blue cheese dressings have their unique merits and applications, ranch dressing is generally the preferred choice for milder foods. Its subtle flavour enhances salads, raw vegetables, and other delicate dishes without overpowering their natural flavours. For those seeking a more understated and versatile dressing, ranch is the way to go.
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Blue cheese is more versatile
While ranch dressing is a popular choice for salads and sweeter flavour profiles, blue cheese is more versatile. Blue cheese is commonly used in salads, but it can also be paired with a wider variety of dishes. It is a great choice for those who enjoy stronger, spicier flavours. For example, blue cheese is often served with chicken wings, as dairy products are a natural coolant to balance the heat of the capsaicin on your taste buds. It can also add a nice flavour to burgers or sandwiches with bold toppings.
Blue cheese is also a good option for those counting calories, as it typically has fewer calories than ranch dressing. A general comparison shows that one serving or two tablespoons of ranch dressing has around 140 calories, whereas blue cheese dressing has fewer calories, depending on the brand and type.
The origin of blue cheese dressing is believed to have originated in the US in the early 20th century. One of the earliest recordings of the recipe is found in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book, dating back to 1928. However, there is also a mention of it in Fannie Farmer's 1918 book, where the recipe was called Roquefort dressing, based on the French blue cheese used to make it.
While blue cheese is more versatile in terms of flavour profiles and dishes it can be used in, the decision between ranch and blue cheese ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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Blue cheese is an acquired taste
Ranch dressing is a smooth and creamy blend of buttermilk and mayonnaise, with a mild flavor that complements salads, milder dishes, and sweeter foods. It is a versatile and popular choice, often used as a dip for raw vegetables, crackers, or breadsticks. Its mild flavor also makes it a good option for those who are averse to stronger-tasting cheeses or dairy products.
On the other hand, blue cheese is a bold and distinctive cheese that originates from France. It can be made from cow's milk, goat's milk, or sheep's milk, and its characteristic blue-green marbling is the result of the addition of a mold called Penicillium. This gives it a strong, salty, and intense flavor that some find unappealing. In fact, according to a 2021 blog by Kathia Bello, blue cheese ranks as the fourth most-hated food in America, just after candy corn, olives, and anchovies.
Despite its controversial reputation, blue cheese is a favorite among wing enthusiasts. It is traditionally served with chicken wings, a pairing that dates back to 1964 when Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of Anchor Bar in Buffalo, created the famous "hot-sauce-and-butter" combo. The dairy in blue cheese serves as a natural coolant to balance the heat of spicy wings, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a fiery dish.
While ranch and blue cheese dressings differ in taste and texture, some adventurous souls have found a way to enjoy the best of both worlds by blending the two together. This combination results in a savory, herby, and salty flavor that enhances the taste of salads, wings, and other dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured cheese made from cow's, goat's or sheep's milk. It is French in origin and has blue-coloured marbling due to the addition of a mould called Penicillium.
Ranch dressing is a mild-flavoured, smooth and creamy salad dressing that is a good choice for salads with milder or sweeter flavours. It is made with buttermilk and mayonnaise and is commonly used as a dip for raw vegetables, crackers and breadsticks.
Blue cheese dressing is a strong-flavoured salad dressing that is commonly used as a dip for chicken wings. It is made with sour cream and sometimes milk.
Blue cheese and ranch dressings have different textures and seasonings. Blue cheese dressing has a stronger flavour than ranch, which is milder. Ranch dressing is also more commonly made with buttermilk, whereas blue cheese dressing is not.
It is a matter of personal preference! Some people prefer the stronger flavour of blue cheese, while others prefer the milder taste of ranch.
