Randy Chandler
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. It is easy to make at home and only takes a few minutes. The recipe usually includes blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and seasonings. The earliest recording of blue cheese dressing was in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928, but it was called Roquefort dressing.
How is blue cheese dressing made?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, mustard powder, lemon juice, hot sauce |
| Consistency | Thick, chunky |
| Taste | Strong, creamy |
| Preparation | Mash blue cheese and buttermilk, add other ingredients and mix, refrigerate |
| Time | Minutes to prepare, 24 hours to chill |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 10 days |
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Blue cheese and buttermilk
The first step is to mash the blue cheese and buttermilk together with a fork until the mixture resembles large-curd cottage cheese. You can add more or less buttermilk to get the consistency you want. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can substitute whole milk for buttermilk.
Once the blue cheese and buttermilk are well combined, you can add the rest of the ingredients. Common additions include mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include mustard powder, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add hot sauce or blue cheese crumbles for some extra flavour.
After mixing all the ingredients together, the blue cheese dressing should be refrigerated until it is ready to be served. It is recommended to refrigerate the dressing for at least 24 hours to allow the flavours to meld and develop. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
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Adding mayonnaise
When adding mayonnaise, it is important to consider the overall consistency of the blue cheese dressing. Mayonnaise contributes to a thicker texture, so if a thinner dressing is desired, additional liquids such as milk, buttermilk, or water can be incorporated. The ratio of mayonnaise to other ingredients can be adjusted to achieve the desired consistency.
The type of mayonnaise used can also impact the flavour and texture of the blue cheese dressing. Light mayonnaise, for example, results in a less rich dressing. Homemade mayonnaise is an option for those who prefer to make everything from scratch, while store-bought mayonnaise is a convenient alternative.
Mayonnaise serves as a versatile ingredient in blue cheese dressing, allowing for customisation and experimentation. It provides a creamy foundation that can be enhanced with various seasonings and ingredients. The combination of mayonnaise with other dairy products, such as sour cream or Greek yoghurt, creates a lighter and tangier dressing.
Additionally, the inclusion of mayonnaise in blue cheese dressing contributes to a longer shelf life. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, depending on the specific ingredients and proportions used.
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Other ingredients
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. While every home cook has their own recipe, blue cheese dressing usually features blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and simple seasonings.
For the blue cheese, you can use any type of blue cheese you like. Some recipes call for strong-flavoured blue cheese, while others opt for milder varieties such as Gorgonzola. You can also use a combination of blue cheese and other types of cheese, such as freshly grated Parmesan. If you want a chunky texture, crumble or chop the cheese into small pieces. For a smoother dressing, blend the cheese until it reaches your desired consistency.
Buttermilk is another key ingredient in blue cheese dressing. It adds a tangy flavour and helps to thin out the dressing. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can substitute whole milk or water for the buttermilk. You can also adjust the amount of buttermilk you use to achieve your desired consistency.
Mayonnaise is also a common ingredient in blue cheese dressing. It provides a creamy base and helps to bind all the ingredients together. You can use regular mayonnaise or light mayonnaise, depending on your preference. If you want a healthier option, you can try substituting plain yoghurt or Greek yoghurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
Sour cream is often added to blue cheese dressing to lighten up the richness of the mayonnaise and give it a tangier flavour. However, if you don't have sour cream on hand, you can substitute additional mayonnaise or yoghurt.
Finally, various seasonings can be added to enhance the flavour of blue cheese dressing. Common seasonings include vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add hot sauce, mustard powder, or Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick of flavour.
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Consistency
The consistency of blue cheese dressing can vary depending on its intended use. For example, a thinner consistency is better suited for salad dressing, while a thicker consistency is ideal for dipping vegetables and serving with chicken wings.
To achieve a thinner consistency, additional buttermilk, milk, or water can be added to the dressing. Alternatively, using a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream can also help to lighten the consistency. For those who prefer a thicker consistency, increasing the amount of sour cream in the recipe can make the dressing thicker.
It is important to note that the type of blue cheese used can also impact the consistency of the dressing. For example, using a milder variety of blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, can result in a less thick dressing. The size of the blue cheese crumbles can also affect the overall consistency, with smaller crumbles creating a smoother texture.
Another factor that influences the consistency of blue cheese dressing is the mixing technique. Overmixing the dressing can result in a runnier consistency, so it is generally recommended to gently fold in the blue cheese until combined. Additionally, the order in which the ingredients are combined can make a difference. For example, in one recipe, it is suggested to first combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and half of the blue cheese, before stirring in the remaining blue cheese.
To adjust the consistency of blue cheese dressing, it is common to add small amounts of liquid or dairy products, such as milk, buttermilk, or water, until the desired consistency is achieved. This allows for customization based on personal preference or intended use.
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Storage
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. It is typically made with blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and simple seasonings.
When storing blue cheese dressing, it is important to use an airtight container. This will help to prevent the dressing from spoiling and will also keep out any unwanted bacteria. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
If you are making your own blue cheese dressing, it is recommended to refrigerate it for 24 hours before serving to allow the flavours to meld. It is also worth noting that blue cheese dressing can be made up to three days in advance.
It is important to be aware that separation of water and oil (instability of the emulsion) is a potential problem with blue cheese dressing. Therefore, it is best to stir or whisk the dressing well before serving to ensure all the ingredients are combined.
Some common microorganisms that can cause spoilage in salad dressings include Saccharomyces bailii and Lactobacillus fructivorans. To prevent spoilage, it is important to store the dressing in the refrigerator and consume it within the recommended time frame.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sugar. You can also add in some mustard powder and Worcestershire sauce.
Mash the blue cheese and buttermilk together with a fork until well-combined, then add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. You can add more or less buttermilk to get it to the consistency you want.
Blue cheese dressing will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
