Blue Cheese Dressing: How Long Does It Really Last?

Blue cheese salad dressing is a popular creamy salad dressing and dip known for its sharp, tangy taste. It is made by combining crumbled blue cheese with ingredients such as mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic, and various herbs and spices. An unopened package of blue cheese salad dressing will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months. Once opened, the dressing will last for about 6 to 9 months. However, it is important to note that the precise answer depends on storage conditions. To maximize shelf life, store in a cool, dry area and keep it refrigerated and tightly covered once opened.

Unopened blue cheese dressing can last for 12-18 months

The best-before date on the package is not a safety date but the manufacturer's estimate of how long the dressing will remain at peak quality. The dressing will generally be safe to consume after this date if it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage.

To check if blue cheese dressing has gone bad, smell and look at it. If the dressing has developed an off odour, flavour, or appearance, or if mould appears, it should be discarded.

Opened blue cheese dressing will last 6-9 months

It is also important to note that the 6-9 months timeframe refers to the best quality of the product. After this period, the blue cheese dressing's texture, colour or flavour may change, but it will still be safe to consume if it has been kept continuously refrigerated, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage.

To determine if blue cheese dressing has gone bad, the best way is to examine its smell, flavour, and appearance. If the dressing has developed an off odour, flavour or appearance, or if mould appears, it should be discarded.

Store-bought blue cheese dressing will last 9-12 months

Blue cheese dressing will usually have a "Best By", "Best if Used By", "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date. This is not a safety date, but the manufacturer's estimate of how long the dressing will remain at peak quality. After this date, the dressing's texture, colour, or flavour may change, but it will still be safe to consume if stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage.

The best way to tell if blue cheese dressing has gone bad is to smell and look at it. If the dressing develops an off odour, flavour, or appearance, or if mould appears, it should be discarded.

Homemade blue cheese dressing will last 5-7 days

Homemade blue cheese dressing is easy to make and tastes better than store-bought alternatives. It is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce that typically features blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and seasonings. The dressing can be made thinner for salads or kept thicker for dipping sauces.

To determine if blue cheese dressing has gone bad, use your senses. If the dressing has developed an off odor, flavor, or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.

How to tell if blue cheese dressing has gone bad

Blue cheese dressing is a delicious addition to any salad, but it's important to make sure it's still good to eat before consuming it. Here are some detailed ways to tell if blue cheese dressing has gone bad:

Check the Expiration Date

The first thing you can do is check the expiration date on the package. The "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before," or "Best When Used By" date is not a safety date but rather the manufacturer's estimate of how long the dressing will remain at peak quality. Even after this date, the dressing will usually still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly and the package is undamaged.

Examine the Appearance

Look at the blue cheese dressing. If it has developed mould, an off appearance, or a change in texture, it should be discarded. The mould you don't want to see in blue cheese dressing is fuzzy and darker in colour, usually black or grey. Yeast may also appear as slimy pink or yellow spots.

Smell the Dressing

Give the blue cheese dressing a sniff. If it has developed an off or strange odour, it has likely gone bad and should be discarded. Fresh blue cheese has a strong scent, but as it starts to spoil, the smell can become more ammonia-like or musty. Trust your nose—if something smells off, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Taste It

If the blue cheese dressing looks and smells fine, you can try tasting a small amount. Fresh blue cheese has a strong, sharp taste, but as it ages, it can become especially biting or pungent. If the flavour is too strong or unpleasant, it's best to discard the dressing. While a small taste of spoiled blue cheese dressing is usually not dangerous, consuming a significant amount may cause an upset stomach.

Note the Storage Conditions

The shelf life of blue cheese dressing depends largely on storage conditions. For opened dressing, continuous refrigeration and a tight cover will help maximise shelf life. Unopened dressing should be stored in a cool, dry area.

In summary, the best way to tell if blue cheese dressing has gone bad is to examine its appearance, smell, and taste for any off characteristics. Trust your senses, and if in doubt, it's best to discard the dressing to avoid any potential food safety issues.

Frequently asked questions