Frederic Melton
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. It is a mayonnaise-based creamy dressing with crumbled blue cheese. The earliest recording of this recipe is in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928, where it was called Roquefort dressing. It is easy to make at home and is the perfect accompaniment for salads or dippers like wings and veggies. The higher the quality of blue cheese used, the better the dressing will taste. The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic, Worcestershire sauce |
| Consistency | Thick, creamy |
| Taste | Tangy, salty, robust |
| Preparation | Mash blue cheese and buttermilk, add remaining ingredients, stir |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 5-10 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right blue cheese
When it comes to choosing the right blue cheese for your dressing, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, opt for a blue cheese that you personally enjoy eating. It's advisable to select a cheese that has a rich and creamy flavour profile. Gorgonzola is a great option that fits this criterion. If you're after a tangier, funkier blue cheese, consider gorgonzola or Roquefort, the latter of which is made from sheep's milk and has a smooth, brightly tangy flavour.
While you can choose any blue cheese that suits your taste, remember that the higher the quality of the cheese, the better your dressing will taste. This doesn't mean that cheaper options will make your dressing bad, but there will be a noticeable difference in flavour.
If you're looking for a blue cheese dressing with a perfect blend of flavours, aim for one with a balanced level of salt and a crave-worthy funkiness that doesn't overwhelm. A top-tier blue cheese dressing should have bits of real blue cheese for added texture.
You can also experiment with different ingredients to enhance the flavour of your blue cheese dressing. Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley for colour and flavour or a pinch of salt to make the flavour pop. Additionally, a splash of milk can help thin out the dressing, making it pourable and perfect for salads. On the other hand, if you're using the dressing as a dip, you may want to leave out the milk to maintain a thicker consistency.
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Adding milk or buttermilk
If you're using buttermilk, it's best to use whole, farm-fresh cultured buttermilk, as it has a tangier flavour and an ultra-creamy texture. However, if you can't find "farm" buttermilk or want to lighten the dressing, you can use low-fat cultured buttermilk instead. The amount of buttermilk you'll need will depend on the consistency you want to achieve, so it's best to start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
To make blue cheese dressing, you'll typically mash the blue cheese and buttermilk together with a fork until well-combined, then add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. The higher the quality of blue cheese you use, the better your dressing will taste. You can also add a small amount of milk or water to thin out the dressing if needed.
If you're looking for a lighter dressing with fewer calories, you can substitute the mayonnaise for light mayo and the sour cream for plain yogurt. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dressing, and experiment with herbs such as chives, basil, parsley, oregano, marjoram, or dill.
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Using sugar to balance sharp flavours
Sugar can be used to balance the sharp flavours in a blue cheese dressing. Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured ingredient, and when combined with other sharp flavours like vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic, the overall flavour can be very tangy. Adding a small amount of sugar helps to balance and round out these sharp flavours, creating a more mellow and well-rounded dressing.
When adding sugar to blue cheese dressing, it's important to use it sparingly. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust as needed. Too much sugar can overpower the other ingredients and make the dressing too sweet. It's also important to consider the type of sugar used. White granulated sugar is the most common choice, but other types like brown sugar or honey can also be used. Each type of sugar will add a slightly different flavour to the dressing.
The amount of sugar you add will depend on your personal preference and the specific ingredients used in your dressing. If you're using a particularly strong blue cheese, you may need to add more sugar to balance the sharpness. Similarly, if you're adding other sharp ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar, you may want to increase the amount of sugar to maintain a balanced flavour.
It's also worth noting that the sharpness of blue cheese can vary depending on the brand and ageing process. A milder blue cheese may require less sugar to balance the flavour, while a sharper blue cheese may need a bit more. Experimenting with different types of blue cheese and adjusting the amount of sugar accordingly can lead to a more refined and personalised dressing.
In addition to balancing sharp flavours, sugar can also enhance the other ingredients in the dressing. For example, adding a small amount of sugar can bring out the tanginess of buttermilk or the acidity of lemon juice, creating a more complex and nuanced flavour profile. Sugar can act as a flavour enhancer, intensifying the overall taste experience of the dressing.
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Making it thinner or thicker
Blue cheese dressing is a popular choice for salads, dips, and spreads. The consistency of the dressing can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. Here are some tips to make your blue cheese dressing thinner or thicker:
Making it Thinner
If you want a thinner, pourable consistency for your blue cheese dressing, ideal for drizzling over salads, simply add a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water. You can also use milk or cream as a substitute for buttermilk. Alternatively, make your own buttermilk by combining milk and vinegar. Start with a small amount, such as a tablespoon, and gradually add more until you achieve your desired consistency.
Making it Thicker
For a thicker, chunkier texture that is perfect for dipping, you can reduce the amount of liquid in your recipe. Avoid adding milk or buttermilk if you want a thicker consistency. Additionally, you can adjust the preparation method by using a food processor to create a smoother base, then fold in the remaining blue cheese crumbles to add texture.
Remember, the blue cheese dressing tends to thicken as it sits, so you may need to adjust the consistency by stirring in some extra liquid before serving. Ultimately, the consistency of your blue cheese dressing is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find the ratio that suits your taste!
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How long to store it
Homemade blue cheese dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. It is recommended to cover it tightly and store it in an airtight container. The shelf life of homemade blue cheese dressing is shorter than that of its store-bought counterpart, which can last longer due to preservatives.
The dressing can be made up to three days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavours to meld. It is best to consume the dressing within a week, as it has a fresh taste and is free from preservatives.
The shelf life of blue cheese dressing can vary depending on the ingredients used and the storage conditions. It is important to use fresh ingredients and store the dressing properly to maximise its shelf life. Keeping the dressing covered and refrigerated will help to maintain its quality and freshness.
Additionally, the type of blue cheese used can impact the shelf life of the dressing. Higher quality blue cheese will result in a better-tasting dressing, but even with cheaper brands, a delicious dressing can be made. The key is to experiment with different ingredients and storage times to find what works best for your taste preferences and needs.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and simple seasonings.
Homemade blue cheese dressing will last between five to ten days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. You can use it to dress salads, dip chicken wings or crudites, or spread it on sandwiches or burgers as a condiment.
