Randy Chandler
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are often pitted against each other, especially when it comes to chicken wings. Despite their similarities, they have distinct differences. Both dressings have a creamy base, but blue cheese is crumblier and packs more of a flavour punch. The addition of blue cheese and vinegar gives blue cheese dressing its signature tanginess, while ranch is slightly sweeter and uses herbs like dill, parsley and chives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Ranch: smooth and creamy |
| Blue cheese: crumbly and chunky | |
| Taste | Ranch: tangy, slightly sweet, savory |
| Blue cheese: tangy, bold, pungent, salty | |
| Ingredients | Ranch: buttermilk, sour cream, herbs (dill, parsley, chives), sometimes mayonnaise |
| Blue cheese: buttermilk, crumbled blue cheese, vinegar | |
| Calories | Ranch: slightly lower than blue cheese |
| Popularity with wings | Ranch: more popular |
| Use cases | Ranch: good as a dip for wings and pizza |
| Blue cheese: good as a dip for Buffalo wings |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Taste and texture
When it comes to taste and texture, ranch and blue cheese dressings have some distinct differences.
Ranch dressing is known for its smooth and creamy texture, with a slightly sweet and tangy taste. It gets its recognisable flavour from herbs like dill, parsley, and chives. The base of ranch dressing is typically buttermilk, sour cream, and sometimes mayonnaise, giving it that rich, creamy consistency.
On the other hand, blue cheese dressing is characterised by its pungent, tangy flavour and crumbling, creamy texture. The tanginess comes from the use of vinegar in the dressing. Blue cheese dressing is made with crumbled blue cheese, which gives it a bold, chunky quality. While it shares a similar dairy milk base with ranch, the addition of blue cheese sets it apart in terms of both taste and texture. The blue cheese dressing packs a punch of flavour and has a slightly crumbly texture compared to the smooth consistency of ranch.
Some people prefer to blend the two dressings together to create a unique flavour profile that combines the savoury, herby, funky, cheesy, and salty notes of both ranch and blue cheese. This "blue ranch" creation offers a new taste experience for those who enjoy both dressings.
The texture and taste differences between ranch and blue cheese dressings are quite noticeable, and these distinctions play a significant role in determining their popularity and versatility as dips or accompaniments to various dishes.
Blue Cheese Strain: A Beginner's Guide to Cultivation
You may want to see also
Nutritional value
Ranch dressing is known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor, with herbs like dill, parsley, and chives contributing to its taste. In terms of nutrition, about 2 tablespoons of ranch contain approximately 140 calories, less than 1 gram of protein, 14 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrates. It is slightly lower in calories and fat content when compared to blue cheese dressing. However, it's important to note that ranch dressing has been associated with potential health concerns. Some samples of ranch dressing have tested positive for pesticides, which have been linked to lower IQs and decreased cognitive function.
On the other hand, blue cheese dressing offers a pungent and tangy flavor, with crumbled blue cheese and vinegar as its key ingredients. Blue cheese has its own unique nutritional benefits. It is a good source of calcium, which helps build bone density and manage visceral fat levels. Blue cheese also contains a compound called spermidine, which may help combat the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, blue cheese provides antioxidants that could have anti-cancer properties. A study by Ponce University suggested that high consumption of blue cheese dressing might be linked to a reduced risk of colon and prostate cancer.
While both dressings have their own nutritional advantages, it's worth considering personal preferences and dietary needs when making a choice. Blue cheese, with its stronger flavor, pairs well with dishes that have bolder or spicier flavors, such as buffalo wings or steak. Ranch dressing, with its milder flavor, complements salads with sweeter components or raw vegetables, crackers, and breadsticks. Ultimately, the nutritional value of each dressing can vary depending on the brand and specific recipe, so it's always a good idea to check the ingredient list and nutritional information provided by the manufacturer.
Blue Cheese and Pinot Noir: A Perfect Pairing?
You may want to see also
Popularity
The popularity of ranch and blue cheese dressings has been a topic of much discussion and debate, with people expressing strong preferences for one over the other. While both dressings have their fans, the cultural prominence of ranch dressing appears to be more widespread.
Ranch dressing, with its smooth and creamy texture and slightly sweet taste, has been dubbed the "ultimate American dressing" by The New York Times. Its popularity is evident in its widespread availability, with major retailers including Hidden Valley, Kraft, Newman's Own, and Annie's offering their own versions. The dressing's invention is credited to Steve Henson, a plumber who created it in the 1950s and shared it with customers on his job sites. The dry form of the dressing, which later became available for mail-order purchases, contributed to its convenience and spread. The introduction of ranch-flavoured Doritos in 1986 further solidified its place in American culture.
Blue cheese dressing, on the other hand, has a more niche following. It is known for its pungent, tangy taste and crumbly texture, and is particularly associated with Buffalo chicken wings. The earliest recorded recipe for blue cheese dressing dates back to the 1918 Fannie Farmer's Cookbook, and it gained further popularity in the 1930s with the release of The Joy of Cooking by Irma Rombauer. While blue cheese dressing has its loyal fans, it has been somewhat overshadowed by the rise in popularity of ranch.
The debate between the two dressings has played out on Twitter, with people passionately arguing for their preferred choice. While ranch seems to be more prevalent, especially with younger generations, blue cheese dressing holds its ground with those who appreciate its bold and distinctive flavour. The National Chicken Council predicts that during a football weekend, ranch dip consumption will outpace blue cheese by a ratio of nearly 2 to 1. However, this ratio may shift depending on regional preferences, as seen in Buffalo, where blue cheese remains the preferred choice for chicken wings.
Overall, while both ranch and blue cheese dressings have their enthusiasts, the popularity of ranch appears to be more pervasive and widespread, with blue cheese occupying a more specialised position in the market.
Marie's Blue Cheese Dressing: Carb Count and Nutrition Facts
You may want to see also
Explore related products
History
The history of blue cheese dressing is a bit unclear, with the earliest recording of the recipe found in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928, but it was called Roquefort dressing. Blue cheese is a type of Roquefort, made from ewe's milk and matured in caves.
Ranch dressing, on the other hand, has a more well-documented history. It was invented in the early 1950s by Steve Henson, a native of Thayer, Nebraska, who worked as a plumbing contractor in Anchorage, Alaska. Henson cooked for his work crews and perfected his buttermilk dressing recipe. In 1956, he and his wife, Gayle, moved to Santa Barbara County, California, where they purchased a guest ranch in San Marcos Pass and renamed it Hidden Valley Ranch. The couple served the salad dressing at their steakhouse, and it became so popular that guests bought jars to take home. By 1957, Henson began selling packages of dressing mix in stores and, later, by mail order. In the mid-1960s, the guest ranch closed, but the Henson's ranch dressing mail-order business continued to thrive. They incorporated Hidden Valley Ranch Food Products, Inc. and opened a factory to manufacture ranch dressing, initially distributing it to supermarkets in the Southwest before expanding nationwide.
In 1972, the Hidden Valley Ranch brand was bought by Clorox for $8 million, and the couple retired. However, the brand continued to grow and expand, with various manufacturers producing ranch packets and bottled dressings. In 1992, ranch dressing surpassed Italian dressing to become the best-selling salad dressing in the United States, and it has maintained its popularity. It has also inspired a range of ranch-flavored foods and products, such as ranch-flavored potato chips and ranch-themed parties and merchandise.
Blue Cheese and Mustard: A Match Made in Heaven?
You may want to see also
Best uses
Blue cheese and ranch dressings are both popular choices for dips and salad dressings. While blue cheese is known for its pungent and tangy taste, ranch is slightly sweet and creamy. The best use of each sauce depends on individual preferences, but here are some common applications:
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese dressing is often paired with Buffalo chicken wings, creating a bold and flavourful combination. Its crumbly, creamy texture and strong taste make it ideal for those who enjoy a punch of flavour. Blue cheese also contains beneficial nutrients such as calcium, which aids in building bone density, and phosphorus, selenium, and riboflavin.
Ranch
Ranch dressing has gained popularity as a dip for chicken wings and fried foods. Its smooth, creamy texture and slightly sweet taste with hints of dill, parsley, and chives make it a versatile choice for those who prefer a milder flavour. Ranch is also lower in calories and fat compared to blue cheese, making it a preferred option for health-conscious individuals.
Creative Combinations
Some people enjoy combining blue cheese and ranch dressings to create a unique flavour profile. Blending the two sauces results in a savoury, herby, and salty taste that combines the best of both worlds. This "blue ranch" creation can be used as a dip or salad dressing, offering a new twist on classic favourites.
Blue Cheese and Mites: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Both dressings have a base of buttermilk or dairy milk, but their added ingredients differ. Blue cheese dressing includes crumbled blue cheese and vinegar, giving it a pungent, tangy taste and crumbly texture. Ranch dressing, on the other hand, is often described as slightly sweet, with herbs like dill, parsley, and chives, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency.
There aren't significant nutritional differences between the two. However, ranch is generally lower in calories and fat. Blue cheese has higher calcium levels, which can contribute to building bone density, and contains a compound called spermidine that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are commonly used as dips for chicken wings and fried foods. They can also be used as salad dressings or paired with other dishes to enhance their flavour.
According to polls and food orders, ranch appears to be more popular than blue cheese as a wing dip, especially with the rise of pizza chains like Dominos offering wings with ranch as the default dip. However, blue cheese still has its loyal fans, particularly in regions like Buffalo, where it is traditionally served with chicken wings.
Absolutely! Some people enjoy blending ranch and blue cheese dressings to create a unique flavour profile that combines the best of both worlds. This combination has been dubbed "Blue Ranch" and can be customised with a splash of red wine vinegar to balance the flavours.
