Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. It is easy to make at home and is typically made with blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and simple seasonings. The blue cheese crumbles are mixed into the dressing, and the thickness of the dressing can be adjusted by adding more or less buttermilk. The dressing can be made as thick or as smooth as desired, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce |
| Preparation | Mash blue cheese and buttermilk together with a fork until well-combined, then add the rest of the ingredients and mix well |
| Consistency | Thick for dipping, thinner for salad dressing |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days |
| Calories | 84kcal per serving |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a blue cheese
When choosing a blue cheese for your dressing, it is recommended to use a blue cheese that you love and that has a rich and creamy taste. Gorgonzola is a good option. If you want your dressing to have lots of blue cheese chunks, opt for a high-quality blue cheese wedge and crumble it yourself. This will allow you to find higher-quality cheese and ensure that the cheese is moist and creamy.
Additionally, consider the intensity of the blue cheese flavour you desire. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can substitute buttermilk with whole milk in your recipe.
If you are looking for a bolder flavour, you can incorporate more blue cheese crumbles into your dressing. The thickness of the dressing can be adjusted by varying the amount of milk or buttermilk added. For a thicker consistency, incorporate more blue cheese crumbles and reduce the amount of milk or buttermilk.
You can also adjust the consistency of your blue cheese dressing by using a food processor instead of whisking by hand. This will result in a smoother dressing.
Lastly, consider the storage and shelf life of your blue cheese dressing. If you plan to use the dressing within a few days, fresh blue cheese crumbles can be added directly to the dressing. However, if you want to extend the shelf life, freezing the blue cheese crumbles before incorporating them into the dressing is an option. To freeze blue cheese crumbles, tightly seal the original packaging and place it in the freezer. For longer storage, place the package inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
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Adding buttermilk
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by combining milk with a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar. You'll need about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk. Alternatively, you can use whole milk or regular milk instead of buttermilk, for a milder flavour.
To make a blue cheese dressing with buttermilk, you can mash blue cheese crumbles with buttermilk in a small bowl with a fork until the mixture resembles large-curd cottage cheese. You can then add in other ingredients such as mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and stir until well blended.
If you are making a dip, you can use less buttermilk or none at all to make it thicker and more scoopable. If you are making a dressing, you can add more buttermilk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
You can also add extra ingredients to taste, such as lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or Greek yoghurt.
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Adding milk
If you are using buttermilk, you can add this a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by combining milk with a splash of lemon juice or white vinegar. For every cup of milk, add about a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
The amount of milk you add will depend on your personal preference and the intended use of the dressing. If you are using the dressing as a dip, you may prefer a thicker consistency and will want to add less or no milk. For a thicker dressing, it is also important to let the mixture sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, as it will continue to thicken.
If you are using blue cheese crumbles, the thickness of your dressing will also depend on how well you incorporate the crumbles into the milk or buttermilk. The better they are combined, the thicker your dressing will be.
Milk is a great way to adjust the consistency of your blue cheese dressing, whether you want a thinner, pourable dressing for salads or a thicker, scoopable dip for wings and veggies.
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Adding herbs and spices
If you want to add some spice, black pepper is a great option. You can also add onion powder, garlic powder, or garlic salt. These spices will enhance the flavour of the blue cheese without overwhelming it.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to give your dressing an extra kick.
When adding herbs and spices to your blue cheese dressing, it's important to taste as you go and adjust the amounts to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take away, so start with a small amount and increase gradually.
With these herbs and spices, you can transform your blue cheese crumbles into a delicious and flavourful dressing that will take your salads, dips, and condiments to the next level.
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Storing the dressing
Choosing the Right Container
Use an airtight container to store your blue cheese dressing. This could be a mason jar, a bottle with a tight-fitting lid, or a container with a secure seal. Make sure the container is clean and dry before pouring in the dressing.
Refrigeration
Blue cheese dressing should always be stored in the refrigerator. Place the sealed container on a shelf in the fridge, preferably at a consistent temperature. The optimal storage time for homemade blue cheese dressing is around five to seven days. However, some recipes claim that it can last up to two weeks or even 30 days if stored properly.
Mixing and Consistency
Before serving, it is recommended to mix or stir the dressing well, as some ingredients may separate or settle at the bottom. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water to the dressing and stir until combined. This is especially useful if you plan to use the dressing as a salad dressing rather than a dip.
Freezing
If you have made a large batch and want to store it for an extended period, consider freezing your blue cheese dressing. To do this, place the original packaging or a heavy-duty freezer bag inside another bag to prevent freezer burn. Frozen blue cheese crumbles can last for more than two months in the freezer.
Food Safety
It is important to practice good food safety habits when storing and consuming your homemade dressing. Always use clean utensils when handling the dressing, and avoid double-dipping to prevent contamination. Additionally, keep an eye on the dressing's appearance, texture, and smell. If you notice any signs of spoilage, discard the dressing immediately.
Make-Ahead and Storage Duration
If you are preparing the dressing in advance, it is best to make it no more than three days ahead of time. This ensures that the flavors remain fresh and vibrant. However, some recipes suggest that you can make it up to ten days ahead if stored properly in the refrigerator.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need blue cheese crumbles, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and milk.
You will need 1/4 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 3 ounces of blue cheese crumbles, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, and 1 cup of milk.
First, mash the blue cheese and buttermilk together in a small bowl with a fork until the mixture resembles large-curd cottage cheese. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
Blue cheese dressing will last in the fridge for up to 30 days if stored in a sealed container.
Blue cheese dressing is a popular choice for salads, dipping chicken wings or crudites, and spreading on sandwiches or burgers as a condiment.
