Kamil Perry
Blue cheese dressing is a popular choice for salads, dips, and spreads in the United States and Canada. It is typically made with a combination of blue cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream or yogurt, milk, vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder. The dressing can be adjusted for thickness by adding milk, buttermilk, or water, and seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blue cheese dressing can be made at home and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base Ingredients | Blue cheese, Mayonnaise, Sour cream, Buttermilk or Milk |
| Additional Ingredients | Lemon juice, Vinegar, Sugar, Garlic powder, Salt, Pepper, Chives, Shallots, Onion powder |
| Consistency | Thick for dips, thinner for salad dressing |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 24 hours to a few days before serving |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese, mayonnaise, and buttermilk
When making blue cheese dressing, it is important to use a blue cheese that you enjoy. Cheeses like Maytag Blue, Stilton, Roquefort, and dry Gorgonzola are all good options. The type of blue cheese you choose will depend on your personal preference for a milder or stronger flavour. For a milder flavour, you can also add whole milk in place of buttermilk.
To make the dressing, start by mashing the blue cheese and buttermilk together in a small bowl with a fork until the mixture resembles large-curd cottage cheese. You can then stir in the mayonnaise and any other desired ingredients, such as sour cream, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The addition of lemon juice is also recommended, as it adds a lovely fresh pop of flavour to the dressing.
Once you have combined all the ingredients, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can then transfer the blue cheese dressing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Depending on the ingredients used, it should last for about one to two weeks.
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Sour cream, vinegar, and seasonings
Sour cream is one of the bases of blue cheese dressing, adding tang and creaminess to the overall flavour. It is often combined with mayonnaise to create a lighter texture, although some recipes suggest substituting Greek yoghurt for the sour cream to create a lower-calorie option.
Vinegar is also a common ingredient in blue cheese dressing, although it is not always included. It can be used to thin out the dressing, and white wine vinegar is a popular choice. Lemon juice is also added to some recipes for a similar citrusy effect, cutting through the richness of the creams, mayonnaise, and cheese.
Salt and pepper are frequently used to season blue cheese dressing, although some recipes suggest leaving out the salt entirely. Other seasonings include garlic powder, fresh chives, and Worcestershire sauce, which adds an umami flavour.
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Milk, lemon juice, and garlic
Milk is an optional ingredient in blue cheese dressing. It is used to thin out the dressing, making it pourable and perfect for drizzling over salads. If you are using the dressing as a dip, you can leave out the milk to keep the consistency thick.
Lemon juice is also an optional ingredient, but it is highly recommended as it adds a fresh pop of flavor to the dressing. It is especially useful if you are making the dressing in advance, as the acid in the lemon juice will prevent the avocado from turning brown.
Garlic is another ingredient that can be added to blue cheese dressing to give it an extra kick of flavor. It is typically added in powder form, but roasted garlic can also be used for a more intense garlic flavor.
The amount of milk, lemon juice, and garlic added to the blue cheese dressing can be adjusted to taste. These ingredients can be combined with other common ingredients in blue cheese dressing, such as sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, to create a delicious and creamy dressing.
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Salt, pepper, and herbs
Salt is a key ingredient in blue cheese dressing, enhancing the flavour of the other ingredients and bringing out the sharpness of the cheese. While blue cheese and mayonnaise will naturally contain some salt, adding a pinch of salt to the dressing can make the flavour pop. This is a matter of personal preference, and some recipes omit salt altogether.
Pepper is another important seasoning, adding spice and a subtle kick to the dressing. Freshly ground black pepper is the best option, as it has a stronger flavour than pre-ground pepper. As with salt, the amount of pepper added can be adjusted to taste.
Fresh herbs can also be added to blue cheese dressing, providing both colour and flavour. Parsley is a popular choice, as it has a fresh, bright flavour that pairs well with the sharpness of the blue cheese. Chives are another option, adding a mild onion flavour to the dressing. Other herbs that could be used include dill, which has a slightly grassy, tangy flavour, or even tarragon, for a hint of aniseed.
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Thickeners and substitutes
Blue cheese dressing is a popular side sauce, salad dressing, and dip in the United States and Canada. While the ingredients can vary, the dressing is typically made from a combination of blue cheese, mayonnaise, and buttermilk, sour cream, or yogurt.
If you want a thicker blue cheese dressing, there are several options to explore. Firstly, you can adjust the quantities of the base ingredients. Reducing the amount of mayonnaise or optionally omitting milk while increasing the amount of mayonnaise and/or adding more sour cream will result in a thicker consistency.
Additionally, you can add a thickening agent to the dressing. For example, you can use whole milk instead of buttermilk for a milder flavor and a thicker texture. You can also substitute milk with other liquids like water or lemon juice, which will add a tangy flavor while maintaining a thicker consistency.
Another option is to include crumbled blue cheese in the dressing, which will not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to a chunkier, denser texture. You can also mash the blue cheese with a fork to create a thicker base for your dressing.
If you're looking for a lighter option, plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, reducing the overall calorie count while still providing a similar tangy flavor.
For those who prefer a more fluid dressing, adding a splash of milk or buttermilk will help to thin the consistency and make it easier to pour. This is especially useful if you're using the dressing for salads or as a dip for raw vegetables.
In summary, the key to achieving the desired thickness or consistency in blue cheese dressing lies in adjusting the quantities of the base ingredients, adding thickening agents, or substituting certain ingredients with alternatives that provide a similar flavor profile but differ in texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese dressing is usually made using a combination of blue cheese, mayonnaise, and buttermilk, sour cream or yogurt, milk, vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Lemon juice, salt, and pepper are also sometimes added.
A dry, crumbly, and robustly-flavoured blue cheese is best for blue cheese dressing. Cheeses like Maytag Blue, Stilton, Roquefort, and dry Gorgonzola are all good options.
Homemade blue cheese dressing will last for around five to seven days in the refrigerator.
