Kamil Perry
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. While there are several brands of blue cheese dressing available in the market, such as Kraft, Ken's Steak House, and Signature Select, many restaurants make their own blue cheese dressing from scratch. The key ingredients in blue cheese dressing are mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, vinegar, and seasonings. Some recipes also include milk or beer to adjust the consistency of the dressing. The quality of the blue cheese used is said to be directly proportional to the flavor of the dressing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Chunky, creamy, thick, tangy |
| Ingredients | Blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, beer, garlic, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, gorgonzola, stilton, Roquefort, white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, red wine vinegar, lemon juice |
| Brands | Ken's Steak House, Kraft, Signature Select, Bob's Bleu Cheese, Maytag Blue Cheese |
| Recipe | Mix garlic with vinegar and marinate for 5-10 minutes. Add to base (mayo and sour cream). Break down half of the blue cheese chunks with a fork. Add more milk or beer to thin the dressing. |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese dressing recipes from restaurants
Many restaurants make their blue cheese dressing from scratch, and some recipes are available online. One recipe, dubbed the "ultimate steakhouse blue cheese dressing", includes mayonnaise, sour cream, milk or beer, blue cheese, gorgonzola cheese, stilton cheese, distilled white vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and garlic. The blue cheese is added to the liquid and base mixture, with a fork used to break down half of the blue cheese chunks to thicken the dressing and spread the flavour.
Another recipe, from an anonymous restaurant "x", includes Maytag Blue Cheese, garlic, butter, and salt and pepper for seasoning. The garlic is cooked in butter over low heat until soft and fragrant, then combined with half of the blue cheese and melted. The mixture is then removed from the heat, cooled, and combined with the remaining ingredients and the rest of the blue cheese.
A third recipe, also for a steakhouse blue cheese dressing, includes full-fat sour cream for a creamier flavour, although low-fat, fat-free, or Greek yogurt can also be used. It also includes mayonnaise, although this can be substituted with extra sour cream and the vinegar omitted. Blue cheese, gorgonzola, stilton, or roquefort are included, along with white wine vinegar, although lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar can also be used.
One source suggests that the key to a good blue cheese dressing is using good-quality mayonnaise and sour cream, as the subtle flavours of the dressing come from this base. They recommend Best Foods mayonnaise for its mild flavour. Chopped garlic is mixed with the distilled vinegar and left to marinate for 5-10 minutes before being added to the base.
Some restaurants, however, simply purchase tubs of blue cheese dressing and add extra crumbled blue cheese to it.
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Blue cheese dressing brands ranked
Blue cheese dressing is a popular condiment, often used in restaurants and bars, and there are many brands available in stores. However, not all brands are created equal, and some are better than others in terms of flavour, texture, and quality. Here is a ranking of some popular blue cheese dressing brands:
Ken's Steak House Creamy Wisconsin Blue Cheese Dressing falls towards the bottom of the list. While it has a thick texture that makes it great for dipping, the flavour is lacking. It doesn't have the signature "funk" of blue cheese and comes across as vaguely acidic and boring.
Kraft Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing is another disappointing option. Despite its name, it is quite watery and lacks flavour. It has a salty profile, but the blue cheese taste is not prominent.
Whole Foods 365 Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing & Dip is a good option if you prefer a mild blue cheese flavour. It has a balanced texture that is not too thick or thin. It is creamy yet still has some chunks, providing an interesting texture.
Marzetti Blue Cheese Dressing is a cult favourite and is known for its extremely thick texture. It is very mild, making it a great choice for those who are not sure about blue cheese.
Bob's Bleu Cheese Dressing used to be a popular choice, but some believe the quality has declined. It is said to have less blue cheese than it used to, and some compare it to yogurt dressing.
Follow Your Heart Bleu Cheese Dressing is a vegan option that stands out for its flavour. It is creamy, savory, and funky, with an unmistakable crave-worthy taste.
When it comes to blue cheese dressing, the key characteristics to look for are flavour, texture, and quality. The best dressings have bits of real blue cheese for added texture and a balanced level of salt. A top-tier dressing should also have that crave-worthy funkiness associated with blue cheese. While some brands may focus on high-quality ingredients, others may prioritize lower-cost options, resulting in a subpar product.
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How to make blue cheese dressing
Making blue cheese dressing from scratch is easy and allows you to adjust the recipe to your taste. The key to a good blue cheese dressing is the quality of the blue cheese itself. The better the blue cheese, the better the dressing will taste. You can use other types of cheese, such as gorgonzola, stilton, or roquefort.
To make the dressing, start by mixing chopped garlic with distilled vinegar and let it marinate for 5-10 minutes. The longer it sits, the stronger the garlic flavour will be. Next, add this mixture to a base of mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also add buttermilk or milk to thin the dressing to your desired consistency. If you want to add a little extra tang, you can include some white wine vinegar, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar.
When you're happy with the base, add the blue cheese. Use a fork to break down half of the blue cheese chunks, and leave the rest chunky. This will help to thicken the dressing and spread the blue cheese flavour throughout. Season with salt and pepper, and you're done!
Some people like to add extra ingredients to their blue cheese dressing, such as Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, or even beer instead of milk. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more milk or even heavy cream to make it keto-friendly.
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Blue cheese dressing ingredients
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. While some restaurants make their blue cheese dressing from scratch, others use store-bought options like Ken's Steak House, Kraft, and Signature Select.
Ingredients
Blue cheese dressing is typically made with a combination of blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and seasonings.
Variations
Some recipes suggest using full-fat sour cream for a creamier flavour, while others recommend adding Greek yogurt or heavy cream to make it keto-friendly. Instead of milk, some restaurants add beer to the dressing, particularly IPA, for added flavour.
Preparation
To make the dressing, some recipes suggest cooking garlic in butter over low heat until soft and fragrant, then adding half the blue cheese and melting it. This mixture is then removed from the heat and cooled before being combined with the remaining ingredients, including the rest of the blue cheese, in a large bowl and whisked.
Texture
Blue cheese dressing is often described as having a creamy, chunky texture. To achieve this, some recipes recommend using a fork to break down half of the blue cheese chunks when adding them to the base and liquid mixture. This helps to thicken the dressing and distribute the blue cheese flavour throughout.
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Blue cheese dressing texture
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. While there are many store-bought options available, many people prefer the taste of homemade blue cheese dressing. The texture of blue cheese dressing can vary from thick and creamy to thin and watery. Some people prefer a chunky texture, while others prefer a smooth and creamy consistency.
The key to achieving the desired texture lies in the ingredients used and the preparation method. Blue cheese dressings typically contain a combination of blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk or buttermilk, and vinegar. The quality of the blue cheese is essential, as it directly impacts the flavour and texture of the dressing. Good-quality blue cheese, such as Maytag Blue Cheese, gorgonzola, stilton, or roquefort, will result in a richer, creamier dressing.
To create a chunky texture, some recipes call for smashing or breaking down only half of the blue cheese chunks and mixing them with the base mixture. This technique adds texture and ensures a more pronounced blue cheese flavour. Additionally, full-fat sour cream contributes to a creamier texture and flavour.
For those who prefer a thinner consistency, milk or beer can be added to the dressing. Beer, especially IPA, adds a distinct flavour to the dressing. On the other hand, some store-bought dressings, such as Kraft chunky blue cheese dressing, tend to be watery and lack the desired chunkiness.
Ultimately, the texture of blue cheese dressing can be customised to individual preferences. Whether it's thick and chunky or creamy and smooth, the key to achieving the perfect texture lies in the quality of ingredients and the specific preparation methods employed.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several blue cheese dressing brands that restaurants use, including Ken's Steak House, Kraft, Signature Select, and Bob's Bleu Cheese. Some restaurants also make their own blue cheese dressing from scratch, using ingredients such as mayonnaise, sour cream, milk or beer, vinegar, and blue cheese.
The key ingredients in blue cheese dressing are mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, and vinegar. Some recipes also include milk or beer, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Restaurants typically start with a base of mayonnaise and sour cream, adding in garlic and vinegar to taste. They then mix in blue cheese, using a fork to break down half of the blue cheese chunks to thicken the dressing and spread the flavor. Some restaurants may also add milk or beer to thin the dressing to the desired consistency.
The best blue cheese for making dressing is a matter of personal preference, but some recommended varieties include Maytag Blue Cheese, gorgonzola, stilton, or roquefort. It is generally recommended to buy a good wedge of blue cheese from the cheese case rather than prepackaged blue cheese crumbles.
