Andy Montoya
Blue cheese dressing is a popular condiment in American cuisine, often served with salads, buffalo wings, and grilled steak. It is a rich and creamy dressing with a strong flavour derived from blue cheese, a type of cheese made from ewe's or cow's milk and matured in caves. The earliest record of blue cheese dressing, then called Roquefort dressing, dates back to 1928 in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book. While the specific type of blue cheese used in the dressing is unknown, popular varieties include Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Danish blue cheese. The dressing is typically made by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and crumbled blue cheese, with additional seasonings such as garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Blue Cheese, Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, Maytag Blue Cheese, Stilton |
| Base | Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt |
| Liquid | Buttermilk, Milk, Lemon Juice |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Dry Mustard Powder, Worcestershire Sauce, Onion Powder, Parsley, Hot Sauce |
| Texture | Thick, Chunky, Creamy |
| Use | Salad Dressing, Dipping Sauce, Condiment |
| Food Pairing | Buffalo Wings, Salads, Steak, Burgers, Sandwiches, Chicken, Veggies |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese types
Blue cheese dressing is a rich and creamy accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from tossed salads to chicken wings. You can use any type of blue cheese you want, such as the following:
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a blue cheese from Northern Italy that is popular in the United States. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild flavour compared to other European blues. Gorgonzola is often used as a spread on crackers and is good for melting in pasta dishes and risotto. It is also a good option for blue cheese dressing due to its mild flavour and creamy character.
Roquefort
Roquefort is a blue cheese that hails from southwestern France. It is made from sheep's milk, which sets it apart from most other blue cheeses, and it has the strongest flavour of the European blues. Blue cheese dressing, or Roquefort dressing, was first recorded in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928.
Stilton
Stilton is a blue cheese from one of three British counties: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire. It is made from local cow's milk and has to meet specific standards to be sold as Stilton. Stilton has a relatively firm texture for a blue cheese and its intensity falls between Roquefort and Gorgonzola.
American Blue Cheese
While not historically as prestigious as European varieties, American blue cheese is increasingly popular. Some favourites include Point Reyes Blue (California), Hook's Blue Paradise (Wisconsin), Great Hill Blue (Massachusetts), Oregon Blue (Oregon), and Bayley Hazen Blue (Vermont). All of these are made from cow's milk.
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Other ingredients
Blue cheese dressing is a popular choice for salads, dips, and sandwiches. It is a mayonnaise-based creamy dressing with crumbled blue cheese. The earliest recording of this dressing is in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928, where it was called Roquefort dressing.
Blue cheese dressing is easy to make, but the ingredient list can be a little long. You can use any type of blue cheese you want, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or even a cheaper variety. The higher the quality of blue cheese, the better the dressing will taste.
The other ingredients in blue cheese dressing are:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Buttermilk
- Sugar
- Seasonings: dry mustard powder, garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce
You can also add a splash of milk to make the dressing thinner and easier to pour. Some people also add a small amount of vinegar to their blue cheese dressing.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some hot sauce or a package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing to spice things up.
The key to a great blue cheese dressing is to use full-fat versions of mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk to achieve the best flavor and consistency. As for the blue cheese, choose one with a flavor you love!
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Preparation and storage
Blue cheese dressing is a versatile condiment that can be used as a salad dressing, a dip, or a spread. It is typically made with a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and blue cheese, along with various seasonings and flavour enhancers. The following sections provide detailed instructions on how to prepare and store homemade blue cheese dressing.
Preparation:
To make blue cheese dressing, start by mashing the blue cheese with a fork until it forms a crumbly or chunky texture. You can adjust the amount of blue cheese to your preference, but a common ratio is equal parts blue cheese and buttermilk. Once the blue cheese is mashed, add the buttermilk and mix until well combined.
Next, you can add the remaining ingredients, such as mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, dried or fresh parsley, and milk. Adjust the quantities of these ingredients to suit your taste and desired consistency. It is recommended to use full-fat versions of the dairy products for the best flavour and texture.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended and creamy. You can use a whisk or a rubber spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Some people prefer to add the blue cheese last, gently folding it in until combined without overmixing.
Storage:
Blue cheese dressing can be served immediately, but it is recommended to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to allow the flavours to meld and enhance. For the best results, refrigerate the dressing for 8 hours before serving to achieve a creamier texture and more blended flavours.
The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It will typically last for 5 to 7 days, but some sources suggest it can be stored for up to 10 days. To extend the shelf life, transfer the dressing to an airtight container and ensure it is covered properly.
Tips and Variations:
When choosing blue cheese, select a variety that you enjoy, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or any of the American or European blue cheeses available. You can also adjust the amount of blue cheese to your taste, creating a milder or stronger flavour profile.
For a thinner dressing suitable for salads, you can add milk or additional buttermilk to achieve the desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash the blue cheese to a larger curd size, and be careful not to overmix once you add it to the other ingredients.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and flavour enhancers, such as hot sauce, mustard powder, or dried herbs. You can also adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and garlic to suit your taste preferences.
Some people choose to omit certain ingredients, such as vinegar or salt, based on their personal preferences or dietary restrictions. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for some of the sour cream or mayonnaise to create a unique flavour profile.
In conclusion, preparing and storing blue cheese dressing is a straightforward process that allows for creativity and personalisation. By following these instructions and tips, you can create a delicious and versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes.
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History
The history of blue cheese dressing is a bit of a mystery, with its earliest recording in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928. In this book, the dressing was called Roquefort dressing, as blue cheese is a type of Roquefort, made from ewe's milk and matured in caves.
Blue cheese dressing is a mayonnaise-based dressing with crumbled blue cheese, resulting in a strong-flavoured, creamy texture. The higher the quality of blue cheese used, the better the dressing will taste, although a cheaper brand will also work. The dressing can be made with other ingredients, such as sour cream, buttermilk, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic, vinegar, and lemon juice, depending on personal preference.
Blue cheese dressing is a popular choice for salads, especially wedge or Shaved Brussels Sprouts salads, and as a dip for chicken wings, veggies, and crudites. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or burgers, or as an ingredient in dishes like Buffalo Chicken Lasagna or Bobbe's Super Cheesy Pasta.
Homemade blue cheese dressing is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, although some recipes suggest it is best consumed within 5-7 days. It is a versatile and flavourful addition to various dishes, with a strong following due to its creamy texture and unique taste.
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Serving suggestions
Blue cheese dressing is a versatile condiment that can be used in a multitude of ways. It is a popular choice for salads, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. It pairs particularly well with a wedge salad, made with iceberg lettuce, crispy bacon, and blue cheese dressing. For a lighter option, you can also use blue cheese dressing as a dip for crudites, such as carrots, celery, and sprouts.
Blue cheese dressing is also commonly used as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, especially Buffalo wings, adding a rich and creamy element to the dish. You can also use it as a spread on sandwiches or burgers, or as a topping for grilled steak.
For those who enjoy a spicier kick, you can add a dash of hot sauce to your blue cheese dressing. Additionally, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add milk or buttermilk to the dressing, making it pourable and ideal for salads.
When making blue cheese dressing, you can use any type of blue cheese you like, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Danish blue cheese. The key is to choose a cheese with a flavour you enjoy, as this will be the predominant taste in the dressing. You can also adjust the amount of blue cheese to your preference, making the dressing as chunky or smooth as you like.
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Frequently asked questions
Any type of blue cheese can be used to make blue cheese dressing, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton.
Blue cheese dressing is typically made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Other common ingredients include lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sugar.
Homemade blue cheese dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 10 days.
Blue cheese dressing is commonly used as a salad dressing, especially for wedge salads with iceberg lettuce. It is also popular as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, vegetables, or crudites.
