Randy Chandler
Blue cheese salad dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. It is typically made with blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and seasonings. The dressing can be made smooth or chunky, depending on personal preference. Many people find that homemade blue cheese dressing tastes better than store-bought varieties, which may contain preservatives that alter the flavor. Blue cheese dressing is known for its tangy, robust flavor and is commonly used on salads, wings, and vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Tangy, funky, bold, fresh, creamy, strong |
| Texture | Thick, chunky, smooth |
| Ingredients | Blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, sugar |
| Use cases | Salads, dips for buffalo wings, chicken meatballs, cauliflower, burgers, pasta, potato salads |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese salad dressing ingredients
Blue cheese is the most important ingredient in blue cheese salad dressing. You can use your favourite type of blue cheese, such as Point Reyes Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola, or a local blue cheese like Minnesota-made Amablu Cheese.
For a creamy blue cheese dressing, you can add mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yoghurt. To thin the dressing, add buttermilk, milk, or water. For a lighter dressing, you can swap the mayonnaise for light mayonnaise and the sour cream for plain yoghurt.
For a tangy flavour, add lemon juice or vinegar. To season the dressing, add salt and pepper, fresh or powdered garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
Some recipes suggest adding onion powder, sugar, parsley, or parmesan.
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Store-bought vs homemade
Store-bought blue cheese salad dressing is a convenient option for those who want to save time and effort in the kitchen. It is readily available in supermarkets and grocery stores, offering a quick and easy solution for busy individuals and families. While store-bought dressings vary in quality and taste, they generally have a longer shelf life and are more affordable than their homemade counterparts.
One of the most popular store-bought options is Kraft's "Roka" Blue Cheese Dressing. It is known for its smooth and tangy flavour, although some may find it sparse in terms of blue cheese bits. For those who prefer a thinner, creamier dressing, this option delivers a strong flavour with a noticeable vinegar kick. Another well-known brand, Jimmy's Original Blue Cheese Dressing, combines a creamy base with tangy and robust blue cheese. It is praised for its high-quality ingredients and traditional flavour.
On the other hand, homemade blue cheese salad dressing offers a fresh, flavourful experience that many believe surpasses store-bought options. By making it at home, individuals can control the ingredients, ensuring the use of high-quality, fresh blue cheese and other components like buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasonings. The process is relatively simple, and the result is a dressing with a rich, creamy texture and a bold flavour that enhances salads, dips, and wings.
The homemade approach allows for customisation to personal taste preferences. For a smoother dressing, a food processor can be used, while leaving in chunks of blue cheese adds texture. Additionally, homemade blue cheese dressing can be adjusted for thickness by adding more or less buttermilk. It is recommended to let the dressing sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to meld and intensify.
While store-bought blue cheese salad dressing offers convenience, homemade dressings provide a superior taste experience. The ability to use fresh ingredients and tailor the dressing to individual preferences results in a more flavourful, creamy, and chunky texture that elevates salads and other dishes. For those willing to invest time in the kitchen, homemade blue cheese salad dressing is a rewarding choice.
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Best brands of blue cheese dressing
Blue cheese salad dressing is a divisive topic, with many people preferring the taste of fresh, homemade blue cheese dressing over the bottled variety. However, there are some store-bought options that stand out from the crowd.
Cindy's Kitchen
Cindy's Kitchen real bleu cheese dressing and dip is a top choice for blue cheese lovers. It has big chunks of blue cheese, a wildly complex blend of ingredients, and an unmistakable, crave-worthy funkiness.
Kraft
Kraft's "Roka" Blue Cheese Dressing is a smooth and tangy dressing with a strong flavour and a noticeable vinegar kick. It's thinner and creamier, making it perfect for salads. Kraft also offers a "Chunky" version that delivers a lingering, bold, funky blue cheese flavour.
Whole Foods 365
Whole Foods 365 Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing & Dip is a mild, creamy, and chunky option that's perfect for those who want a flavorful but not too intense blue cheese experience. It's also available at a more affordable price point.
Marzetti
Marzetti is a cult favourite brand for salad dressing enthusiasts. Their blue cheese dressing is very mild, thick, and extremely flavourful, making it a great choice for those who are on the fence about blue cheese.
Bob's Big Boy
Bob's Big Boy blue cheese dressing is rich, creamy, and thick, with both big and small chunks of blue cheese and cracked peppercorns. It's mild enough to not overwhelm your salad or wings, and the packaging is adorable. However, some people feel that the quality has decreased over time.
Follow Your Heart
For vegans or those looking for a dairy-free option, Follow Your Heart Bleu Cheese Dressing is the best choice. It's super garlicky, herby, and creamy, delivering a strong, tangy blue cheese bite that doesn't dissipate.
Amazon's Happy Belly
Happy Belly blue cheese dressing offers a strong, tangy flavour with noticeable blue cheese bits at a very reasonable price.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's blue cheese dressing is highly recommended by some and easily accessible.
Litehouse
Litehouse blue cheese dressing is available in the cooler section of the produce department and offers a unique, herbier take on the traditional blue cheese dressing.
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How to make blue cheese salad dressing
Blue cheese salad dressing is a rich, creamy, and tangy delight that can be prepared in just 5 minutes. It is easy to make and tastes much better than anything you can buy at the grocery store.
Ingredients:
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Blue cheese
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Garlic powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk. This will form the creamy base of your dressing.
- Finely chop or grate a clove of garlic into a paste and add it to the bowl, along with garlic powder, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Add crumbled blue cheese to the bowl. You can adjust the amount of blue cheese to your taste, but a good starting point is 100 grams. Use the back of a spoon to press some of the blue cheese crumbles into the sauce for extra flavour.
- If you want a smoother dressing, you can blend all the ingredients, except for the blue cheese, in a food processor before adding the cheese.
- For a thinner dressing that is easier to pour, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk, buttermilk, or water.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add some lemon juice for a fresh pop of flavour, or salt and pepper to enhance the flavour.
- If you want to add some colour and a mild onion-like flavour, you can also add some fresh or dried chives.
- Store the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavours meld. It will keep in the fridge for about a week.
Feel free to experiment with different types of blue cheese to find your preferred taste and texture. If you want a smoother and milder dressing, go with Gorgonzola Dolce or Danish Blue. For a bolder and more pungent kick, try Stilton, Roquefort, or Maytag. Enjoy your homemade blue cheese salad dressing!
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Blue cheese salad dressing pairings
Blue cheese salad dressing is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas and pairings to try:
Salads
Blue cheese salad dressing is a classic choice for a reason. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy, pungent flavour to your greens. Try it with a wedge salad, which typically includes iceberg lettuce, crispy baked bacon, and a generous drizzle of the dressing. You can also experiment with different types of lettuce, such as romaine hearts or crisp radicchio, to provide a crisp and relatively neutral base.
For a more complex salad, consider adding ingredients like avocado, toasted walnuts, apple, carrot, cucumber, and fennel. These ingredients complement the creaminess of the dressing while adding a satisfying crunch. You can also include sweet ingredients like fruit to contrast the salty, sharp flavour of the blue cheese. Chunks of apple, pear, figs, beets, raisins, or dates can provide an unexpected but delightful twist.
Buffalo Wings
If you're a fan of spicy buffalo wings, blue cheese dressing is the perfect cooling counterpart. The tanginess of the dressing helps balance the heat of the wings, and the creaminess adds a nice textural contrast. It's a classic pairing that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Vegetable Sticks
Blue cheese dressing also pairs well with vegetable sticks, offering a more indulgent dip option. Carrots, celery, and pepper strips are all great choices. The dressing's creaminess and strong flavour make it a perfect match for crisp, fresh vegetables.
Steak
For a decadent touch, serve blue cheese dressing alongside a juicy grilled steak. The sharp, salty flavour of the dressing can enhance the savouriness of the steak, creating a restaurant-worthy dish.
Customisation
When preparing blue cheese salad dressing, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water. If you prefer a stronger blue cheese flavour, use a type of blue cheese that you love, such as Gorgonzola, and add some extra crumbles to the dressing. You can also experiment with adding fresh herbs like parsley, lemon juice, or a small splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavour.
Remember, blue cheese salad dressing is quite versatile, so don't be afraid to experiment with different pairings to find your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese salad dressing is known for its bold, tangy, and funky flavour. The taste can vary depending on the type of blue cheese used, such as gorgonzola or Roquefort, and the addition of other ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Some people also add garlic, lemon juice, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavour.
Homemade blue cheese dressing is often considered superior to store-bought due to the use of fresh ingredients and the absence of preservatives. Store-bought dressings may contain soybean oil and other ingredient substitutions to extend their shelf life, which can alter the flavour.
The best blue cheese for a salad dressing depends on personal preference. Some popular options include Point Reyes Blue Cheese, which is known for its creamy taste and consistency, or Gorgonzola, which has a distinct "funkiness" to it.
Homemade blue cheese dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one or two weeks. It is recommended to let the dressing sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to meld.
Blue cheese salad dressing is a versatile condiment that can be used in various ways. It is commonly used as a topping for salads, a dip for vegetables or wings, or as a sandwich spread. It can also be added to pasta salads, potato salads, or used in recipes calling for blue cheese, such as a steakhouse salad.
