Andy Montoya
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. It is a mayonnaise-based dressing with crumbled blue cheese, buttermilk, vinegar, and simple seasonings. The earliest recording of blue cheese dressing was in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928, but it was called Roquefort dressing. Blue cheese is a type of Roquefort, which is made from ewe's milk and matured in caves. Blue cheese dressing is easy to make at home and is often considered better than store-bought options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Mayonnaise |
| Cheese | Blue cheese, Parmesan, Gorgonzola |
| Cream | Sour cream, Greek yoghurt, Heavy cream |
| Milk | Buttermilk, Milk |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Mustard powder, Garlic powder, Sugar |
| Others | Lemon juice, Hot sauce, Oil, Vinegar, Worcestershire sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese types
Blue cheese is a key ingredient in blue cheese dressing, and there are several types of blue cheese that can be used, each with its own unique flavour and characteristics. Here are some of the most commonly used blue cheeses in blue cheese dressing:
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavour with a hint of tanginess. It is an excellent choice for blue cheese dressing as it blends well with other ingredients and adds a subtle blue cheese flavour.
Danish Blue Cheese
Danish blue cheese, also known as Danablu, is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a strong, sharp flavour. It has a slightly salty taste and a crumbly texture, making it perfect for adding a bold blue cheese flavour to dressings.
Roquefort
Roquefort is a traditional French blue cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a distinctive pungent aroma and a strong, salty flavour. Roquefort is known for its creamy texture and veined appearance, making it a luxurious choice for blue cheese dressing.
Other Blue Cheeses
Other types of blue cheese that can be used in blue cheese dressing include Stilton, a strong and crumbly English blue cheese, and Bleu d'Auvergne, a French blue cheese with a creamy texture and a milder flavour. Some people also use domestic blue cheeses or local varieties, depending on their availability and preference.
When making blue cheese dressing, the type of blue cheese used can significantly impact the overall flavour and texture of the dressing. Some people prefer a milder blue cheese flavour, while others enjoy the sharp, pungent taste of more mature cheeses. Ultimately, the choice of blue cheese depends on personal preference and the desired intensity of the dressing.
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Mayonnaise
When making blue cheese dressing, it is essential to use a good quality mayonnaise to ensure the best flavor and texture. Some people even choose to make their own mayonnaise from scratch to control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to their preference.
While mayonnaise is a crucial component of blue cheese dressing, it is important to use it in moderation. Mayonnaise is high in fat and calories, so using too much can make the dressing overly rich and heavy. Additionally, some people may not enjoy the taste of mayonnaise or may have dietary restrictions that limit their consumption of this ingredient.
In summary, mayonnaise is a fundamental ingredient in blue cheese dressing, contributing to its creamy texture and flavor. It can be adjusted or substituted to suit individual preferences, but it is essential to use a good quality mayonnaise to ensure the best results.
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Sour cream
You can also adjust the consistency of the blue cheese dressing by adding more or less sour cream. For example, if you want a thicker dressing, you can add a quarter cup more sour cream. This is a great option if you want to use the dressing for dipping vegetables or serving with buffalo chicken hot wings.
When making blue cheese dressing, it is essential to whisk the sour cream with the other ingredients until well combined. This ensures that the dressing is smooth and creamy. It is also important to note that the blue cheese dressing should be refrigerated for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavours to meld and develop.
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Seasonings
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. It is a mayonnaise-based creamy dressing with crumbled blue cheese. The earliest recording of this recipe is in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928, where it was called Roquefort dressing. Roquefort is a type of blue cheese made from ewe's milk and matured in caves.
The seasonings used in blue cheese dressing are simple and usually include salt and pepper. However, some recipes call for garlic powder, onion granules or fresh garlic, mustard powder, parsley, and sugar. Some people also add hot sauce, lemon juice, or Worcestershire sauce to their dressing for an extra kick of flavour.
The type of blue cheese used in the dressing can vary depending on personal preference. Gorgonzola is a good option for those who prefer a milder flavour, while other varieties have a stronger taste. The higher the quality of the blue cheese, the better the dressing will taste.
The consistency of blue cheese dressing can be adjusted by adding milk or buttermilk. Some people prefer a thicker dressing for dipping, while others may want a thinner, pourable dressing for their salads.
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Thinning agents
Milk is added to the blue cheese dressing to make it thinner and more pourable. It is especially useful when the dressing is intended to be used as a salad dressing, as a thinner consistency allows for easier pouring and even coating of the salad leaves. Milk also helps to stretch the dressing, making it suitable for larger groups.
Buttermilk is another popular thinning agent for blue cheese dressing. It is a key ingredient that contributes to the distinctive flavour and texture of the dressing. The amount of buttermilk added can be adjusted to achieve the desired consistency, making the dressing thicker or thinner as needed.
In addition to milk and buttermilk, some recipes suggest using Greek yoghurt as a thinning agent. Greek yoghurt has a similar consistency to buttermilk and can be used to create a thinner, creamier dressing. It is a good alternative for those who may not have buttermilk readily available or prefer a tangier flavour.
The use of thinning agents in blue cheese dressing allows for customisation to suit different preferences and intended uses. By adjusting the amount of thinning agent added, the consistency of the dressing can be modified to be thicker for dipping or thinner for pouring, ensuring a versatile and adaptable final product.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese dressing is made of blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, milk, and seasonings.
The type of blue cheese used depends on your preference. Gorgonzola is a good option for those who prefer a milder flavour.
You can use milk or heavy cream instead of buttermilk.
