Blue Cheese Dressing: What's The Cheese Origin?

Blue cheese dressing is a popular side sauce, salad dressing, and dip in the United States and Canada. It is usually made using a combination of blue cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, milk, vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder. 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.

What type of blue cheese is best?

Blue cheese is a type of cheese that is loved and hated in equal measure due to its bold, sharp, and tangy flavour. It is characterised by its crumbly texture and blue veins, which are created by piercing the cheese with stainless steel needles to encourage the growth of the Penicillium culture.

There are many types of blue cheese, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the best blue cheeses to try:

Roquefort

Considered the "King of Cheeses", Roquefort is a French cheese with a protected designation of origin. It is made from sheep's milk and aged in the Combalou caves in Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, where the Penicillium roqueforti mould is extracted from the soil. Roquefort has a distinctive bite and aroma and is best suited for those who are not novice blue cheese consumers.

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is an Italian cheese made from either goat's or unskimmed cow's milk, or a combination of the two. It has a soft and crumbly texture and a mild, sweet, and milky flavour. During the ageing process, Gorgonzola is pierced through the rind to allow oxygen to activate the blue mould growth. This results in a lightly veined cheese that is perfect for those who want to ease into the strong flavour of blue cheese.

Maytag Blue

Maytag Blue is an American blue cheese produced exclusively on the Maytag family farm in Iowa. It is a dense, acidic, and sharp cheese that is considered a classic American blue. It has a spicy bite and tangy flavour that makes it a great choice for those who want a stronger blue cheese experience.

Stilton

Stilton is England's favourite blue cheese, with strict controls over its production. It can only be made in three counties in England and must use local milk. Stilton has a characteristic flakiness, a creamy base, and a crumbly texture. It has an earthy flavour and is a great choice for melting on sandwiches or in soups.

Danish Blue

Danish Blue, or Danablu, is a semi-soft and creamy cheese made from cow's milk. It is considered a mild blue cheese compared to the more powerful Roquefort. Danish Blue is aged in a cave or another dark, damp environment for 8 to 12 weeks, resulting in a cheese with a moderate strength of flavour.

What are the other ingredients?

Blue cheese dressing is a popular side sauce, salad dressing, and dip in the United States and Canada. It is usually made of some combination of blue cheese, mayonnaise, and buttermilk, sour cream or yogurt, milk, vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder.

The base of blue cheese dressing is typically a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. These ingredients give the dressing its characteristic creamy texture and tangy flavour.

Some recipes suggest adding milk to thin out the dressing, making it more pourable and suitable as a salad dressing. Whole milk can also be used in place of buttermilk for a milder flavour.

Apple cider vinegar is often added to provide a hint of acidity and brightness. Lemon juice is another acidic ingredient that can be used to brighten and balance the richness of the other ingredients.

Garlic, in the form of fresh cloves, granules, or powder, is commonly added to give depth and a slight pungency to the dressing.

Chives are sometimes included to offer a mild onion-like flavour and a pop of colour. Fresh parsley can also be added for colour and flavour.

Salt and pepper are usually added to enhance the other flavours in the dressing.

Some recipes include sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce to add extra depth of flavour.

Finally, the type of blue cheese used will affect the flavour of the dressing. Creamier varieties like Gorgonzola Dolce or Danish Blue blend in more smoothly and are milder in flavour. Stilton, Roquefort, and Maytag, on the other hand, are firmer and have a more pungent flavour.

How to make it

Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dip in the United States and Canada. It is usually made of some combination of blue cheese, mayonnaise, and buttermilk, sour cream or yogurt, milk, vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh minced chives
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Method:

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic, black pepper, and buttermilk.
• Whisk the ingredients together until they form a creamy mixture.
• Add the crumbled blue cheese and chives to the bowl.
• Use a spoon to gently mash the blue cheese against the sides of the bowl and then stir everything together.

The blue cheese dressing is now ready to be served! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations:

• For a smoother dressing, blend all the ingredients except the chives in a food processor, and then stir in the chives at the end.
• To make the dressing thicker, add more blue cheese or reduce the amount of buttermilk.
• To make it thinner, add a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water.

Tips:

• Choose a blue cheese that you enjoy eating. Some popular options include Maytag, Gorgonzola, Murray's Dansk Blue, Rogue River Blue, and Point Reyes Original Blue.
• Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice to brighten and balance the other ingredients.
• Opt for high-quality mayonnaise such as Hellmann's or Duke's.
• If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk. Alternatively, use sour cream or yogurt thinned with milk.

Enjoy your homemade blue cheese dressing!

How to store it

Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. It is typically made with blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, and seasonings.

How to Store Blue Cheese Dressing:

When storing blue cheese dressing, it's important to follow proper storage procedures to maintain its freshness and quality. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store it:

• Transfer to an Airtight Container: After preparing your blue cheese dressing, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps prevent oxidation, which can affect the flavour and texture of the dressing.
• Refrigerate: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. Blue cheese dressing is perishable and should be stored at a cool temperature to inhibit bacterial growth.
• Optimal Storage Time: Homemade blue cheese dressing typically lasts shorter than store-bought varieties. It is recommended to consume it within five to seven days of preparation. However, some recipes suggest that it can be stored for up to ten days or even two weeks if properly stored.
• Stir Before Use: Before using the dressing, give it a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined and haven't separated during storage.
• Monitor for Spoilage: Always inspect the dressing before use. If it develops an off smell, discolouration, or mould, discard it immediately.
• Consistency Adjustment: If you prefer a thinner consistency for salad dressing, you can add a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water to adjust it.
• Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze blue cheese dressing in small portions to extend its shelf life. However, freezing may affect the texture, so it's best to consume it fresh.

By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your homemade blue cheese dressing stays fresh, delicious, and safe to consume.

What to eat it with

Blue cheese dressing is a versatile condiment that can be used in a multitude of ways. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to elevate your meals and snacks:

Salads

Blue cheese dressing is a natural choice for salad lovers. It pairs well with a classic iceberg wedge salad, a Cobb salad, or a Brussels sprouts salad. For a semi-warm salad, toss it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or eggplant, along with some sharp greens, mushrooms, red onions, and toasted nuts.

Dips and Snacks

Use blue cheese dressing as a dip for chicken wings, crudités, pretzels, chicken nuggets, or even pizza! It also makes a great spread for sandwiches and burgers, adding a tangy twist to your favourite breads.

Proteins

Meat lovers can rejoice, as blue cheese dressing is an excellent accompaniment to a variety of proteins. Drizzle it over a juicy steak, rib-eye, or grilled chicken. For a heartier meal, top your protein with blue cheese dressing and extra crumbles, or pair it with bacon, chicken, or veal cutlets.

Starches

If you're a fan of starches, try using blue cheese dressing with your favourite potato dishes, whether it's a baked potato, potato salad, or fries. You can also drizzle it over roasted veggies, toss it with pasta, or use it as a topping for bruschetta or garlic bread.

Creative Combinations

For those who like to experiment, blue cheese dressing can be combined with a variety of dishes, including lasagna, pasta, pizza, poppers, dip, sloppy joes, meatballs, sliders, mac and cheese bites, deviled eggs, and portobello mushrooms. It can also be used as a substitute for sour cream on chili or as a unique addition to a tortilla wrap with hot pepper sauce.

With its strong flavour and creamy texture, blue cheese dressing is a versatile condiment that can enhance the taste of many dishes. So, get creative and take your meals to the next level!

Frequently asked questions