Frederic Melton
Blue cheese is a popular choice to pair with chicken wings, especially the Buffalo-style wings. The combination is considered iconic, like hot dogs and mustard, or peanut butter and jelly. Blue cheese is believed to have first been served with chicken wings in 1964 by Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of Anchor Bar in Buffalo. While the exact reason for this pairing is not known, it is speculated that blue cheese was chosen to cut down on the heat of the wings. Surveys have shown that blue cheese is preferred by a majority of wing enthusiasts, with 61% choosing it over ranch or other dips. Blue cheese can be served as a dip or stuffed into celery, which is often served as a side with chicken wings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wing type | Buffalo-style |
| Cheese type | Blue cheese |
| Cheese texture | Creamy |
| Cheese flavour | Tangy |
| Cheese accompaniment | Celery |
| Other possible cheeses | Stilton, Gorgonzola, Goat cheese |
| Other possible dips | Ranch dressing |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese is a popular choice for wings
Over the years, blue cheese has become an integral part of the wing-eating experience for many enthusiasts. Surveys conducted by the Facebook group "Wingaddicts Community" found that 61% of true wing enthusiasts preferred blue cheese, with only 17% opting for ranch. The preference for blue cheese may be attributed to its ability to complement the flavours of the wings, adding a tangy and salty element to the dish.
When it comes to preparing wings with blue cheese, there are various recipes to consider. One option is to bake the wings in the oven until they are browned and crisp, and then serve them with a blue cheese dip made from combining blue cheese crumbles, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dip can also be served with cut vegetables, chips, or any other desired food items.
Additionally, some recipes incorporate blue cheese directly into the sauce for the wings. This involves baking the wings and then creating a sauce by combining hot sauce, molasses, liquid smoke flavouring, onion, green pepper, garlic, and blue cheese dressing. The wings are then dunked in this sauce, providing a more intense blue cheese flavour.
While blue cheese is a popular choice for wings, some people may prefer other options, such as ranch dressing, which has gained popularity in recent decades. Ultimately, the choice of dip or sauce comes down to individual taste preferences, and there is room for experimentation with different varieties of blue cheese and other complementary ingredients.
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Buffalo wings and blue cheese are a classic combination
The combination of hot, tangy buffalo wings with creamy, salty blue cheese is a match made in heaven. The cool creaminess of the blue cheese helps cut down on the heat of the wings, creating a balanced and delicious flavour profile.
Blue cheese is a versatile dip that can be made with different types of blue cheese, such as regular blue cheese, Stilton, or Gorgonzola, and can be combined with sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a tangy and salty dip.
For those who enjoy making their own wings at home, there are various recipes available for creating the perfect blue cheese hot wings. One recipe suggests baking the wings until they are browned and crisp, and then combining hot sauce, molasses, liquid smoke, onion, green pepper, garlic, and blue cheese dressing to create a delicious sauce to coat the wings.
Whether you're enjoying them at a restaurant or making them at home, Buffalo wings and blue cheese are a classic and iconic pairing that is loved by many wing enthusiasts.
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Making a blue cheese dip
Blue cheese is a popular choice to accompany chicken wings, especially the "`Buffalo style` wings." In fact, blue cheese dip is considered an essential part of the experience by many wing enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Fresh lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder or garlic salt
- Dried or fresh parsley
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient as per your taste preferences.
- For the best flavor, it is recommended to prepare the dip a few hours ahead of serving or even a day before. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- Store the dip in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It will stay fresh for about a week.
Feel free to experiment with different types of blue cheese and add-ins. Some people like to add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, or even horseradish to give it a little extra kick. You can also try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a thicker consistency.
Enjoy your homemade blue cheese dip! It's a perfect pairing for buffalo chicken wings and a great way to elevate your snacking experience.
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The history of blue cheese and wings
However, further investigation by the Buffalo History Museum revealed that "Bleu Cheese Stuffed Celery" was a popular appetizer on the Anchor Bar menu at the time. This could explain why Bellissimo initially chose to serve blue cheese and celery with her wings, creating a pairing that would become a global phenomenon. The museum's library director, Cynthia Van Ness, has been collecting old menus from Anchor Bar, dating back to 1955, to better understand the evolution of Buffalo's famous wing and blue cheese combination.
Over the years, the popularity of blue cheese with wings has spread beyond Buffalo, and it is now considered a classic pairing, comparable to hot dogs and mustard or peanut butter and jelly. While ranch dressing has gained popularity as a dip for wings across the United States, Buffalo has remained loyal to blue cheese. Surveys show that true wing enthusiasts prefer blue cheese, with some surveys showing that 61% of enthusiasts choose blue cheese over ranch.
The reason blue cheese became the preferred pairing with wings may be due to its ability to cut down the heat of spicy wings. Dairy products, such as blue cheese, are natural coolants that help balance the heat of capsaicin on your taste buds. Additionally, the tanginess and saltiness of blue cheese can complement the flavours of buffalo wings, creating a unique and satisfying culinary experience.
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Blue cheese vs. ranch dressing
Blue cheese and ranch dressing are both popular dressings for salads and dips, and they are often served together. They have a lot in common, including their base ingredients of buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise, which give them similar flavours. However, there are some distinct differences between the two dressings in terms of taste, texture, and their ideal pairings.
Ranch dressing, invented in the 1950s by Alaskan plumber Steve Henson, is known for its tangy and slightly sweet flavour, as well as its creamy consistency. It typically contains herbs such as dill, parsley, and chives. With around 140 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it may be a better choice for those counting calories. Its mild flavour makes it a good choice for salads with milder or sweeter flavours, like a Cobb salad or a fruity salad. It also pairs well with raw vegetables, crackers, or breadsticks.
Blue cheese dressing, on the other hand, has a stronger, more pungent flavour and a thicker consistency due to the blue cheese crumbles. It is a great choice for dishes with bolder flavours, such as spicy buffalo wings or a juicy steak. Blue cheese is particularly iconic when paired with "Buffalo-style" wings, creating a classic combination akin to peanut butter and jelly or hot dogs and mustard. While blue cheese can be made with various types of blue cheese, some people prefer specific varieties like Stilton or Gorgonzola. For those seeking an adventurous flavour profile, blue cheese is the way to go.
According to surveys by the Facebook group "Wingaddicts Community", true wing enthusiasts seem to agree that blue cheese is the preferred choice, with 61% favouring it over ranch at 17%. However, the decision between the two dressings ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific dish being served.
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Frequently asked questions
Buffalo wings are typically paired with bleu cheese.
Bleu cheese is said to cut down on the heat of the wings. The pairing is also considered iconic, like hot dogs and mustard.
You can bake the wings in the oven until the skin is browned and crisp. While the wings are baking, you can make a bleu cheese dip by combining bleu cheese crumbles, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
