Frederic Melton
Blue cheese dressing is a popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. While homemade blue cheese dressing is easy to make and can be stored for up to a week, store-bought options vary in quality and taste. Some popular brands include Bob's Big Boy, Cindy's Kitchen, Ken's Steak House, Kraft, Marzetti, Toby's, and Whole Foods. The thickness of blue cheese dressing can vary, with some people preferring a thinner, pourable dressing for salads, while others might prefer a thicker, chunkier version for dipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thickness | Marzetti's, Ken's Steak House, and Roka blue cheese dressings are described as thick. |
| Whole Foods 365 Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing & Dip is described as neither too thick nor too thin. | |
| Kraft, Cindy's Kitchen, and Signature Select dressings are described as thin. | |
| Chunks | Marzetti's, Toby's, and Cindy's Kitchen dressings are described as chunky. |
| Kraft, Ken's Steak House, and Marie's dressings are described as not very chunky. | |
| Flavor | Marzetti's, Toby's, and Roka dressings are described as flavorful. |
| Whole Foods 365 Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing & Dip is described as flavorful but not intense. | |
| Ken's Steak House, Kraft, and Marie's dressings are described as lacking flavor. | |
| Price | Marzetti's and Roka dressings are priced at $3.98. |
| Cindy's Kitchen dressing is priced at $6.49. |
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What You'll Learn
Thick, creamy, and homemade
Homemade blue cheese dressing is a great option for those who want a thick, creamy, and flavorful experience. While store-bought dressings can be convenient, they often fall short in terms of taste and texture. Making your own blue cheese dressing allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a rich and creamy result that complements your food perfectly.
To achieve the desired thickness and creaminess, a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise is key. Mayonnaise on its own can be heavy, but adding sour cream lightens it up and makes the dressing extra creamy. Blue cheese, of course, is the star ingredient, and using a good-quality cheese will elevate your dressing. Danish blue cheese, for example, is known for its creamy, mild, and smooth characteristics, making it an excellent choice for a mild blue cheese dressing. If you want more of a kick, consider using Stilton, a strong and pungent cheese that will give your dressing a bold flavor.
Other ingredients can be added to enhance the flavor and texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory note, while fresh herbs like parsley bring color and a bright flavor. Lemon juice adds a tangy twist, and Worcestershire sauce gives a subtle depth of flavor. For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce and freshly cracked peppercorns. A small amount of milk can be added to thin out the dressing, making it pourable for salads, or it can be left out for a thicker consistency that's perfect for dipping.
Preparing homemade blue cheese dressing is a simple process. Combine your chosen ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended and creamy. For an extra burst of flavor, use the back of a spoon to press some of the blue cheese crumbles into the sauce. Transfer the dressing to an airtight container, and it will last for about a week in the refrigerator.
By making your own thick, creamy, and homemade blue cheese dressing, you can indulge in a delicious condiment that elevates salads, dips, and more. With the right combination of ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can create a versatile and flavorful dressing that rivals any store-bought option.
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Store-bought options
If you're looking for a store-bought blue cheese dressing, there are several options available, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most notable brands and their features:
Toby's Blue Cheese Dressing: This family-owned company offers a chunky and funky dressing with a strong blue cheese flavour. It has a thick consistency, making it perfect for dipping or as a spread. The dressing also contains herbs, giving it a unique twist.
Bob's Big Boy Blue Cheese Dressing: This dressing is available in SoCal restaurants and grocery stores. While some customers rave about its flavour, others have been disappointed by its sourness and lack of blue cheese taste. It seems that Bob's Big Boy can be a hit or miss for blue cheese lovers.
Whole Foods 365 Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing & Dip: This dressing is known for its perfect balance—not too thick, not too thin, and flavourful without being overwhelming. It's a great option for those who want a mild blue cheese experience without sacrificing taste.
Marzetti's Blue Cheese Dressing: Marzetti's offers a chunky blue cheese variety and a Super Blue Cheese option. Their dressing is on the thicker side, making it ideal for dipping. While it delivers a potent blue cheese flavour, some may find it too cheesy without the usual sourness associated with blue cheese dressings.
Roka Blue Cheese Dressing: This dressing is made from real blue cheese, ensuring a sharp and powerful flavour. It's free from artificial ingredients and high-fructose corn syrup, making it a pure and natural choice. Its versatility allows it to be used as a dipping sauce or paired with a variety of dishes.
While these are some of the most talked-about options, other brands like Ken's Steak House, Kraft, Cindy's Kitchen, and Signature Select also offer blue cheese dressings. However, reviews suggest that these may lack flavour or have a watery texture.
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Chunky blue cheese
To make a chunky blue cheese dressing at home, you will need a mixing bowl and a fork or a food processor. The basic ingredients are sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, and seasonings. Additional ingredients that can be added include buttermilk, lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, vinegar, milk, and Worcestershire sauce.
To make the dressing, start by combining the sour cream and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl. Then, add in the remaining ingredients, except for half of the blue cheese. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined, mashing in the blue cheese chunks as you go. Finally, fold in the remaining blue cheese crumbles. If you prefer a smoother dressing, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor instead of mixing by hand.
For a thinner dressing suitable for salads, add a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water. If you are using the dressing as a dip, leave out the milk to keep it thick. It is recommended to let the dressing marinate in the fridge for at least six hours or overnight to allow the flavours to blend. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three weeks.
There are several store-bought chunky blue cheese dressing options available as well. Some popular options include Toby's, which is described as "chunky and funky" with a strong herb flavour; Whole Foods 365, which is a mild, balanced dressing; and Wish-Bone, which features chunks of real, aged blue cheese with a dash of classic herbs and spices.
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Blue cheese dip
When it comes to store-bought blue cheese dips, several brands stand out for their thickness and flavor. Toby's, a family-owned company, offers a chunky and funky dip with a strong blue cheese flavor that satisfies those seeking a textured dip. Jordan Myrick, a food reviewer, describes it as "super herby" and perfect for a wedge salad. Another option is Whole Foods 365 Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing & Dip, which strikes a balance between thickness and thinness. It delivers a flavorful experience without being too intense, making it a versatile choice for salads or dips.
If you're looking for a dip with a strong blue cheese flavor, Marzetti's dip stands out for its thickness and cheesiness. Although it may be too thick for a salad dressing, it's perfect for dipping. Ken's Steak House's version is also quite thick and great for dipping, but it falls short in terms of blue cheese flavor. For a more affordable option, Signature Select offers a blue cheese dip, but it tends to be watery and lacks the desired chunkiness.
For those who prefer a smoother dip, Roka's blue cheese dressing is a great choice. It's made from real blue cheese, resulting in a sharp and powerful flavor. This dip is versatile and can be used as a condiment for various dishes, including chicken wings and ribs.
If you're feeling creative and want to make your own blue cheese dip at home, it's a fairly simple process. The key ingredients are blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. By adjusting the amount of buttermilk or milk, you can control the thickness of the dip to suit your preference.
Homemade blue cheese dip allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. It's a great option if you're seeking a specific consistency or want to avoid preservatives found in store-bought products. Plus, you can experiment with additional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or garlic to make it even more delicious.
Whether you choose a store-bought option or whip up your own, blue cheese dip is a tasty addition to salads, veggies, chicken wings, and more. With its bold flavor and versatility, it's a condiment that deserves a permanent spot in your fridge.
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Blue cheese vinaigrette
When making blue cheese vinaigrette at home, it is important to use a blue cheese that you enjoy. Some popular options include Gorgonzola or any blue cheese that is rich, creamy, and not too expensive. Fresh herbs such as parsley can also be added to enhance the flavour and appearance of the dressing. In addition to blue cheese and vinegar, other common ingredients used in blue cheese vinaigrette include olive oil, salt, pepper, and milk.
To make the vinaigrette, simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended. For a thicker consistency, you can use the back of a spoon to press some of the blue cheese crumbles into the sauce. This will also add more flavour to the dressing. If you prefer a thinner, pourable dressing, you can add a splash of milk, buttermilk, or water.
When it comes to store-bought options, there are several brands that offer blue cheese vinaigrette or similar dressings. Brianna's, for example, is described as a blue cheese vinaigrette that is light, tangy, and slightly sweet. It is said to be perfect for drizzling over a fall harvest salad. Whole Foods 365 Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing & Dip is another option that is mild in flavour and has a balanced texture that is not too thick or too thin.
While not specifically a vinaigrette, there are other highly-rated blue cheese dressings on the market. Toby's, for instance, is described as chunky and herby, with a strong blue cheese flavour. Bob's Big Boy blue cheese dressing is also mentioned as a favourite by some, although there are mixed reviews regarding its flavour and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Marzetti's blue cheese dressing is one of the thickest options available. It has been described as having the consistency of mayonnaise and is so thick that it wouldn't be suitable for pouring over a salad. Ken's Steak House's blue cheese dressing is another thick option, which is great for dipping.
Toby's blue cheese dressing is known for its large chunks, giving it a "chunky and funky" texture. Cindy's Kitchen's dressing also has an abundance of chunks, with some reviewers commenting that there are almost more chunks than dressing.
If you're making your own blue cheese dressing, you can leave out the milk to make it thicker. You can also add more blue cheese to the mixture to achieve a chunkier texture.
