Andy Montoya
There is a long-standing debate about whether ranch or blue cheese is the best condiment for spicy foods, especially chicken wings. While some people prefer the smooth and creamy texture of ranch, others opt for the crumbly and flavourful punch of blue cheese. Interestingly, the choice of condiment may also impact the spice level of the food. Dairy products, including blue cheese and ranch, are known to have a cooling effect on the heat of capsaicin, which is responsible for the spicy sensation on our taste buds. This cooling property may explain why some people choose to pair their spicy dishes with either of these condiments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for pairing with spicy food | Dairy products are a natural coolant to combat the heat of capsaicin on taste buds |
| Ranch dressing ingredients | Buttermilk, sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise, herbs, onion, garlic, salts, powders, and black pepper |
| Blue cheese dressing ingredients | Sour cream, milk, vinegar, buttermilk, and edible moulds |
| Popularity in chicken wings | Ranch: 43% to 59% (depending on the survey); Blue cheese: 30% to 61% |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Dairy products are a natural coolant
Ranch dressing is a combination of buttermilk, sour cream, and sometimes mayonnaise, with added herbs and spices. It is a versatile dip that goes well with salads, chicken wings, and fried foods. Ranch is smooth and creamy option that is widely popular due to its mild flavour.
Blue cheese, on the other hand, is an acquired taste because of the edible moulds in the cheese. It is made from cow's milk, goat's milk, or sheep's milk and has a more intense and salty flavour. Blue cheese dressings typically include vinegar, buttermilk, and sour cream, with the vinegar and cheese providing a tangy zing that is balanced by the mildness of the buttermilk and sour cream. This dressing pairs well with chicken wings, fried foods, burgers, meats, and vegetables.
While ranch and blue cheese dressings have some similarities, they cater to different preferences. Ranch is favoured by those who don't like the strong flavour of blue cheese, while blue cheese is preferred by those seeking a more pungent taste.
Some people consider using dairy products to counteract the spiciness of food as "cheating," arguing that it alters the nature of the spicy food experience. However, others enjoy the flavour enhancement and relief that these dressings provide when paired with spicy dishes.
Blue Cheese Dressing: Gluten-Free or Not?
You may want to see also
Ranch and blue cheese dressings have overlapping ingredients
Ranch and blue cheese dressings have a lot of overlapping ingredients, which explains why they are often pitted against each other. Both dressings have a creamy base, with buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream as common ingredients. Additionally, they both use garlic and onion for flavouring. The main difference between the two is the addition of blue cheese in blue cheese dressing, which impacts the texture and consistency. Blue cheese is generally saltier, more intense in flavour, and less creamy than other cheeses.
Ranch dressing is made by combining buttermilk, sour cream, and sometimes mayonnaise. Herbs and spices such as parsley, thyme, chives, dill, onion, and garlic salts, powders, and black pepper are added to create the iconic ranch flavour. The dry form of ranch is a seasoning made of these spices without the cream, which helps with preservation and longevity.
Blue cheese dressing, on the other hand, is made with a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise, with blue cheese being the key ingredient. The type of blue cheese used can vary, with Gorgonzola being a popular choice due to its mild flavour and creamy texture. Other ingredients such as garlic, green onion, and parsley are also added to enhance the flavour.
The similarities between the two dressings make it easy to substitute one for the other or even blend them together, as some people prefer. This blend, often referred to as "Blue Ranch," combines the savoury, herby, funky, cheesy, and salty flavours of both dressings.
Blue Cheese Babies: Age-Appropriate Appetites
You may want to see also
Ranch is more popular than blue cheese
While blue cheese is the traditional dip for chicken wings, ranch is more popular. In a Twitter survey by GrubHub, 59% of respondents preferred ranch, and another survey of 3,100 Americans found that 43% preferred ranch, while only 30% preferred blue cheese.
Ranch is also more versatile than blue cheese. It is used in salads, with fried foods, and for dipping all kinds of fried foods. Blue cheese, on the other hand, is often limited to being a salad dressing or a dip for chicken wings and fresh-cut vegetables.
Additionally, ranch is preferred by those who want to cool down the heat of spicy chicken wings. While blue cheese also has this effect due to its dairy content, most people despise blue cheese. It is, in fact, the fourth most hated food in America, according to a 2021 blog by Kathia Bello of "The Recipe".
Finally, ranch is more widely available than blue cheese. Most restaurants in the Western New York area, for example, offer ranch as a dressing option on their salad menus, and people order it every day.
Blue Cheese: Delicious or Disgusting?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blue cheese is an acquired taste
The reason blue cheese is often served with spicy food is that dairy products are a natural coolant to combat the heat of capsaicin on your taste buds. Blue cheese is also a traditional accompaniment to hot wings, dating back to 1964 when Teressa Bellissimo, co-owner of Anchor Bar in Buffalo, served the first plate of wings with celery and blue cheese.
While blue cheese is a popular choice for those who enjoy its strong flavour, it is also one of the most hated foods in America. Some people view eating blue cheese or ranch with spicy food as "cheating", as it tones down the spice level of the dish. However, others argue that it enhances the flavour and creates a more balanced palate.
Blue cheese is not for everyone, and its strong flavour can be off-putting to some. However, for those who acquire a taste for it, blue cheese can become a favourite condiment, adding a tangy and creamy dimension to various dishes.
Mold Allergies and Blue Cheese: Workarounds and Tips
You may want to see also
Ranch is a smooth and creamy dip
Ranch is often compared to blue cheese, which is also a classic salad dressing and dipping sauce. Blue cheese is a tangy and flavourful option, with a crumbly texture and a punch of flavour. It is made with vinegar, buttermilk, and sour cream, along with blue cheese, which gives it its distinctive taste. Blue cheese is a popular pairing with chicken wings, especially in Buffalo, New York, where it is considered a tradition.
The debate between ranch and blue cheese is a popular one, with people having strong preferences for one over the other. Some surveys have found that a majority of people prefer ranch, while others show a higher preference for blue cheese, especially among true wing enthusiasts.
Both ranch and blue cheese dressings can be used to cool down spicy food, as dairy products are natural coolants that help combat the heat of capsaicin on your taste buds. This may be why they are often paired with spicy chicken wings, providing a flavour balance and a soothing effect on the palate.
While ranch and blue cheese have some similarities, they offer distinct flavour profiles and textures that can enhance different types of dishes. Ultimately, the choice between the two is a matter of personal preference, and both can be excellent options for dips or dressings.
Danish Blue Cheese: A Vegetarian's Dilemma?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Dairy products are a natural coolant that helps combat the heat of capsaicin on your taste buds.
Spicy foods like chicken wings, burgers, and fried foods are often paired with ranch and blue cheese dressings.
Ranch dressing is a combination of buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise with added herbs and spices. Blue cheese dressing, on the other hand, is made with blue cheese, vinegar, buttermilk, and sour cream, resulting in a zingy taste.
