Ever wondered why homemade blue cheese dressing tastes so much better than store-bought? It’s all about the freshness and the chance to customize the flavors. This easy blue cheese dressing recipe will make your salads and wing-dipping moments unforgettable.
Lisa Longley shared her blue cheese dressing recipe on April 1, 2024. It’s creamy, tangy, and super easy to make. With just basic pantry items and some blue cheese, you can create a dressing that beats any restaurant’s.
This homemade blue cheese dressing is ready in 10 minutes and keeps fresh for up to 4 days. It’s great for drizzling over salads or serving with buffalo wings. Plus, it has only 45 calories per 2-tablespoon serving, making it a guilt-free choice.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade blue cheese dressing is easy to make and tastes better than store-bought
- The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients plus blue cheese
- Preparation time is only 10 minutes
- The dressing lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator
- It’s versatile for salads, wings, and other dishes
- Each 2-tablespoon serving contains 45 calories
- You can adjust the thickness with buttermilk or milk
The Perfect Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
Making creamy blue cheese dressing at home is simple. This recipe uses just a few ingredients to make a tasty condiment that beats store-bought versions.
The secret to a great homemade dressing is in its ingredients. Our recipe mixes dairy and seasonings perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 2 oz)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
This easy blue cheese dressing is ready in just 5 minutes and makes about 2/3 cup. It’s great for salads or dipping wings. You can also adjust the thickness by adding milk or buttermilk.
| Nutrition Facts (per tablespoon) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 56 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 75mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
Keep your homemade creamy blue cheese dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last up to a week, letting you enjoy its rich flavor on different dishes all week.
Essential Ingredients for Blue Cheese Dressing
Creating the perfect chunky blue cheese dressing starts with picking the right ingredients. Let’s look at the key parts that make this dressing so tasty.
Choosing the Right Blue Cheese
The blue cheese is the main ingredient. Different types have their own flavors:
- Roquefort: Made from sheep’s milk, it has a strong, sharp taste
- Stilton: Cow’s milk cheese with a firm texture and balanced flavor
- Gorgonzola: Milder and creamier, great for a subtle dressing
- American blue cheeses: Point Reyes Blue, Hook’s Blue Paradise, or Oregon Blue for local taste
Creamy Base Components
The creamy texture comes from mixing dairy products. A classic recipe uses:
- Sour cream: 1/4 cup for tanginess
- Buttermilk: 1/4 cup to thin the dressing
- Mayonnaise: 2/3 cup for richness
Flavor-Enhancing Additives
These extras can make your blue cheese dressing even better:
- White wine vinegar: 1 tablespoon for acidity
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons for brightness
- Honey: 1 teaspoon to balance flavors
- Chives or scallions: 1 tablespoon, minced, for freshness
- Black pepper: To taste
- Optional: A dash of hot sauce or chili oil for heat
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Blue cheese | 4 ounces | Main flavor |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup | Creaminess |
| Buttermilk | 1/4 cup | Consistency |
| Mayonnaise | 2/3 cup | Richness |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | Acidity |
With these ingredients, you can make a homemade blue cheese dressing that tastes better than store-bought.
Step-by-Step Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Making homemade blue cheese dressing is simple. This blue cheese dressing recipe makes about 1½ cups. It’s great for salads, dips, and more.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sour cream
- Add 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- Pour in 4½ teaspoons red wine vinegar
- Mix in ¼ cup finely minced shallot
- Sprinkle ¾ teaspoon each of ground black pepper and salt
- Add 4 ounces of blue cheese crumbles
- Stir all ingredients until well combined
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Let the dressing sit for flavors to develop
For a thinner dressing, add more buttermilk. For a thicker dip, use less buttermilk or none at all. You can adjust this homemade blue cheese dressing to your taste.
| Nutritional Info (per 2 tbsp serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 135 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Total Carbs | 1g |
| Net Carbs | 0g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Keep your homemade blue cheese dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts 5-6 days, making it ideal for meal prep or weekly salads.
Customizing Your Blue Cheese Dressing
Making your own blue cheese vinaigrette or creamy blue cheese dressing is simple. Just make a few changes to match your taste and dietary needs.
Adjusting Consistency
For a thinner dressing, add buttermilk or milk bit by bit. If you like it thicker, use more sour cream or mayonnaise. For something lighter, try using Greek yogurt instead.
Adding Herbs and Spices
Add fresh herbs like chives, dill, or tarragon to your dressing. Garlic powder or minced garlic cloves can also add a lot of flavor. For a bit of tang, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.
Experimenting with Cheese Varieties
Try out different blue cheese types for unique flavors. Gorgonzola gives a milder taste, while Roquefort is stronger. Adjust how much cheese you use to control the boldness.
| Variation | Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Sour cream, blue cheese, garlic | Creamy, tangy |
| Herbed | Add fresh chives and dill | Fresh, aromatic |
| Spicy | Include Sriracha sauce | Zesty, bold |
| Light | Use Greek yogurt base | Tangy, lower calorie |
Homemade blue cheese dressing stays fresh in the fridge for about a week. It makes 1 1/2 cups, enough for 6 people. Try these tips to make your own special blue cheese dressing!
Health Benefits of Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
Homemade blue cheese dressing is a tasty choice that’s good for you when eaten in moderation. A 2-tablespoon serving has about 130-140 calories. This makes it a great way to add flavor to your meals without gaining weight. It’s also packed with calcium, which is good for your bones, and has beneficial bacteria for your gut.
By making your own low-fat blue cheese dressing, you can pick what goes into it. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream cuts down on fat but keeps it creamy. You’ll end up with a homemade batch that includes blue cheese, mayonnaise, and other tasty ingredients, making about 1 cup of dressing.
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | 72 |
| Fat | 7.6g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.7g |
| Protein | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 96.3mg |
Homemade blue cheese dressing encourages you to eat more veggies. It’s great on salads, with roasted veggies, or as a dip. Making it yourself lets you enjoy a healthier version of this tasty dressing while still getting to love its rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Blue Cheese Dressing
Blue cheese salad dressing is a versatile condiment that makes many dishes better. Its rich, tangy taste goes well with different foods. It’s loved by home cooks and chefs for this reason.
Salad Pairings
The classic way to use blue cheese dressing is in salads. It adds a creamy texture to crisp iceberg lettuce in wedge salads. Cobb salads also benefit from its bold flavor, mixing well with various ingredients. For a quick and refreshing side, try this coleslaw recipe with a blue cheese twist.
Dipping Ideas
Blue cheese dressing is great as a dip. It’s perfect with buffalo wings. For a healthier option, use it with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery. Or, for a heartier snack, dip french fries or potato wedges in it.
Creative Culinary Uses
Don’t just stick to salads and dips. Drizzle it over grilled steaks or burgers for extra flavor. Use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps. It can even make pizza taste gourmet by drizzling it over a slice.
| Dish | Serving Suggestion | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Wedge Salad | Drizzle over iceberg lettuce | Creamy, tangy |
| Buffalo Wings | Serve as dipping sauce | Cool, sharp |
| Grilled Steak | Drizzle over meat | Rich, savory |
| Veggie Platter | Use as dip for raw vegetables | Creamy, fresh |
Storage and Shelf Life of Blue Cheese Dressing
Storing your homemade blue cheese dressing right is crucial for its quality. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 7-10 days. This way, you can enjoy it over several meals.
Always shake the dressing before using it. This mixes the ingredients, which might separate while stored. Since it has dairy, it must stay refrigerated.
Storage Tips for Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing
- Use a clean, airtight container or mason jar for storage
- Refrigerate immediately after preparation
- Avoid leaving the dressing at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Shake well before each use to reincorporate ingredients
The taste of your homemade blue cheese dressing might get even better over time. Many say it tastes great after 8 hours or overnight in the fridge. This makes it delicious the next day too.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated (airtight container) | 7-10 days | Optimal freshness and flavor |
| Room temperature | 2 hours maximum | Not recommended for extended periods |
| Frozen | Not recommended | May affect texture and flavor |
By keeping to these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade blue cheese dressing at its best. Savor its rich flavors in various dishes all week.
Blue Cheese Dressing vs. Store-Bought Alternatives
Making your own blue cheese dressing is a game-changer. It takes under 5 minutes and tastes fresher than store-bought. You also get to pick the ingredients, making it healthier and free from preservatives.
You can tweak homemade blue cheese dressing to your liking. Change the cheese type, the texture, and add-ins. Try Gorgonzola or Roquefort for new tastes. For a chunkier version, mix the base ingredients well, then add cheese crumbles.
Let’s look at homemade and store-bought blue cheese dressings:
| Feature | Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing | Store-Bought Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation Time | Less than 5 minutes | Ready to use |
| Shelf Life | 3-7 days (refrigerated) | Several months |
| Calories (2 tbsp serving) | 60 | 140-180 |
| Customization | Fully customizable | Limited options |
| Preservatives | None | Often present |
This homemade blue cheese recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for 8 people. It’s budget-friendly and keeps you stocked with fresh dressing. For a lighter option, swap low-fat yogurt for sour cream. Making it ahead makes it even better.
The History and Origins of Blue Cheese
Blue cheese has a long history that goes back centuries. It is said to have started by accident. A shepherd forgot the milk curd in a cave and found it changed by mold when he returned.
This led to the creation of a cheese loved all over the world. Two places, France and Italy, claim to be where blue cheese was first made. But it doesn’t matter where it started. Blue cheese quickly became popular in European courts, making its mark in food history.
Over time, many types of blue cheese have appeared, each with its own taste and texture. Some well-known types include:
- Roquefort (France)
- Stilton (England)
- Gorgonzola (Italy)
- Maytag (United States)
- Danish Blue (Denmark)
These blue cheese types add to a rich food tradition. They inspire chefs and food lovers everywhere. Blue cheese is used in many dishes, like salads and sauces, and is also in the famous blue cheese dressing.
| Blue Cheese Variety | Country of Origin | Texture | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roquefort | France | Crumbly | Sharp, tangy |
| Stilton | England | Creamy | Strong, complex |
| Gorgonzola | Italy | Soft to firm | Mild to sharp |
| Maytag | United States | Crumbly | Tangy, lemony |
| Danish Blue | Denmark | Semi-soft | Mild, salty |
Pairing Blue Cheese Dressing with Wines
Choosing the right wine can make your salad with blue cheese dressing even better. The bold taste of blue cheese needs wines that can match its intensity.
Red wine lovers should try full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Zinfandel. These wines are strong enough to stand up to the blue cheese’s richness without getting overpowered.
White wine fans might like a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer. These wines are refreshing and cut through the creamy blue cheese dressing nicely.
For something different, try sweet dessert wines like Port or Sauternes. The sweetness balances the salty, tangy blue cheese dressing, making for an interesting taste mix.
| Wine Type | Pairing Strength | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Strong | Bold, tannic |
| Riesling | Moderate | Crisp, acidic |
| Port | Strong | Sweet, rich |
| Gewürztraminer | Moderate | Aromatic, spicy |
Your personal taste is key. Try different wines with your homemade blue cheese dressing to find your top pick.
Low-Fat and Healthier Blue Cheese Dressing Options
Craving blue cheese dressing but don’t want the extra calories? Let’s look at tasty low-fat alternatives that still pack a punch. These options are great for those who love to eat healthy but still want to enjoy their favorite dressings.
Yogurt-Based Variations
Greek yogurt changes the game for low-fat blue cheese dressing. It’s creamy and tangy, making it a perfect base. Mix 1 cup of 0% fat Greek yogurt with 1 cup of blue cheese crumbles. This combo gives you a protein-rich dressing that’s lower in calories and fat.
Reduced-Fat Ingredient Swaps
Swap out full-fat ingredients for lighter ones. Use low-fat buttermilk and a milder blue cheese to cut down on fat. These changes can greatly reduce calories while keeping the blue cheese flavor you love.
Calorie-Conscious Portions
Watch your portion sizes to keep calories in check. A 2-tablespoon serving of low-fat blue cheese dressing usually has:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 39 kcal | – |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Calcium | 63mg | 5% |
Choosing these healthier options lets you enjoy blue cheese dressing without overdoing it. Remember, it’s all about balance to enjoy your favorite flavors without overindulging.
Blue Cheese Dressing in Restaurant-Style Recipes
Want that perfect restaurant-style blue cheese dressing? You’re in luck! Our recipe, rated 4.90 out of 5 from 19 votes, brings the steakhouse flavor to your kitchen. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll make a dressing that rivals the Chart House’s famous blend.
The secret to this dressing is its rich ingredients. Mix 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, and ¾ cup blue cheese for a creamy base. Add 2 teaspoons chopped garlic, 3 tablespoons white vinegar, and seasonings to taste. Pro tip: marinate the garlic in vinegar for 5-10 minutes to enhance flavor distribution.
For the ultimate restaurant-style blue cheese dressing, let it chill overnight. This lets flavors meld, creating that signature taste you’d find at upscale eateries. Serve it over a classic wedge salad with crisp lettuce, crumbled bacon, and chives for a true steakhouse experience. Remember, presentation counts – drizzle artfully for that professional touch!
Store your homemade dressing in the fridge for up to two weeks. With 267 calories per 2oz serving, it’s a indulgent treat perfect for special occasions. Customize to your liking by adjusting blue cheese quantity or adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth. Now you can enjoy restaurant-quality blue cheese dressing anytime!