Even the most discerning palates will fall in love with this recipe! My husband, known for his exceptionally picky tastes, absolutely adores this Best Blue Cheese Salad Dressing. It’s a culinary mystery I happily embrace, and one that proves this homemade dressing is truly something special.
This exquisite Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing transcends the role of a mere salad topping. Its rich, creamy texture and bold flavor make it a fantastic Blue Cheese Dip, perfect for wings or a crudité platter. It also elevates dishes like this irresistible Buffalo Chicken Dip, adding a layer of sophisticated taste that will impress any guest. Get ready to transform your ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with this versatile blue cheese creation.
Why This Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing is a Must-Make
Unlock a world of flavor with this unparalleled blue cheese dressing recipe. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:
- A Symphony of Flavors: Blue cheese is renowned for its pungent, bold character. However, when expertly combined with creamy buttermilk, rich mayonnaise, fresh chives, and other key ingredients, its intensity mellows beautifully. The result is a harmonious balance of tangy, savory, and subtly sweet notes that creates the perfect complement to any salad. It’s a taste sensation that will surprise and delight even those who are typically hesitant about blue cheese.
- Elevates Every Dish: Forget bland salads! This dressing has the magical ability to transform even the simplest greens into a spectacular side dish or a satisfying main course. Imagine crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers bathed in this velvety, flavorful dressing—it’s a game-changer. It’s also the quintessential topping for a classic wedge salad, creating that iconic restaurant-quality experience right in your home.
- Picky-Eater Approved: As a testament to its exceptional taste, this creamy dressing has won over my famously picky husband. His usual favorites are classic Ranch and sweet French dressing, making his adoration for this blue cheese recipe truly remarkable. It stands out as an exotic yet approachable option, often chosen over my carefully crafted homemade vinaigrettes. Some culinary preferences are simply beyond explanation, but the deliciousness of this dressing certainly isn’t!
- Freshness You Can Taste: Making your own dressing means you control every ingredient, ensuring peak freshness and quality. Unlike store-bought varieties that often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, this homemade version boasts a vibrant, authentic taste that shines through in every bite.
- Incredibly Versatile: While phenomenal on salads, its uses extend far beyond. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a dip for chicken wings or crudités, or spread it on a sandwich for an instant flavor boost. Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to your kitchen arsenal.
Effortless Preparation: How to Make This Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing
Crafting this incredible blue cheese dressing is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The most challenging decision you’ll face is choosing your favorite variety of blue cheese, but don’t worry, we’ll provide some guidance on that below. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your homemade masterpiece:
- Combine Wet and Aromatic Ingredients: In a medium bowl, meticulously whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, finely chopped shallots, fresh chives, and a squeeze of bright lemon juice. Add the kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the secret weapon – celery salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, ensuring all the flavors are evenly distributed. This forms the creamy base for your dressing.
- Introduce the Star Ingredient: Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese. Stir until it is evenly dispersed throughout the creamy base, creating pockets of intense blue cheese flavor. Avoid overmixing, as you want to maintain some texture from the cheese crumbles.
- Chill to Perfection: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming individual components into a cohesive, irresistible dressing. The chill also helps to slightly thicken the dressing, achieving the ideal consistency.
- Adjust and Serve: Before serving, give the dressing a final taste test. If you prefer a creamier texture or a milder blue cheese presence, whisk in a little more mayonnaise. Adjust the seasonings further if needed. Once perfected, generously drizzle this amazing dressing over your favorite salads and serve immediately to enjoy its fresh, vibrant taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Cheese Dressing
Blue cheese is a distinct category of cheese characterized by its unique blue-green veins, which are formed by cultures of the mold Penicillium. This mold is intentionally introduced during the cheesemaking process, contributing to the cheese’s strong, tangy, and often pungent flavor and aroma. As the cheese ages, these molds develop further, intensifying its characteristic taste and scent. The texture of blue cheese can range from crumbly to creamy, depending on the variety and aging period.
Among the many blue cheese varieties available worldwide, three stand out for their distinctive qualities and widespread recognition:
Roquefort: Hailing from France, Roquefort is a celebrated sheep’s milk cheese aged in natural caves. It boasts a deeply pungent and piquant flavor profile, coupled with a rich, creamy, and slightly crumbly texture. Its distinctive taste is often described as sharp, salty, and complex, making it a favorite among blue cheese aficionados.
Gorgonzola: This iconic Italian cow’s milk cheese comes in two main forms: Dolce (sweet) and Piccante (spicy). Gorgonzola Dolce is milder, creamier, and sweeter, while Gorgonzola Piccante is firmer, more crumbly, and boasts a stronger, more intense flavor. Both varieties are rich, savory, and notably pungent. When aged beyond six months, its aroma can indeed be described as quite “stinky,” a testament to its bold character.
Stilton: An English blue cheese made from cow’s milk, Stilton is often considered one of the milder blue cheeses among these three prominent varieties. It presents a sharp yet balanced taste, often with delightful cheddar undertones. After ripening for four to six months, Stilton develops a creamy texture with a pleasant crumbliness, making it versatile for both eating on its own and incorporating into recipes.
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade blue cheese dressing will maintain its quality and freshness for up to one week. It is important to note that blue cheese dressing does not freeze well; the texture tends to separate and become undesirable upon thawing. For the best flavor and consistency, always aim to consume it within a week of preparation.
Absolutely! The beauty of homemade dressing is customization. If you prefer a milder blue cheese flavor, use a less pungent variety like a young Gorgonzola Dolce or a milder Stilton. You can also start with slightly less blue cheese and add more to taste. For a bolder flavor, opt for a stronger cheese like Roquefort or Maytag and incorporate a full half cup.
This versatile dressing is fantastic in many applications. Try it as a dip for buffalo wings, raw vegetables, or potato chips. It’s excellent drizzled over baked potatoes, grilled steak, or even as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. Don’t limit its potential to just salads!
Essential Ingredient Notes for the Perfect Blue Cheese Dressing
The success of this incredible blue cheese dressing lies in the quality and careful preparation of its ingredients. Here’s a deeper look at each component:
- Buttermilk: Store-bought buttermilk, typically thicker than homemade versions, provides the ideal tang and creaminess for this dressing. If you find yourself without it, a quick homemade substitute can be made by adding 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then filling the rest with whole or 2% milk until it reaches the ¾ cup mark. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly thickens and curdles. While this works in a pinch, store-bought remains the preferred choice for its consistent texture and flavor.
- Mayonnaise: This is a crucial ingredient for achieving the dressing’s luxurious, creamy body. Brands like Hellmann’s or Duke’s are highly recommended for their rich flavor and emulsifying properties. Using a high-quality mayonnaise makes a noticeable difference in the final product.
- Shallot: Finely chopped shallots contribute a delicate oniony flavor with a hint of garlic, which is milder and more sophisticated than raw onion. Ensure they are minced very finely so they integrate smoothly into the dressing without overpowering it.
- Chives: Fresh, finely chopped chives add a subtle oniony, herbaceous freshness and a beautiful green fleck to the dressing. Always opt for fresh chives over dried ones for the best flavor and aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable! It provides a bright, acidic counterpoint to the richness of the mayonnaise and blue cheese, lifting the overall flavor profile. Bottled lemon juice simply doesn’t offer the same vibrant zest.
- Kosher Salt: Blue cheese itself can be quite salty, so it’s essential to start conservatively with the kosher salt – perhaps just a pinch. Always taste the dressing after adding the blue cheese and adjust the saltiness as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A good crack of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aromatic depth that complements the other flavors beautifully. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Celery Salt: This often-overlooked ingredient is a secret weapon that adds a unique “je ne sais quoi” – a mysterious, savory depth that enhances the overall complexity of the dressing. It provides a distinct, yet subtle, background note that makes the dressing truly special.
- Blue Cheese: The star of the show! Use a good quality, crumbled blue cheese. Personal favorites often include Maytag or Roquefort for their robust, yet balanced, flavors. Consider the varieties mentioned in the FAQ section and choose one that aligns with your desired intensity. Crumbled cheese integrates best and provides delightful textural pockets.
Explore More Blue Cheese Delights
If you’ve fallen in love with the bold flavors of blue cheese, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic recipes that celebrate its unique character:
- Sweet and Spicy Blue Cheese Bacon Wrapped Dates from Cupcakes and Kale Chips: A perfect appetizer blending sweet, savory, and spicy notes with the tang of blue cheese.
- Beef Crostini with Blue Cheese Spread: Elegant and flavorful, these crostini make a sophisticated snack or party bite.
- Potato Blue Cheese Tartlets: Savory and comforting, these tartlets are a delightful side dish or appetizer.
- Plus more of my Best Salad Recipes: Discover a variety of fresh and exciting salads to pair with your new favorite dressing!
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Blue Cheese Salad Dressing Recipe
15 minutes
15 minutes
6 servings
A classic creamy blue cheese dressing that elevates any meal.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s or Duke’s preferred)
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped chives, fresh
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (Maytag or Roquefort recommended)
Optional Salad Components:
- Spinach or greens of choice
- Grape or teardrop tomatoes, cut in half
- Sliced cucumbers
- Chopped red bell pepper
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, shallots, chives, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and celery salt in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Stir in the crumbled blue cheese until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken slightly.
- Taste for seasonings and whisk in a little more mayonnaise if a creamier texture or milder blue cheese flavor is desired.
- To serve as a salad, add a handful of greens to each plate. Top with tomatoes, cucumber slices, peppers, and bacon. Drizzle generously with the homemade blue cheese dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
For the best flavor, I recommend using high-quality blue cheese such as Roquefort or Maytag Blue Cheese. Adjust the amount of blue cheese to suit your personal preference for intensity.
Recommended Products
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- Santoku Knife
- OXO Cutting Board
- OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Better Balloon Whisk
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 253Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 617mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 9g
Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.
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