Experience the difference that fresh, homemade ingredients make. This tangy, creamy blue cheese dressing is a revelation, far superior to anything you’ll find bottled. Elevate your salads, transform your wings, or make it your go-to dip for fresh vegetables.

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The Ultimate Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy, Tangy, and Unforgettable

From crisp salads to spicy buffalo wings and even creative dishes like tacos, a truly exceptional blue cheese dressing can elevate almost any meal. But let’s be honest, finding that perfect balance of tang, creaminess, and robust blue cheese flavor in a store-bought bottle is nearly impossible. That’s precisely why once you try this incredible homemade blue cheese dressing recipe, you’ll likely never reach for a commercial brand again.

Why Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Reigns Supreme

As I’ve gotten older, my appreciation for quality food has only deepened, particularly when it comes to something as fundamental as salad dressing. I’ve become a bit of a salad dressing snob, I admit. Those watery, thin dressings that promise flavor but deliver little more than an insipid coating? They simply aren’t worth the calories or the disappointment. A truly great dressing should be thick, full-bodied, and bursting with flavor, complementing the dish rather than merely existing alongside it.

This homemade blue cheese dressing isn’t just “good” – it’s a game-changer. It utterly excels in the flavor department, offering a rich, unmistakable tang that only real blue cheese can provide, perfectly balanced with a luscious, creamy texture. It’s everything you desire in a blue cheese dressing and more. Forget the preservatives, artificial flavors, and watered-down taste of bottled versions; this recipe delivers a fresh, vibrant experience that will make you wonder why you ever settled for less.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Blue Cheese Dressing

Crafting the best blue cheese dressing starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that desirable balance of tang, richness, and smoothness. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

• Blue Cheese: The Star of the Show
  For an unparalleled dressing, I strongly recommend purchasing a block of blue cheese rather than pre-crumbled varieties. Pre-crumbled cheese often loses moisture, resulting in a drier texture and diminished flavor. While the blue cheese pictured above is a standard grocery store variety, remember that the better the quality of your blue cheese (think Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton for a real treat), the more complex and exquisite your dressing will be. Experiment with different types to find your favorite flavor profile, from mild and buttery to sharp and pungent.
• Mayonnaise: The Creamy Foundation
  Mayonnaise provides a wonderful tang and contributes significantly to the dressing’s creamy consistency. I appreciate the classic flavor it imparts. However, if you prefer to reduce or skip it, you can easily substitute with an equal amount of additional sour cream for richness, or use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier alternative. Keep in mind that Greek yogurt will alter the flavor slightly.
• Sour Cream: Enhancing Richness and Body
  Sour cream is key to achieving that luxurious, thick, and creamy texture that makes this dressing so satisfying. It also adds another layer of mild tang that complements the blue cheese beautifully. Full-fat sour cream will yield the richest result, but you can opt for a lower-fat version if preferred, though it might be slightly less decadent.
• Buttermilk: The Signature Tang and Thinning Agent
  Authentic blue cheese dressing relies on buttermilk for its distinctive tangy flavor and to help achieve the desired pourable consistency. The recipe initially calls for just 1/4 cup, but buttermilk is your best friend if you prefer a looser dressing. Add it gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred pourability. Don’t have buttermilk? You can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and filling the rest with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) to make 1/4 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
• Red Wine Vinegar: The Essential Acidic Brightness
  Acid is crucial for balancing the richness of the cheese and dairy. Red wine vinegar provides a sharp, fruity note that cuts through the creaminess. While I wouldn’t skip the acid entirely, feel free to experiment with other vinegars to customize the flavor. Apple cider vinegar offers a milder, fruitier acidity, while a high-quality balsamic vinegar could add a deeper, sweeter complexity. White wine vinegar or even fresh lemon juice are also viable options.
• Sugar: A Touch of Sweet Balance
  Only a small amount of sugar is needed to subtly balance the intense, savory flavors and sharp tang of the blue cheese and vinegar. While you could technically omit it, I find that this small addition truly makes a positive difference, rounding out the flavor profile without making the dressing sweet.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic Depth
  Garlic powder offers a consistent and mellow garlic flavor throughout the dressing. For those who crave a bolder garlic punch, consider adding one clove of finely minced fresh garlic instead. If using fresh garlic, ensure it’s very finely minced or even grated to prevent large, raw chunks in the smooth dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning to Perfection
  Never underestimate the transformative power of proper seasoning. Salt enhances all the other flavors, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aroma. Always taste your dressing before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. A little extra can make a huge difference in bringing out the best in your dressing.

Crafting Your Perfect Blue Cheese Dressing: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this exceptional blue cheese dressing is surprisingly simple, especially with a few smart techniques. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly smooth and flavorful result:

1. Partially Melt the Blue Cheese: The Ina Garten Secret
   This genius trick, which I picked up from an Ina Garten recipe years ago, is key to an incredibly smooth and luxurious dressing. Place 3 ounces of your blue cheese (leaving 1 ounce aside for later chunks) in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in short bursts, about 10-15 seconds at a time, just until the edges begin to melt and the cheese becomes very soft, but not fully liquid. You want it pliable, almost like a paste, rather than completely molten. This process helps the cheese blend seamlessly into the dressing, preventing any gritty texture.
2. Combine the Base Ingredients
   In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, red wine vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder. These ingredients form the creamy and tangy foundation of your dressing. Process them briefly to ensure they are well combined.
3. Add the Partially Melted Blue Cheese
   Now, add the partially melted blue cheese to the blender or food processor with the other ingredients.
4. Blend Until Smooth
   Process all the ingredients together until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated. The goal here is a uniform consistency without any large chunks of cheese at this stage.
5. Incorporate Blue Cheese Chunks (Optional, but Recommended)
   While a smooth dressing is wonderful, I find that a few good chunks of blue cheese add a delightful textural contrast and an extra burst of flavor. Stir in the remaining 1 ounce of crumbled blue cheese by hand. This allows you to control the size and distribution of the cheese pieces.
6. Season and Refrigerate
   Taste the dressing and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, proper seasoning is vital. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes, or ideally several hours, before serving. This dressing will naturally thicken as it chills in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. If it seems a bit thin immediately after blending, don’t worry – simply give it some time to chill. If it thickens more than you prefer after refrigeration, you can easily thin it out by stirring in a little extra buttermilk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Pro Tips for Blue Cheese Dressing Mastery

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are many ways to customize your homemade blue cheese dressing to perfectly suit your taste preferences:

• Adjusting Consistency: If your dressing is too thick after chilling, whisk in additional buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, you can try adding a bit more sour cream or mayonnaise, or let it chill longer.
• Enhancing Flavor:
  • Herbs: Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped, add a lovely fresh note and a pop of color.
  • Spice: A dash of your favorite hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot) can introduce a subtle kick, especially if you’re serving it with buffalo wings.
  • Umami Boost: A tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of onion powder can add an extra layer of savory depth.
• Serving Temperature: Blue cheese dressing is best served chilled, as the flavors are more pronounced and the texture is ideal when cool.

Beyond Salads: Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

While blue cheese dressing is a classic accompaniment to salads and wings, its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture make it incredibly versatile. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you:

• Classic Salad Enhancer: Drizzle generously over a crisp wedge salad with bacon bits, or use it as the star dressing for a hearty Cobb salad.
• Dip for Appetizers: It’s the quintessential dip for spicy buffalo wings, but don’t stop there! Serve it with a vibrant platter of fresh crudités (carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers) or even alongside crispy potato chips or sweet potato fries.
• Sandwich and Burger Spread: Replace plain mayonnaise with a dollop of blue cheese dressing on your next burger, grilled chicken sandwich, or roast beef wrap for an explosion of flavor.
• Baked Potato Topping: Spoon it over a hot baked potato with some crispy bacon for an indulgent side dish.
• Steak or Chicken Sauce: A small amount can be a fantastic finishing sauce for grilled steak or pan-seared chicken breasts.
• Pizza Base: For a unique twist, spread a thin layer of blue cheese dressing on your pizza dough before adding other toppings for a gourmet flavor profile.

Making Ahead and Storing Your Blue Cheese Dressing

One of the many advantages of this homemade blue cheese dressing is that it’s ideal for making ahead. In fact, it actually improves with time as the flavors have a chance to meld and deepen. As mentioned previously, the dressing will naturally thicken as it chills in the refrigerator, contributing to an even more luxurious texture.

You can prepare this dressing up to 10 days in advance. To maintain its freshness and prevent any absorption of refrigerator odors, always store it in an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is an excellent choice. Before serving, give the dressing a quick stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed and to adjust the consistency if needed by adding a splash of buttermilk.

Love Blue Cheese? Discover More Favorite Recipes!

If you’re a true blue cheese enthusiast, you’ll be delighted by these other fantastic recipes that celebrate its unique flavor:

• Blue Cheese Burgers
• Bacon Blue Cheese Coleslaw
• Blue Cheese and Bacon Pizza
• Beef and Blue Cheese Baked Spaghetti
• Blue Cheese and Walnut Mashed Potatoes

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Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1 cup

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: American

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Tangy and creamy, this blue cheese dressing is better than bottled! Use it on a salad, serve it to dip with wings, or as a vegetable dipper.

Ingredients

• 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled and divided
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Place 3 oz of the blue cheese in a small bowl and microwave for 10-15 seconds, until it is starting to melt and becomes soft and pliable at the edges.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and a pinch of pepper. Add the partially melted blue cheese. Process until completely smooth.
3. Stir in the remaining 1 oz of blue cheese crumbs for texture, then season to taste with salt and additional pepper as needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken.

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide and is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/4 cup

Calories: 182 kcal (9%)

Carbohydrates: 3g (1%)

Protein: 4g (8%)

Fat: 17g (26%)

Saturated Fat: 7g (44%)

Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 17mg (6%)

Sodium: 388mg (17%)

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 2g (2%)

Keywords: blue cheese, Blue cheese dressing, homemade dressing, salad dressing, creamy dip