Name: Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅓ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ½ tsp garlic powder; ⅓ cup blue cheese; 6 tbsp milk; Salt & Pepper; 1 tbsp chives

This creamy blue cheese dressing is the perfect complement to salads, chicken wings, or as a dip for your favorite snacks. It's rich, tangy, and full of flavor, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Photos of Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

If you don't commonly keep blue cheese or chives in your home, you'll need to pick these up from your local supermarket. Blue cheese can be found in the dairy section, often near other specialty cheeses. Fresh chives are usually located in the produce section. These ingredients are essential for achieving the distinctive taste of this dressing.

Ingredients for Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

mayonnaise: A rich and creamy base that adds a smooth texture.

sour cream: Adds tanginess and thickness to the dressing.

lemon juice: Provides a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the dressing.

garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering.

blue cheese: The star ingredient, offering a sharp and tangy flavor.

milk: Helps to achieve the desired consistency, making the dressing pourable.

salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the dressing.

pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness to balance the flavors.

chives: Provides a mild onion flavor and a touch of color.

One reader, Daphna Dang says:

This creamy blue cheese dressing is a game-changer! The blend of tangy blue cheese with smooth sour cream and a hint of garlic is perfection. It’s easy to make and elevates any salad. Absolutely delicious!

Daphna Dang

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Creamy Dressing

How to combine ingredients: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and blue cheese in a blender or food processor. How to blend: Use a blender or food processor to achieve a smooth consistency. How to stir: Mix in the remaining blue cheese and chives manually. How to adjust consistency: Add milk gradually until the desired thickness is reached. How to refrigerate: Store the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. How to store: Keep the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How To Make Blue Cheese Dressing

In this blue cheese dressing recipe, the intense flavors of blue cheese are paired nicely with lemon juice, milk, sour cream, and mayonnaise.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

⅓cupmayonnaise
½cupsour cream
1tbsplemon juice,fresh
½tspgarlic powder
⅓cupblue cheese,finely crumbled
6tbspmilk,or buttermilk
salt & pepper,to taste
1tbspchives,fresh, optional

Instructions

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder and half of the blue cheese in a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth.
Stir in remaining blue cheese and chives if using.
Add milk a little at a time to reach desired consistency. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Store in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 977.93kcal
Fat: 97.91g
Saturated Fat: 32.18g
Monounsaturated Fat: 24.93g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 37.09g
Carbohydrates: 11.00g
Fiber: 0.26g
Sugar: 8.56g
Protein: 15.25g
Cholesterol: 132.58mg
Sodium: 1053.91mg
Calcium: 470.70mg
Potassium: 439.23mg
Iron: 0.51mg
Vitamin A: 339.44µg
Vitamin C: 8.70mg

Pro Tip for Achieving the Ideal Consistency in Blue Cheese Dressing

To achieve a perfectly smooth texture for your creamy blue cheese dressing, make sure to crumble the blue cheese as finely as possible before blending. This ensures that the cheese incorporates evenly into the mayonnaise and sour cream mixture, giving you a consistent flavor throughout.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

Use pre-crumbled blue cheese: Save time by using pre-crumbled blue cheese instead of crumbling it yourself.

Pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to avoid the hassle of mincing it yourself.

Measure ingredients ahead: Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Use a whisk instead of a blender: If you don't have a blender, a whisk can quickly combine the ingredients.

Chill in advance: Make the dressing the night before to ensure it's well-chilled and flavors are melded.

Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tanginess while being lower in fat and calories.
sour cream - Substitute with creme fraiche: Creme fraiche has a similar consistency and tangy flavor, making it a good alternative.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a similar acidity and can enhance the overall flavor profile.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
blue cheese - Substitute with gorgonzola: Gorgonzola has a similar creamy texture and strong flavor, making it a good alternative to blue cheese.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and creamy consistency, which complements the other ingredients well.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of umami flavor while providing the necessary saltiness.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile that can add complexity.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish or mixed into the dressing.

How to Beautifully Present This Creamy Dressing

Use a chilled serving vessel: Present the creamy blue cheese dressing in a small, chilled porcelain bowl to maintain its cool, refreshing quality.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives and a few whole blue cheese crumbles on top for a visually appealing and aromatic touch.
Accompany with fresh vegetables: Arrange an assortment of crisp vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices around the bowl to add color and texture.
Drizzle with olive oil: Add a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the dressing to enhance its richness and give it a glossy finish.
Serve with artisanal bread: Place a few slices of toasted artisan bread or crusty baguette alongside the dressing for dipping, adding a rustic yet elegant touch.
Incorporate edible flowers: Add a few edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies to the presentation for a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.
Use a decorative platter: Arrange the entire setup on a large, decorative platter to create a cohesive and inviting presentation that draws the eye and excites the palate.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Homemade Dressing

Blender: Used to combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and half of the blue cheese until smooth.
Food processor: An alternative to the blender for mixing the ingredients to a smooth consistency.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the mayonnaise, sour cream, and blue cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lemon juice, garlic powder, and chives.
Mixing bowl: Needed for stirring in the remaining blue cheese and chives.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the blender or food processor and for stirring the mixture.
Refrigerator: Necessary for chilling the dressing for at least 2 hours before serving and for storing it up to 1 week.
Knife: Used for chopping the chives if they are not pre-chopped.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the chives.
Mixing spoon: Handy for stirring in the milk to reach the desired consistency.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing: A Guide

To store the creamy blue cheese dressing, transfer it to an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help prevent the dressing from absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator and keep it fresh for longer.
Before sealing the container, make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the dressing. This will prevent a skin from forming on top of the dressing and help maintain its creamy texture.
Label the container with the date you made the dressing, so you can easily keep track of how long it has been stored.
The blue cheese dressing will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off smell, discard the dressing immediately.
If you want to freeze the dressing for later use, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion. Label the container with the date and contents.
When you're ready to use the frozen dressing, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly during the freezing and thawing process.
Keep in mind that the texture of the dressing may change slightly after freezing and thawing, as the sour cream and mayonnaise can separate. However, the flavor should remain delicious, and a quick whisk or blend should restore the creamy consistency.

Fascinating Trivia About Blue Cheese Dressing

A fun fact about this creamy blue cheese dressing recipe is that the blue cheese used in it is rich in calcium and contains beneficial bacteria that can aid in digestion.

Is Making Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing at Home Cost-Effective?

This creamy blue cheese dressing recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, and blue cheese are relatively affordable and widely available. The addition of chives and lemon juice adds a fresh touch without significantly increasing the cost. Overall, this recipe rates an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7 USD.

Is Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Healthy or Unhealthy?

This creamy blue cheese dressing recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - mayonnaise, sour cream, and blue cheese - are all high in saturated fat and calories. The recipe also lacks any significant sources of fiber, vitamins, or minerals.

However, there are some simple modifications that can make this dressing healthier without sacrificing flavor:

Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and reduced fat content
Use low-fat sour cream or replace it with additional Greek yogurt
Increase the amount of lemon juice for added tang and vitamin C
Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor and nutrients
Experiment with using a smaller amount of a strongly flavored blue cheese to reduce the overall fat and calorie content

By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of this classic dressing that still satisfies your cravings for a creamy, tangy condiment. Serve it over a salad packed with fresh vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Editor's Take: My Honest Opinion on This Dressing Recipe

This creamy blue cheese dressing recipe is a delightful blend of tangy and savory flavors. The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream provides a rich base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing zest. The use of both blended and crumbled blue cheese ensures a smooth texture with bursts of intense flavor. Garlic powder and chives enhance the complexity, making it perfect for salads or as a dip. Adjusting the milk allows for a customizable consistency. Overall, it's a versatile and delicious dressing that can elevate a variety of dishes.

Enhance Your Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Imagine the smoky char of grilled asparagus paired with the tangy brightness of lemon zest. This side-dish will elevate your creamy blue cheese dressing to new heights, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the sharp, creamy notes of blue cheese. These fries, with their crispy exterior and tender interior, are the perfect vehicle for scooping up that luscious dressing.

Apple Walnut Salad: Apple Walnut Salad: Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a mix of fresh greens come together in this vibrant salad. The creamy blue cheese dressing adds a rich, tangy element that complements the sweetness of the apples and the earthiness of the walnuts.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Spicy, tangy buffalo cauliflower bites are a match made in heaven with creamy blue cheese dressing. The heat from the buffalo sauce is perfectly balanced by the cool, creamy dressing, making each bite an explosion of flavor.

Roasted Beet and Orange Salad: Roasted Beet and Orange Salad: The earthy sweetness of roasted beets combined with the citrusy brightness of oranges creates a refreshing salad. Drizzle with the creamy blue cheese dressing for a luxurious finish that ties all the flavors together.

Delicious Alternatives to Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

Classic Caesar Salad Dressing: Transform your salads with this rich and tangy Classic Caesar Salad Dressing. Perfectly balanced with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a hint of anchovy, this dressing will elevate any vegetable medley.

Ranch Dressing: Dive into the creamy, herby goodness of Ranch Dressing. This versatile dressing is a staple for vegetables, meats, and even fruits. With its blend of buttermilk and fresh herbs, it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Green Goddess Dressing: Experience the vibrant flavors of Green Goddess Dressing. Packed with fresh herbs like tarragon and parsley, and a touch of avocado, this dressing is perfect for any vegetable or meat dish.

Honey Mustard Dressing: Sweet and tangy, Honey Mustard Dressing is a delightful addition to your salads and meats. The combination of honey and mustard creates a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds.

Thousand Island Dressing: Indulge in the classic, creamy goodness of Thousand Island Dressing. With its blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish, this dressing is perfect for vegetables and meats alike.

Why trust this Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe:

This creamy blue cheese dressing recipe is a must-try for any salad lover. The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and blue cheese creates a rich and tangy flavor that is perfectly balanced by the lemon juice and garlic powder. The addition of chives adds a fresh, herbaceous note. Blending the ingredients ensures a smooth texture, while stirring in extra blue cheese provides delightful chunks in every bite. This dressing is easy to make, stores well, and elevates any dish it accompanies.

Want to share your experience making this Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing or have any tips to enhance the recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?

Sure, you can substitute blue cheese with another strong-flavored cheese like gorgonzola or Roquefort. Just keep in mind that the taste will be slightly different.

How long does the dressing need to chill before serving?

It's best to refrigerate the dressing for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I use if I don't have a blender or food processor?

No worries! You can mix the ingredients by hand using a whisk. Just make sure to crumble the blue cheese finely and mix well to get a smooth consistency.

How can I adjust the thickness of the dressing?

You can adjust the thickness by adding milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it gets too thin, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream to thicken it up.