There’s nothing quite like a homemade blue cheese dressing that rivals your favorite steakhouse version! This classic recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with you. What makes this dressing absolutely irresistible is the perfect balance of tangy blue cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and just the right amount of tang from sour cream and buttermilk.
I first fell in love with blue cheese dressing at a fancy restaurant, and I was determined to recreate it at home. After countless trials and tweaks, I’ve developed this recipe that has become a family favorite. The secret is using quality blue cheese—it really does make all the difference. The beauty of this dressing is its versatility; it’s absolutely divine drizzled over a crisp wedge salad with bacon and tomatoes, but it’s equally delicious as a dipping sauce for buffalo wings or fresh vegetables.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment or difficult techniques—just a bowl, a whisk, and about five minutes of your time. The dressing comes together beautifully and tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
This blue cheese dressing is perfect for entertaining because you can make it ahead of time, and it stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week. I often prepare it the day before dinner parties, which takes stress off my cooking schedule. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this dressing is sure to impress your guests. Pair it with Easy Chicken Alfredo or serve alongside Best Garlic Shrimp Scampi for a complete meal.
I’ve also discovered that this dressing works wonderfully beyond salads. Try drizzling it over Perfect Creamy Pasta or using it as a topping for baked potatoes. Some of my favorite serving suggestions include using it as a dip for fresh vegetables at parties, as a topping for grilled steaks, or mixed into deviled eggs for a sophisticated appetizer.
The ingredient list is straightforward and likely includes items you already have in your kitchen. Quality blue cheese is essential—I recommend using a crumbly variety like Danish blue or Roquefort for the best flavor. The mayonnaise provides the creamy base, while sour cream and buttermilk add tanginess and help achieve the perfect consistency. Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, and a touch of garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce adds depth.
For those who prefer their dressing thicker, simply use less buttermilk; for a thinner consistency perfect for drizzling, add more. This recipe is wonderfully customizable to your preferences. Some people like to add fresh herbs like chives or parsley, while others prefer a smokier flavor from a dash of smoked paprika. The possibilities are endless!
Make sure to check out Best Heavy Cream Alfredo Sauce Recipe or Delicious Heavy Cream Pasta Recipe for other creamy sauce ideas that pair beautifully with this dressing.
For more inspiration on creamy dressings and sauces, I recommend checking out Bon Appétit’s take on blue cheese dressing and Serious Eats’ comprehensive guide. You might also enjoy New York Times Cooking’s version and Bon Appétit’s best salad dressings collection for even more delicious options.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces quality blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk, whisking together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and white vinegar to the mixture, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, whisking until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dressing.
- Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to overmix—you want some chunks of blue cheese to remain visible throughout the dressing.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
- If using cayenne pepper for a subtle heat, sprinkle it in now and stir gently to combine.
- If desired, fold in the fresh chopped chives for a touch of fresh onion flavor and color.
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container or glass jar and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Before serving, give the dressing a gentle stir and thin with additional buttermilk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve chilled over wedge salads, with buffalo wings, as a vegetable dip, or drizzled over grilled steaks.
Pro Tips
- **Blue Cheese Selection**: The quality of your blue cheese directly impacts the final result. Look for creamy, well-aged varieties like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Danish blue. Avoid pre-crumbled versions if possible, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- **Consistency Adjustments**: If your dressing is too thick, gradually whisk in more buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. For a thicker dip, reduce the buttermilk and add more blue cheese. For a pourable dressing, add more buttermilk.
- **Flavor Development**: This dressing tastes noticeably better after sitting in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The flavors continue to develop and meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious final product. You can prepare it up to one week in advance.
- **Storage Tips**: Store your blue cheese dressing in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Avoid storing it in plastic containers if possible, as they can absorb odors and flavors from the strong blue cheese.
- **Customization Ideas**: Add fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, or parsley for extra flavor. Mix in crumbled bacon for a smoky element. Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for heat. Try mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese for additional depth.
- **Serving Suggestions**: Perfect over a classic wedge salad with bacon, tomatoes, and red onions. Use as a dipping sauce for buffalo wings, chicken fingers, or fresh vegetables like celery and carrot sticks. Drizzle over grilled steaks or burgers. Mix into deviled eggs for sophisticated appetizers. Use as a topping for baked sweet potatoes.
- **Make-Ahead Friendly**: This recipe is ideal for entertaining since you can prepare it one or two days in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving. The flavors actually improve with time as everything melds together.
- **Ingredient Swaps**: You can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the sour cream for a tangier flavor and lighter option. White vinegar can be replaced with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar if preferred. Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice for a different flavor profile.
- **Texture Preference**: If you prefer a smoother dressing with no blue cheese chunks, you can blend half the blue cheese into the creamy base and fold in the remaining chunks. This creates a more uniform color while maintaining some texture.
- **Pairing Ideas**: This dressing complements bold flavors beautifully, making it perfect alongside rich proteins like prime rib, filet mignon, or grilled portobello mushrooms. It’s also excellent with spicy foods, as the cool creaminess balances heat nicely.
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