If you’re craving a tangy, creamy finish for your favorite salads or a bold dip for crispy buffalo wings, this Classic Blue Cheese Dressing is here to become your new obsession. Packed with luscious crumbles of blue cheese, zippy buttermilk, and a medley of rich, cool, and sharp flavors, it delivers pure restaurant-style indulgence straight from your own kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together, and once you taste how fresh and punchy homemade can be, you’ll never reach for store-bought again. Let’s dive into why this Classic Blue Cheese Dressing deserves a spot in your fridge all year long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dressing only requires a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in the final flavor. Choose the freshest options for a balanced, creamy texture and a pop of color and tang that makes every bite memorable.
- Mayonnaise: This is your creamy base, bringing both body and richness for that signature texture.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy bite and a smooth, velvety finish that keeps the dressing from being too heavy.
- Buttermilk: Brings a wonderful tang and helps thin the dressing, while keeping it satisfying and pourable.
- White Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice: A dash of acid brightens all the flavors and balances out the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a touch of this gives the dressing subtle depth and a savory, umami note.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a gentle warmth and complexity without overpowering the dressing.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other bold flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild, peppery kick that keeps you reaching for more.
- Blue Cheese (crumbled): The undisputed star, bringing classic tang, sharpness, and irresistible creaminess.
- Fresh Chives (optional): A sprinkle for brightness, freshness, and a pretty pop of green if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Classic Blue Cheese Dressing
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, round up all your ingredients and measure them out. This makes the process seamless and ensures you don’t miss a single flavor note. It also helps the dressing come together quickly, so you’re just minutes away from creamy perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, white wine vinegar or lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and luscious. This flavorful base is what gives Classic Blue Cheese Dressing its signature richness.
Step 3: Fold in Blue Cheese and Chives
Once the base is perfectly smooth, gently fold in the star of the show: crumbled blue cheese. If you want a little herby lift and color, add the fresh chives now as well. Fold gently to keep some nice big bits of blue cheese for that classic texture and bold flavor punch.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Spoon up a quick taste and add more salt, pepper, or acid if needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency for drizzling, stir in extra buttermilk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired pour.
Step 5: Chill and Meld
Cover your bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets all the flavors get cozy and develop that classic depth only found in homemade Blue Cheese Dressing. Don’t skip it—your patience will be rewarded!
How to Serve Classic Blue Cheese Dressing
Garnishes
Give your Classic Blue Cheese Dressing a finishing flair by scattering a few extra blue cheese crumbles and a shower of chopped chives or fresh parsley right before serving. This makes every spoonful look inviting and highlights that homemade touch.
Side Dishes
This dressing shines on a crisp wedge salad, clings beautifully to crunchy celery and carrot sticks, or adds a rich note when served alongside spicy buffalo wings. Don’t forget to drizzle it over roasted potatoes or grilled steak for an instant flavor upgrade.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Classic Blue Cheese Dressing into a mason jar for a rustic, picnic-style presentation, or serve it in a chic dipping bowl with a platter of veggies, wings, or chips for a party-ready look. For salads, try swirling it gently over the greens for fancy, restaurant-style flair at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Classic Blue Cheese Dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors truly deepen and mellow over time, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead for prepping lunches or last-minute snacks.
Freezing
While freezing is technically possible, the creamy textures of mayonnaise and dairy can separate after thawing, so it’s not recommended. For the best experience, whip up a fresh batch when you’re craving that tangy, creamy dressing.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Classic Blue Cheese Dressing since it’s served chilled or at room temperature. If it thickens too much in the fridge, just stir in a splash of buttermilk or milk and give it a good whisk before serving to refresh its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap if you want to lighten things up while still keeping a tangy and creamy profile. Just use the same amount, and your Classic Blue Cheese Dressing will turn out deliciously thick and flavorful.
What’s the best type Condiment
Try a creamy, crumbly blue cheese like Gorgonzola or Danish Blue for a classic flavor, or go with Roquefort for a sharper bite. Use what you love best; the freshness and quality make all the difference in this dressing.
How do I make the dressing thinner?
Simply stir in extra buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until your Classic Blue Cheese Dressing reaches your preferred consistency. This keeps it pourable for salads or easy to drizzle over your favorite dishes.
Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this Classic Blue Cheese Dressing are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the label on your Worcestershire sauce, as some brands may include wheat-based ingredients.
Can I make it ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare your Classic Blue Cheese Dressing a day or even two in advance. The flavor actually improves as it sits, making it perfectly party-ready whenever you need it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to upgrade your salads and snacks from ordinary to extraordinary, don’t wait another day to whip up this Classic Blue Cheese Dressing. It’s creamy, tangy, and so easy—you’ll wonder how you ever settled for store-bought. Give it a try and watch your meals transform into something crave-worthy every time!
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Classic Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make a classic blue cheese dressing at home with this easy recipe. Creamy, tangy, and perfect for salads or dipping, this homemade dressing is a must-try!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (plus more for thinning, if needed)
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, white wine vinegar or lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add Blue Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese and chopped chives if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Adjust Consistency: For a thinner dressing, stir in additional buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until desired texture is reached.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- This dressing is perfect for salads, dipping buffalo wings, or drizzling over grilled steak.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
