If you love rich, tangy flavors that make every bite memorable, this Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It perfectly balances the sharp, distinctive taste of blue cheese with the smooth creaminess of sour cream and mayonnaise, brightened by just a hint of acidity from vinegar or lemon juice. Whether drizzled over a crisp salad, used as a dip for fresh veggies, or dolloped onto your favorite wings, this dressing is bursting with flavor and effortless to whip up, making it a must-have for any foodie’s repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together beautifully with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect creamy texture and bold flavor profile.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds a smooth, tangy base that keeps the dressing luscious and rich.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and a subtle sweetness that balances the sharpness of the cheese.
- ¼ cup buttermilk: Lightens the texture and introduces a mild tang to keep things fresh and silky.
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese: The star of the show, delivering that unmistakable punch of flavor with perfect chunks throughout.
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice: Provides a bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Offers a gentle hint of savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients and rounds out the taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat for balance and complexity.
How to Make Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Your Creamy Base
Start by combining the sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk in a medium bowl. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, velvety base. This blend creates the perfect canvas for the vibrant flavors to come.
Step 2: Add the Blue Cheese and Seasonings
Gently stir in the crumbled blue cheese along with the white wine vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. As you mix, mash some of the blue cheese into the dressing to thicken it while leaving some chunks for that signature texture and bold flavor bursts.
Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Develop
Cover the bowl and refrigerate your dressing for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to blend harmoniously, ensuring every spoonful tastes perfectly balanced and delicious.
Step 4: Adjust the Consistency if Needed
If the dressing feels too thick after chilling, simply whisk in a little more buttermilk until you reach your ideal pourable consistency. This makes it versatile whether you prefer a thicker dip or a lighter salad dressing.
How to Serve Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra crumbles of blue cheese on top just before serving for a visually appealing touch and an extra hit of flavor. Fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley also add a lovely color contrast and an herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
This dressing pairs brilliantly with crisp garden salads, spicy buffalo wings, juicy burgers, or even as a dip alongside crunchy vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers. It’s a crowd-pleaser that elevates everyday dishes effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the dressing in a small ramekin alongside a charcuterie board or drizzle it over roasted potatoes for a tangy, decadent upgrade. You can even use it as a sauce on grilled meats to add a cool, creamy contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy its flavors throughout the week.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not recommended as the texture of the dressing may change upon thawing. The creamy consistency can become grainy, so it’s best to make it fresh or use leftovers within a few days.
Reheating
This dressing is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for a few minutes, stirring gently, but avoid heating it in the microwave as this can cause separation.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! For a milder flavor, Danish blue or Gorgonzola work beautifully, while Roquefort offers a stronger, more pungent taste. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect balance.
What if I’m out of buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s tangy acidity.
Is this dressing suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s vegetarian as long as the blue cheese used is made with vegetarian-friendly cultures and rennet. Always check the label if you want to be sure!
Can I make this dressing vegan?
Traditional blue cheese and dairy ingredients make this recipe non-vegan. However, there are vegan blue cheese alternatives and plant-based sour cream and mayonnaise available if you want to adapt it.
How long does the flavor last after making the dressing?
The flavor is freshest within the first couple of days but remains delicious for up to 5 days when properly stored in the fridge. The ingredients meld and become richer the longer it rests within that timeframe.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor that enhances so many dishes. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become your go-to for salads, snacks, and more—bringing that perfect tangy creaminess every time.
Print
Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy blue cheese dressing combines the tangy sharpness of blue cheese with the smoothness of sour cream and mayonnaise, balanced by buttermilk and a hint of garlic and vinegar. Perfect for salads, wings, burgers, or as a flavorful dip, this homemade dressing is easy to prepare and customizable to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Blue Cheese Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk (plus more to thin if needed)
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and buttermilk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the crumbled blue cheese, white wine vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Adjust Texture: Mash some of the blue cheese with the back of your spoon to thicken the dressing while leaving some chunks for texture, enhancing both creaminess and taste.
- Chill to Develop Flavor: Cover the dressing and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Thin if Needed: Before serving, if the dressing is too thick, thin it gently with additional buttermilk to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- This dressing excels as a salad dressing, a dip for vegetables, or a sauce companion for wings and burgers.
- Choose your blue cheese based on flavor strength – Danish blue or gorgonzola for a milder taste, Roquefort for a bolder, sharper flavor.
- Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
