Blue Cheese Dressing
Thick, creamy, and wonderfully tangy with generous chunks of blue cheese in every spoonful. This classic American dressing comes together in just 10 minutes using simple ingredients—perfect for wedge salads, buffalo wings, or as a burger topping. Miles better than anything from a bottle.
For 8 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Crumble the blue cheese.
1.Take the block of blue cheese and crumble it into a small bowl using a fork.2.Set aside 2 tablespoons of the larger crumbles for the final garnish.3.Reserve the remaining finer crumbles for mixing into the dressing.TIPCrumbling by hand instead of buying pre-crumbled gives you better texture and flavor. Pre-crumbled cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the creamy base.
1.In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk.2.Whisk together until completely smooth and no streaks remain, about 30 seconds.TIPMake sure the buttermilk is well-shaken before measuring—the solids tend to settle at the bottom. - mix · ~1 min
Season and flavor the base.
1.Add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the creamy mixture.2.Whisk until everything is evenly distributed, about 20 seconds.TIPMincing the garlic into a fine paste (or using a microplane) prevents anyone from biting into a harsh raw chunk. - mix · ~1 min
Fold in the blue cheese.
1.Add the reserved finer crumbles of blue cheese to the bowl.2.Fold gently with a rubber spatula until the cheese is evenly dispersed.3.Use the back of the spatula to lightly mash some of the crumbles against the side of the bowl. This releases pockets of intense blue cheese flavor throughout.TIPDon't over-mix. You want visible streaks and small chunks of cheese, not a completely blue-tinted smoothie. - rest · ~30 min
Chill to meld the flavors.
Transfer the dressing to a serving bowl or an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, though 2 hours is ideal for the best taste.
TIPThe dressing thickens as it chills. If it becomes too thick after refrigeration, stir in a teaspoon of buttermilk to loosen it. - garnish · ~1 min
Garnish and serve.
1.Just before serving, sprinkle the reserved blue cheese crumbles over the top.2.Finish with a scattering of freshly chopped chives.TIPThis final touch of fresh crumbles lets people see and taste the chunks of blue cheese right on top, signaling homemade quality.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Crumbling blue cheese by hand yields better texture than pre-crumbled, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- 2For the boldest flavor, let the dressing rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
- 3If the dressing thickens too much after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of buttermilk to restore the desired consistency.
- 4Use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for the creamiest, richest dressing that clings to lettuce and wings.
- 5Mince the garlic to a paste with a microplane or knife to avoid harsh raw chunks in the finished dressing.
- 6This dressing keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lighter
Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use low-fat sour cream to cut calories while keeping a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
herbaceousHerbaceous
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh dill or parsley along with the chives for a brighter, more aromatic dressing that pairs well with seafood or garden salads.
extra tangyExtra-tangy
Increase the lemon juice to 2 teaspoons or add an extra teaspoon of white wine vinegar for a sharper, more pronounced tang that cuts through rich buffalo wings.
smokySmoky
Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce to give the dressing a subtle smoky heat, perfect for roasted vegetables or grilled burgers.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Calcium
Blue cheese is a good source of calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.
Contains Probiotics
Sour cream and buttermilk provide live cultures that may aid digestion and support gut health.
Moderate in Protein
The cheese and dairy base contribute a modest amount of protein, helping to keep you fuller for longer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but fresh crumbled from a wedge has better flavor and texture because pre-crumbled cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the dressing grainy.
