There’s nothing quite like the tangy, creamy flavour of blue cheese dressing. It’s a favourite for salads, burgers, and, of course, wings. But if you’re relying on store-bought dressing, you’re missing out on a world of difference. Making your own blue cheese dressing at home has several benefits, from taste and quality to cost and health.
SEE ALSO: The most iconic cheesy dishes from all around the world →
7 reasons why homemade blue cheese dressing is best
1. Fresh ingredients and quality control
When you make blue cheese dressing at home, you control every ingredient. You can choose a high-quality blue cheese like Roquefort, Gorgonzola or Stilton. You’ll avoid preservatives, stabilisers, and additives found in many store-bought dressings.
Moreover, homemade dressing can taste fresher and bolder with real ingredients, rather than an artificial tang.
2. Customisable to suit your taste
Homemade blue cheese dressing allows you to adjust every element. Want it creamier? Add more sour cream or mayonnaise. Prefer a spicier flavour? Add extra blue cheese.
You can adjust the salt, sweetness or even add a dash of hot sauce or herbs. This versatility lets you create a blue cheese dressing that matches your taste exactly.
3. Avoiding unnecessary sugars and preservatives
Many store-bought dressings contain sugars or preservatives to increase shelf life. While these ingredients help with storage, they often impact flavour and nutritional value.
Homemade blue cheese dressing skips these additions, giving you a cleaner, fresher product. You’ll know that each ingredient is there to add taste and texture, not just to keep the dressing on the shelf for longer.
4. Cost-effective
Buying a quality blue cheese dressing from the store can be costly, especially if it’s a premium brand. Making it at home can be a money-saver, especially if you’re able to buy blue cheese and other ingredients in bulk.
You’ll also have the satisfaction of making a high-quality dressing at a fraction of the cost.
5. Healthier ingredients
Many store-bought dressings are high in unhealthy fats, sodium and added sugars. When you make it yourself, you can choose healthier ingredients. For instance, you can substitute Greek yoghurt for some or all of the mayonnaise, creating a dressing that’s lower in fat and calories.
You can also control the amount of salt, which is helpful if you’re watching your sodium intake.
6. Easy to make with minimal effort
Making blue cheese dressing at home is simpler than you might think. You only need a few ingredients: blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper. A quick mix, and it’s ready. The whole process takes just a few minutes and can easily be stored in the fridge for several days.
Keep reading below for my quick recipe for homemade blue cheese dressing.
7. Ideal for meal prep
Homemade blue cheese dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it a great option for meal prep. You’ll have a fresh, tasty dressing ready for salads, veggie dips, and sandwiches throughout the week. By making it yourself, you’re also more likely to use it creatively since you’ll be confident in its quality and taste.
Best cheeses to use to make blue cheese dressing
Here are five of the best blue cheeses to use for a strong, delicious blue cheese dressing:
1. Roquefort
- Origin: France
- Flavour: Tangy, creamy, and slightly salty with a spicy, complex profile
- Why it’s great: Roquefort’s distinct, intense flavour adds a rich, punchy quality to dressings, making it ideal for those who love strong blue cheese.
2. Gorgonzola Dolce
- Origin: Italy
- Flavour: Mild, creamy, and slightly sweet
- Why it’s great: Gorgonzola Dolce melts smoothly into dressings, giving a milder, sweeter blue cheese taste without overpowering other flavours.
3. Stilton
- Origin: England
- Flavour: Nutty, creamy, and robust with a rich texture
- Why it’s great: Stilton’s dense and crumbly texture blends well into dressings, adding depth and a distinctively earthy, tangy kick.
4. Danish Blue (Danablu)
- Origin: Denmark
- Flavour: Blue, salty and creamy with a smooth finish
- Why it’s great: Danish Blue has a balanced saltiness and creaminess, making it perfect for adding a bold flavour to dressings that isn’t too overpowering.
5. Maytag Blue
- Origin: United States
- Flavour: Creamy, tangy, and well-balanced with a bit of sweetness
- Why it’s great: Maytag Blue is known for its smooth texture and balanced flavour, giving a strong but not overly spicy blue cheese taste to dressings.
Each of these blue cheeses brings a unique character to homemade blue cheese dressing, so you can choose one to match your preferred flavour intensity.
Easy recipe for healthy homemade blue cheese dressing
Here’s a simple, healthier homemade blue cheese dressing recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt (for a lighter base)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional for added creaminess)
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese of your choice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or water (to adjust thickness, optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise (if using), and crumbled blue cheese.
- Add lemon juice or vinegar and minced garlic. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or water.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours blend.
Enjoy it over salads, as a dip for veggies, or with wings!
Final thoughts
Making your own blue cheese dressing with one of these top blue cheeses brings incredible flavour, freshness and customisation to your meals. Once you try homemade, you’ll taste the difference—and it’s healthier, too!
Ready to elevate your salads and veggies? Grab your favourite blue cheese and give this easy recipe a try today!
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
