Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

Introduction

Creamy, tangy, and boldly aromatic, Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing delivers a punch of flavor that store-bought bottles can never match. Each spoonful blends rich dairy notes with sharp blue cheese crumbles and a gentle garlicky bite that wakes up your taste buds. This classic Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing feels indulgent yet fresh, making salads, wings, and veggies instantly crave-worthy. When you prepare Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing from scratch, you control the texture, balance, and intensity. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly creamy dressing with restaurant-quality flavor right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing checks every box for flavor lovers and busy home cooks alike. First, the texture hits that sweet spot between silky and chunky, thanks to real blue cheese folded into a smooth, tangy base. You get contrast in every bite, creamy dressing with bold, salty cheese pieces that melt on your tongue. Second, the flavor balance feels intentional. The richness of mayonnaise and sour cream softens the sharpness of blue cheese, while vinegar and garlic brighten everything. Third, it’s incredibly easy. No blender, no cooking, just simple mixing and resting time. Compared to bottled blue cheese salad dressing, this version tastes fresher, cleaner, and far more customizable. Whether you want it thicker for dipping or looser for drizzling, this recipe adapts effortlessly.

Ingredients

To make this Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing, you’ll need simple, high-quality ingredients with exact measurements for consistent results.

½ cup mayonnaise (120 g), full-fat for best creaminess
½ cup sour cream (120 g), adds tang and lightness
¾ cup crumbled blue cheese (90 g), choose a bold but creamy variety
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (15 ml), for brightness
1 teaspoon lemon juice (5 ml), fresh-squeezed
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, adjust to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
2 to 4 tablespoons whole milk or buttermilk (30–60 ml), to thin as needed

These ingredients combine into a creamy blue cheese dip or dressing with layered flavor and balanced acidity.

Pro Tips

For the best Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing, focus on technique, not just ingredients. First, choose the right blue cheese. Softer varieties like Gorgonzola or Danish blue blend smoothly while still offering bold flavor. Second, mash some of the blue cheese into the base while leaving the rest chunky. This creates depth, giving you both creamy richness and satisfying texture. Third, let the dressing rest. After mixing, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the garlic to mellow and the flavors to harmonize. If the dressing thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk before serving. These small steps elevate your dressing from good to unforgettable.

Instructions

Step 1
In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise and sour cream. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth, glossy, and evenly combined. This creamy base sets the foundation for your Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing.

Step 2
Add the white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and minced garlic to the bowl. Whisk again until the mixture smells fresh and slightly tangy. This step builds brightness and balances the richness.

Step 3
Take half of the blue cheese crumbles and gently mash them into the dressing using the back of a spoon. This thickens the mixture and infuses it with deep blue cheese flavor.

Step 4
Fold in the remaining blue cheese crumbles. Stir slowly so the chunks stay intact, creating that classic texture associated with great blue cheese salad dressing.

Step 5
Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust carefully. Blue cheese varies in saltiness, so add seasoning gradually.

Step 6
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of milk or buttermilk. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set beautifully.

Step 8
Before serving, give the dressing a gentle stir. Taste once more and adjust seasoning or thickness if needed. Your Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing is ready to serve.

Variations

This Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing adapts easily to different tastes and diets. For a lighter version, swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. You’ll still get creaminess with extra protein and less fat. For a bold garlic-forward twist, add an extra half clove of grated garlic and a pinch of onion powder. If you love heat, stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy creamy blue cheese dip. For a dairy-free adaptation, use vegan mayo and plant-based sour cream, then add dairy-free blue cheese alternatives. Each variation keeps the core flavor intact while offering flexibility.

Storage and Serving

Store Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before each use, as natural separation can occur. Avoid freezing, as the texture may break when thawed. Serve this dressing drizzled over crisp iceberg or romaine salads, spooned alongside buffalo wings, or used as a dip for celery sticks and roasted vegetables. It also works beautifully as a spread on burgers or wraps, adding creamy tang with minimal effort.

FAQs

How strong is this Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing?
The flavor is bold but balanced. You can reduce the blue cheese slightly for a milder taste.

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes better after resting for several hours in the fridge.

What’s the best blue cheese to use?
Gorgonzola, Danish blue, or Roquefort all work well. Choose based on how strong you like the flavor.

Is this dressing gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use this as a dip?
Absolutely. Simply reduce the milk for a thicker, scoopable consistency.

Conclusion

This Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing is comfort food at its finest — rich, creamy, and packed with bold, tangy flavor made entirely from scratch. It’s the kind of dish that transforms simple salads, wings, or veggies into something memorable, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where great flavor matters.