tBlue Cheese Dressing is hands down my favorite out of the creamy dressings category! So without a doubt, a homemade blue cheese dressing recipe is one I had to share and make a quick video for! Made with everyday simple ingredients and you can so easily personalize the dressing to your taste.
Forget store-bought and try this delicious homemade creamy blue cheese dressing recipe. Fun fact, I fell in love with blue cheese only after having it with steak (hello Best NY Strip Steak and Ribeye Steak). Ironically, I didn’t appreciate much the taste of it as just a type of “cheese”.
Since I’ve made my own version of Blue Cheese Sauce or Dip which has become a crowd favorite with veggies (like carrots and celery sticks), I thought I’d try homemade blue cheese dressing. What a difference. I was missing out for sure! It’s my favorite over Wedge Salad made with iceberg lettuce and feels like a fancy steakhouse salad!
What is Blue Cheese Dressing
Blue cheese dressing is a thick, creamy, emulsified sauce built around the bold character of aged blue cheese, where richness, acidity, and salinity are intentionally balanced to create both structure and contrast.
It begins with a base, typically mayonnaise, into which cultured dairy such as sour cream or buttermilk is incorporated. This base acts as a carrier for blue cheese. As the cheese is folded in, it does not fully dissolve; instead, it softens and disperses into the emulsion, creating a dressing that is both smooth and textured, with small pockets of creamy, tangy intensity.
What defines blue cheese dressing is not just its ingredients, but its balance:
- The fat rounds and softens the cheese’s sharpness
- The acid brightens and lifts the richness
- The salt and umami from the cheese provide depth and length of flavor
- The texture combines a spoon coating creaminess with subtle crumbles
When properly made, it is neither overly sour nor overwhelmingly pungent. Instead, it delivers a layered flavor that starts cool and creamy, opens into a savory tang, and finishes with a lingering, slightly funky depth.
Blue Cheese Ingredients
- Sour cream or Mayonnaise. You can substitute this with buttermilk and Greek yogurt.
- Blue Cheese. Make sure to read more about the type of cheese below.
- Fresh lemon juice. You can use white vinegar as well or white balsamic for a tangy flavor to cut through the creamy blue cheese dressing.
- Garlic powder, fresh garlic or Garlic Sauce
- Fresh Herbs. Thyme or oregano (fresh or dried), dill or fresh parsley.
- Sriracha. Optional for heat, you can use chili flakes.
- Salt and Pepper
- Whole Milk. This is used to thin out the dressing. You can use low fat or regular milk or even a milk substitute.
- Worcestershire sauce. optional
Choosing the Right Blue Cheese
- Roquefort is sharp, salty, creamy crumble and has strongest flavor
- Gorgonzola (Dolce) is milder, creamier with slight sweetness
- Stilton has firm texture, earthy and balanced sharpness
- Classic American steakhouse flavor, choose a firm, crumbly blue.
- Avoid overly soft triple cream blues unless making ultra-smooth dressing.
Why You’ll love Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
- Blue Cheesy-ness!
You can control how little or how much you want the blue cheese flavor in your dressing. My sister for example likes a really faint blue cheese note, while I prefer a rich strong blue cheese flavor to mine. - Consistency. While my personal favorite is a thick dressing, I know for sure that many prefer a thin dressing. And that’s easily done by adjusting the amount of milk in the recipe.
- Spicy factor.
I add a hint of Sriracha to my blue cheese dressing and OMG does it take it to a whole other level! It’s really just a hint, so tiny that you don’t taste the spice. But again, you may be one of those who dislikes any hint of spice, and here you can totally skip this. - Fresh herbs.
Classically a hint of dried oregano or thyme is used in the dressing to compliment the blue cheese favor. I have tried using fresh herbs instead and preferred it. You still get the hint of thyme, but you also get a kick of freshness. I also throw in some fresh parsley. - Tang.
Since for many people, blue cheese dressing feels slightly “heavy” or “too creamy”, I love adding in a squeeze of lemon juice. This is not only to add tang to the dressing, but it also make it taste lighter and fresher! - Fresh garlic.
You can totally use granulated garlic here or garlic powder instead of fresh if you feel the fresh is too strong for you. Another thing I love using is a teaspoon of my Garlic Sauce. - Seasoning. Blue cheese is salty as it is, so the amount of salt and pepper you’ll be adding to the dressing should be completely personal.
You can control how little or how much you want the blue cheese flavor in your dressing. My sister for example likes a really faint blue cheese note, while I prefer a rich strong blue cheese flavor to mine.
While my personal favorite is a thick dressing, I know for sure that many prefer a thin dressing. And that’s easily done by adjusting the amount of milk in the recipe.
I add a hint of Sriracha to my blue cheese dressing and OMG does it take it to a whole other level! It’s really just a hint, so tiny that you don’t taste the spice. But again, you may be one of those who dislikes any hint of spice, and here you can totally skip this.
Classically a hint of dried oregano or thyme is used in the dressing to compliment the blue cheese favor. I have tried using fresh herbs instead and preferred it. You still get the hint of thyme, but you also get a kick of freshness. I also throw in some fresh parsley.
Since for many people, blue cheese dressing feels slightly “heavy” or “too creamy”, I love adding in a squeeze of lemon juice. This is not only to add tang to the dressing, but it also make it taste lighter and fresher!
You can totally use granulated garlic here or garlic powder instead of fresh if you feel the fresh is too strong for you. Another thing I love using is a teaspoon of my How to Make Blue Cheese Dressing
It’s seriously silly to make a video for this recipe as it’s basically all ingredients mixed in a small bowl. But the beauty again of this recipe is adjusting this easy blue cheese dressing to your taste!
See the points above to decide how you want your blue cheese dressing to taste like, then follow the recipe. These measurements are for a thick, rich and creamy recipe. My dressing has a hint of spice, a bight fresh taste from the fresh herbs, a tang from the lemon juice and a secret ingredient.
Once all ingredients are mixed in, it’s time to adjust the thickness using milk. Remember to go gradual, one tablespoon at a time. Whisk in between and check the consistency you want.
The secret ingredient is: Sour cream. Yes! While you can use Mayonnaise, and it could be the traditional way to make the dressing, I prefer sour cream.
Why Sour cream? Well it tastes lighter, tangier and brighter than mayo. Remember the blue cheese is creamy and rich enough, so I lighten up the sauce with sour cream. I tried Mayo and felt the recipe was heavier and quite honestly, the mayo takes away from the hero: the blue cheese taste.
Now to make the dressing, the first thing to do is make sure you have all the ingredients.
Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Tips
- Make sure the ingredients you use are room temperature so they blend is well and easily for you.
- You can use sour cream and mayonnaise or just one of them. Sour cream is my favorite as it tastes lighter and allows for the blue cheese flavor to shine.
- Brighten up the recipe by using fresh herbs (thyme and parsley).
- Lemon juice adds a nice tang and a light feel to the recipe.
- The type of blue cheese you choose could be a wedge or blue cheese crumbles. If you can find the creamier type, it works better here!
- Use a whisk to blend in all ingredients together smoothly.
- Thin out your dressing using milk. Add in small amounts and whisk to check the consistency before adding more.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste (remember blue cheese is salty to start with).
- Store the ready made sauce in a tight jar in the fridge for up tp 1 month.
- The dressing will thicken in the fridge as the cheese and sour cream firm up slightly when chilled.
- Have Ranch dressing ready? You can just load it up with blue cheese crumbles, a touch of lemon juice and you’ve got a two ingredient blue cheese dressing! For every cup of ranch dressing, I add 1/4 cup of blue cheese and a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Adjust the salt and you’re good to go!
Why Is My Dressing Too Thin?
- Too much buttermilk or milk was used to thin out the dressing.
- You used low fat mayo
- To Fix: Add more mayo or sour cream.
What if It Tastes Too Sour?
- Too much vinegar or lemon juice was added, or you used old buttermilk
- To fix: Balance with more cheese or mayo.
Does It Taste Bitter?
Some types of over aged blue cheese can have a bitter taste, or using excessive vinegar can turn the dressing bitter.
Why Is It Grainy?
Cheese was too firm or not folded properly.
Why Is It Too Thick?
Simply add buttermilk or whole milk 1 tablespoon at a time while whisking to reach the desired consistency.
Storage & Food Safety
- Store the leftovers in airtight container for 5-6 days in a refrigerator.
- Do not freeze the dressing as the texture will change.
- Because it contains dairy and mayonnaise, do not leave at room temperature more than 2 hours.
What is the best blue cheese dressing?
Not to sound too cheesy here, but the best is absolutely this easy homemade blue cheese dressing!
Why Does Blue Cheese Taste “Funky”
Blue cheese contains Penicillium cultures that:
- Break down fats and proteins
- Produce sharp aromatic compounds
This is why blue cheese has strong aroma and savory depth.
What is blue cheese dressing made of?
Blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream or buttermilk, acid, and seasonings.
Is blue cheese dressing the same as ranch?
No. Ranch contains herbs and no blue cheese.
Why is restaurant blue cheese dressing thicker?
Use less buttermilk or milk combined with higher sour cream and cheese ratio.
Can you make blue cheese dressing without mayonnaise?
Yes, using Greek yogurt or sour cream as base.
How long does homemade blue cheese dressing last?
5-6 days refrigerated.
Is blue cheese dressing healthy?
It is high in fat and calories but low in carbs and contains calcium and protein.
Blue Cheese Recipes
- Smoked Salmon Salad With Blue Cheese Dressing
- Wedge Salad
- Blue Cheese Philly Steak Sandwich
- Blue Cheese Sauce or Dip
- Pan Seared Salmon
- Best NY Strip Steak
- Garlic Butter Sauce
I really LOVE this dressing and hope you give it a try!
Blue Cheese Dressing
Blue Cheese Dressing is hands down my favorite out of the creamy dressings category! So easy and made with everyday simple ingredients and you can so easily personalize the dressing to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tabelspoons parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves minced
- 2-4 tablespoons milk more or less ot thin the dressing
- 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper adjust the seasoning to your taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Sriracha sauce optional
Instructions
-
Gather all the ingredients.
-
In a small bowl add the ingredients except for the milk.
-
Use a whisk and blend in the ingredients as best as possible until smooth (it won'y be perfect).
-
Slowly and gradually add in the milk--1 Tablespoon at a time and whisk it in. Adjust the thickness of your dressing to your taste.
-
Serve with a wedge salad or wings or your favorite salad.
-
Store the rest in the fridge for up to a month.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing Tips
- Make sure the ingredients you use are room temperature so they blend is well and easily for you.
- You can use sour cream and mayonnaise or just one of them. Sour cream is my favorite as it tastes lighter and allows for the blue cheese flavor to shine.
- Brighten up the recipe by using fresh herbs (thyme and parsley).
- Lemon juice adds a nice tang and a light feel to the recipe.
- The type of blue cheese you choose could be a wedge or blue cheese crumbles. If you can find the creamier type, it works better here!
- Use a whisk to blend in all ingredients together smoothly.
- Thin out your dressing using milk. Add in small amounts and whisk to check the consistency before adding more.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste (remember blue cheese is salty to start with).
- Store the ready made sauce in a tight jar in the fridge for up tp 1 month.
- The dressing will thicken in the fridge as the cheese and sour cream firm up slightly when chilled.
- Have Ranch dressing ready? You can just load it up with blue cheese crumbles, a touch of lemon juice and you've got a two ingredient blue cheese dressing! For every cup of ranch dressing, I add 1/4 cup of blue cheese and a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Adjust the salt and you're good to go!
Why Is My Dressing Too Thin?
- Too much buttermilk or milk was used to thin out the dressing.
- You used low fat mayo
- To Fix: Add more mayo or sour cream.
What if It Tastes Too Sour?
- Too much vinegar or lemon juice was added, or you used old buttermilk
- To fix: Balance with more cheese or mayo.
Does It Taste Bitter?
Some types of over aged blue cheese can have a bitter taste, or using excessive vinegar can turn the dressing bitter.
Why Is It Grainy?
Cheese was too firm or not folded properly.
Why Is It Too Thick?
Simply add buttermilk or whole milk 1 tablespoon at a time while whisking to reach the desired consistency.
Storage & Food Safety
- Store the leftovers in airtight container for 5-6 days in a refrigerator.
- Do not freeze the dressing as the texture will change.
- Because it contains dairy and mayonnaise, do not leave at room temperature more than 2 hours.
What is the best blue cheese dressing?
Not to sound too cheesy here, but the best is absolutely this easy homemade blue cheese dressing!
Why Does Blue Cheese Taste “Funky”
Blue cheese contains Penicillium cultures that:
- Break down fats and proteins
- Produce sharp aromatic compounds
This is why blue cheese has strong aroma and savory depth.
What is blue cheese dressing made of?
Blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream or buttermilk, acid, and seasonings.
Is blue cheese dressing the same as ranch?
No. Ranch contains herbs and no blue cheese.
Why is restaurant blue cheese dressing thicker?
Use less buttermilk or milk combined with higher sour cream and cheese ratio.
Can you make blue cheese dressing without mayonnaise?
Yes, using Greek yogurt or sour cream as base.
How long does homemade blue cheese dressing last?
5-6 days refrigerated.
Is blue cheese dressing healthy?
It is high in fat and calories but low in carbs and contains calcium and protein.
Blue cheese dressing is my favorite dressing as well. So versatile too!
Absolutely loved this dressing – and love the sriracha addition! So good!
I want to put this on everything! It’s my favourite dressing and it looks amazing.
Yum that sounds absolutely delicious. Good on a warm roast vegetable salad.
This blue cheese dressing was so good with my salad! Delicious and so easy recipe 🙂
This sounds lovely. I would definitely add the sriracha sauce for that added zing. This would be a nice change from my standard vinaigrettes.
This dressing was creamy, rich and so easy to make! Was the perfect addition to my salad at lunch today!
My fiance loves blue cheese dressing. I will have to make this for him soon. 🙂
I can’t wait to try out this recipe with wings for the Superbowl!
The flavors are perfect in this recipe…and super creamy! So good!