Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

I am a ranch girl through and through; but lately I’ve been enjoying blue cheese dressing as my dip of choice when I have hot wings.  I’m slowly growing to enjoy it on certain salads, as well.  I have noticed a pattern with bottled dressings versus homemade or those enjoyed in a restaurant; I just really don’t care for bottled dressings.  I’m not sure what it is about those bottled dressings but they just lose something; I’m guessing it’s the added preservatives to expand the shelf life that make the difference?  Again, just guessing but that’s what I’m going with!  So, since I’m not a fan of most bottled dressings I make my own at home.  And, since my palate has matured and I enjoy blue cheese not only in various dishes but as a dressing I thought it was about time to make my own blue cheese dressing. 

I enjoy making my own dressings because you control the ingredients that go into each and every dish from appetizers, to main courses, and even the condiments.  Another perk to making your own sauces, dips and dressings is they can be adapted and adjusted to fit your specific liking.  You can’t beat that!  Another thing I’ve discovered since making my own sauces and such is that it doesn’t take long at all and most of the time they consist of simple ingredients that can usually be found right in your pantry. 

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this blue cheese dressing.  It is full of a variety of flavors, it’s creamy and rich and full of blue cheese crumbles.  This dressing is so simple to make and can be prepared within a matter of minutes.  While it can be enjoyed immediately, it is definitely one of those things that is better after sitting a while.  Allowing this dressing to sit a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to enhance and really meld together, making this incredible dressing that much better.  I think this is my new favorite blue cheese dressing recipe.  The lemon juice adds a slight tartness while the comlexity of the worcestershire adds a variety of flavors that only it can deliver.  The added sugar isn’t too much but adds a slight sweetness, while the chives add a wonderful earthy, onion flavor.  The spice for the fresh cracked pepper adds another depth of flavor to this dressing.  If you’re a blue cheese fan, this is the dressing for you!  If you’re not sure about it or haven’t found a bottled dressing that’s for you, then look no further.  I know it’s not bottled but it’s well worth the (little) effort to make this delicious dressing.  Use it on your next salad, as a vegetable dip or a delicious way to cool down those delicious hot wings!     

Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup mayonnaise
1/2 Cup Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp milk
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Tsp sugar
1/4 Tsp salt
1/4 Tsp fresh cracked pepper
1 Small garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1/2 Cup (2oz) crumbled blue cheese

Directions:

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, greek yogurt, and milk and stir until smooth.  Add the lemon juice, worcestershire, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic and chives and stir to combine.  Fold in the blue cheese. 

Transfer to a container with a tight fitting lid and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.  Stir before serving.

Recipe source: a combination of recipes My Baking Addiction, Cooking Light, and A Cook at Heart