Thick, tangy, and ultra-creamy, this Blue Cheese Dressing recipe comes straight from a beloved family restaurant. Naturally low-carb and gluten-free, it’s perfect for salads, dipping wings, veggies, or even pizza (yes, really!). Made with simple ingredients this homemade dressing is bold, flavorful, and always a hit.
Why you will love this Blue Cheese Dressing
This isn’t just any blue cheese dressing—this recipe has a story. It’s straight from Mama Lucia’s, our family’s favorite Italian restaurant and deli growing up. My mom was friends with Lucia, and years ago, she shared her original blue cheese dressing recipe with us. It’s been a family favorite ever since.
And yes, we dip our pizza in it! Sounds a little weird, I know—but trust me, it works. That creamy, tangy dressing paired with hot, cheesy pizza? So good. We’ve been doing it for years and have converted plenty of friends along the way. Try it–it’s so much better than store-bought! If you are put off by the funkiness of blue cheese, don’t be!
If you’re into homemade dressings like I am, don’t miss a few of my other favorites—zesty Italian (so fresh and full of flavor), classic ranch dressing (a must for dipping), my take on Panera’s Green Goddess (so good!), and a no-mayo cottage cheese blue cheese dressing that’s lighter but still totally delicious.
Is it Blue Cheese or Bleu Cheese?
Ever wondered? I did! In America, the common spelling for the cheese variety is “blue cheese,” with the word “blue” referring to the blue veins or spots that are characteristic of the cheese. The spelling “bleu cheese” is more commonly used in France, as “bleu” means blue in French.
What kind of blue cheese should I use?
Use whatever blue cheese you like—it really comes down to personal taste. I used Danish blue for this batch, but I’ve tried all the options below and love them all. Each one adds its own flavor, so pick based on how bold or mild you want your dressing. No matter which one you choose, use a good quality blue cheese—this is the star of the show, and it really makes a difference in the final taste!
Here are some options:
- Roquefort: A sheep’s milk cheese that’s creamy, tangy, and sharp. It crumbles easily and adds a bold punch to any dressing—one of my personal favorites!
- Gorgonzola: Milder and creamier than Roquefort, this cow’s milk cheese is great for salads or anyone new to blue cheese, plus try my gorgonzola sauce.
- Danish: My go-to for a mellow, balanced flavor. Soft, crumbly, and not too strong—perfect for a crowd.
- Stilton: Rich, creamy, and slightly earthy with a crumbly texture. A bit stronger than Danish blue but still super versatile.
- Maytag: Made in the U.S., it’s creamy and tangy with a mild funk. Smooth and easy to mix into dressings or dips.
- Point Reyes: A California-made blue cheese with a bold, tangy flavor and creamy texture. It’s a great choice if you love a strong, well-balanced blue that’s still smooth and spreadable.
Best Blue Cheese Dressing Ingredients
- Onion powder and garlic powder: Classic flavors that deepen as it sits.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped is best, you can also use dried.
- Mayonnaise: I use avocado mayo, but you can use your favorite.
- Buttermilk: Use whole buttermilk for the richest flavor. Or make your own buttermilk. See the FAQs to learn how!
- Red wine vinegar: Or replace with white wine vinegar.
- Blue cheese: Use Danish, Stilton, Roquefort, Maytag, Reyes or see above for other options.
- Salt and pepper: Sprinkle in some kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe
Mix ingredients in a bowl, transfer to a jar, chill to thicken and develop flavors. That’s it!
Kathleen’s Expert Tips
- For a creamier dressing, use a spoon or spatula to press the blue cheese crumbles against the side of the bowl. Or, for finer crumbles, freeze them for 20–30 minutes first—then they’ll break apart easily as you mix.
- Sub out the garlic for 1 clove of finely minced garlic and the onion powder for ¼ cup grated onion (grate or mince super fine).
- Chill well for the best flavor and texture.
Homemade Dressings and Sauces are the Best
If you are a fan of this tangy blue cheese salad dressing, then try this Rocky Mountain Homemade Barbecue Sauce, perfect for baked chicken, pulled pork, beef brisket, or tender ribs.
Like sweet sauces? Try my Hot Fudge to pour over chocolate ice cream or my easy Vanilla Sauce, perfect for drizzling over bundt cakes, homemade ice cream, or bread pudding.
Variations & Substitutions for Blue Cheese
- Spicy Dressing: Add heat by adding a generous pinch or two of cayenne pepper or sriracha sauce (or both) to the mix. This is especially great for dipping chicken wings!
- Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip: Add a few teaspoons of your favorite Buffalo hot sauce to make creamy buffalo blue cheese sauce or dip.
- Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing: I love chunky blue cheese; stir in an extra ¼ cup of crumbles.
- Gluten-Free: This dressing is naturally gluten-free, double check all your ingredients.
- Low-Carb Blue Cheese Dressing: This dressing is naturally low-carb, keto! But to make it even more so, use heavy cream or almond milk with a touch of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Greek Yogurt Swap: For a lighter version, swap some or all of the mayo and sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. Still creamy, but with a little extra protein and tang.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce!
FAQs
To thicken the blue cheese dressing, add finely crumbled blue cheese crumbles, stirring them in well to combine, you could even whir them in a blender for a second. It helps to let the dressing sit in the refrigerator to thicken up. For thinner blue cheese dip, add more buttermilk to the recipe or pour in some half-and-half or milk.
It’s easy to make buttermilk with ingredients on hand! Add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to a one-cup measuring cup, and add your favorite milk. Stir and let sit for 7-10 minutes; it will thicken and sour slightly.
If you are eating low-carb or on a keto diet, then blue cheese is the perfect dressing choice for you, made with simple, whole food ingredients, it is naturally low-carb.
Storage & Make Ahead Tips
Stored in an airtight container, this dressing will keep for up to 10 days in the fridge—just toss it if it smells off or looks questionable like any condiment!
Make up to 2-3 days ahead of time.
Favorite Ways to Use Easy Blue Cheese Dressing
Sure, it’s great on salads—but this dressing does so much more. Try it as a fresh veggie dip, dipping sauce for wings, on a juicy burger, or my personal favorite… pizza! (Call me crazy—my hubby did—until I converted him.) It’s also perfect on this Steakhouse Wedge Salad—a total classic with a fresh twist. Don’t be surprised if you’re reaching for a second helping!
I hope you loved this Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Equipment
- Storage jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk See notes to make your own buttermilk
- 1 cup mayonnaise I used an avocado mayo
- ½ teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced (replace with 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbled, use Roquefort, Stilton, Maytag, Danish Blue, Point Reyes
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together mayo, buttermilk, herbs and spices in a small bowl.1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, ½ tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Kosher salt and pepper
- Add crumbled blue cheese (of choice) and stir into dressing.½ cup blue cheese
- Spoon into 16-24 ounce jar, and allow to chill in the fridge for a few hours, for the best taste. To thin out add a little more buttermilk; to thicken, allow to set in the fridge for thicker dressing.
Notes
- Spicy Dressing: Add heat by adding a generous pinch or two of cayenne pepper or sriracha sauce (or both) to the mix. This is especially great for dipping chicken wings!
- Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip: Add a few teaspoons of your favorite Buffalo hot sauce to make creamy buffalo blue cheese sauce or dip.
- Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing: I love chunky blue cheese; stir in a few extra crumbles (about ¼ cup).
- Gluten-Free: This dressing is naturally gluten-free, double-check all your ingredients before making.
Nutrition
Michelle
This was a such a delicious and easy recipe! It went perfect with my dinner salad. So good!
So glad you loved it Michelle!
Elizabeth
Thank you for such an easy recipe to make one of my favorite dressings for dipping! The buffalo variation sounds delicious.
It really is, than you, Elizabeth!
Lisa
Homemade dressing is the best! I love this creamy blue cheese one!
Thank you so much, Lisa!
Whitney
I have always wanted to make homemade blue cheese dressing and appreciate the tips as well as the alternatives you shared!
Hope you love it, Whitney!
dana
This was perfect! We served it on wing night with our prized Buffalo wings and it was the perfect pairing!
Absolutely perfect!