Unforgettable Steak House Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe! (2024)

Ever felt like your homemade salads were missing that special something? We’ve all been there.

You toss together some greens, add a splash of store-bought dressing, and it’s just… meh.

But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate your salad game to steakhouse levels?

That’s right, we’re talking about a killer steakhouse blue cheese dressing recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Now, you might be thinking, “Blue cheese dressing? Isn’t that just for wedge salads?” Oh, how wrong you’d be!

This versatile dressing is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Whether you’re drizzling it over crisp lettuce, using it as a dip for wings, or even as a topping for your juicy steak, this recipe is gonna change the game.

So, are you ready to dive into the world of creamy, tangy, blue cheese goodness? Let’s get started!

What Makes a Great Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing?

When we think of steakhouse blue cheese dressing, a few key things come to mind. First off, it’s gotta be creamy – none of that watery nonsense. We want a dressing that clings to our salad leaves and coats our taste buds with flavor.

Next up, it’s all about that tang. A good blue cheese dressing should have a nice bite to it, courtesy of the cheese itself and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. But it shouldn’t be so overpowering that you feel like you’ve been hit in the face with a cheese wheel.

Finally, we’re looking for depth of flavor. Sure, the blue cheese is the star of the show, but a truly great dressing has layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more.

The Secret Ingredients That Make Our Recipe Stand Out

Now, you might be wondering what sets our recipe apart from all the others out there. Well, buckle up, because we’re about to spill the beans!

First off, we use a combo of sour cream and mayo as our base. This gives us that perfect creamy texture without being too heavy. We also add a splash of whole milk (or buttermilk if you’re feeling extra tangy) to keep things nice and smooth.

But here’s where things get interesting. We’ve added a little smoked paprika to our recipe. It might sound strange, but trust us on this one. That subtle smokiness takes this dressing to a whole new level, especially when paired with grilled meats.

And let’s not forget about the star of the show – the blue cheese itself.

We recommend using a high-quality, aged blue cheese like roquefort, stilton, or gorgonzola. The stronger the cheese, the more flavor punch your dressing will pack!

How to Make the Perfect Steakhouse Blue Cheese Dressing

Alright, folks, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Don’t worry, this recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought dressing.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise (we like Duke’s, but use your fave)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (the stinkier, the better!)
1/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (our secret weapon!)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or horseradish for extra oomph

Now, here’s how to put it all together:

1. Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the sour cream, mayo, and milk until it’s smooth as silk.
2. Toss in the blue cheese, vinegar, chives, garlic powder, and our secret ingredient – smoked paprika. Give it a gentle stir.
3. Season with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of horseradish.
4. Cover your masterpiece and pop it in the fridge for at least a couple hours. This lets all those flavors get to know each other.
5. Before you serve, give it a good stir. If it’s thicker than you like, thin it out with a little milk.

And voila! You’ve just made the best darn steakhouse blue cheese dressing this side of the Mississippi.

Tips for Making the Best Blue Cheese Dressing

Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about how to take your dressing game to the next level.

First up, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of blue cheese. Each variety will bring its own unique flavor profile to the party. Roquefort tends to be sharper, while gorgonzola is a bit milder. Try ’em all and see what you like best!

Next, let’s talk about texture. Some folks like their dressing smooth, while others prefer it chunky. If you’re in the smooth camp, try blending your dressing in a food processor. For you chunk lovers out there, just use a fork to mash some of the blue cheese into the dressing, leaving some bigger pieces for that perfect bite.

And here’s a pro tip: this dressing gets better with age (up to a point, of course). Make it a day or two ahead of time and let those flavors really meld together in the fridge.

How to Use Your Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

Sure, you could just pour this bad boy over some iceberg lettuce and call it a day. But why stop there? This dressing is so versatile, it’s practically begging to be used in new and exciting ways.

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Wedge Salad: The classic. Cut a head of iceberg lettuce into wedges, drizzle with dressing, and sprinkle with crispy bacon and chopped tomatoes.
2. Wing Dip: Game day will never be the same once you start using this as your go-to wing dip.
3. burger Topping: Slather it on your next burger for a gourmet steakhouse experience at home.
4. Veggie Platter: Set it out with some crisp veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
5. Steak Sauce: Yep, you read that right. A dollop of this dressing on a hot steak is pure magic.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, why not try some fun variations? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Buffalo Blue: Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
2. Herb-alicious: Mix in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.
3. Roasted Garlic: Swap the garlic powder for some roasted garlic cloves for a mellower, sweeter garlic flavor.
4. Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Nutritional Insights: Is Blue Cheese Dressing Healthy?

Let’s be real – blue cheese dressing isn’t exactly a health food. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be part of a balanced diet. Here’s the scoop on what’s in your dressing:

Calories: About 120 per 2 tablespoons
Fat: 12g (4g saturated)
Carbs: 1g
Protein: 2g

Blue cheese dressing is high in fat and calories, but it’s also low in carbs, making it a favorite among the keto crowd. Plus, it’s got a decent amount of calcium thanks to all that cheese.

If you’re watching your calorie intake, remember that a little goes a long way with this dressing. And hey, if you’re using it to get more veggies in your diet, we’d call that a win!

Ingredient Alternatives for Dietary Restrictions

We get it – not everyone can do dairy or maybe you’re watching your fat intake. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some alternatives:

1. Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayo as your base. There are some great vegan blue cheese alternatives out there too!
2. Lower Fat: Swap out some of the mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt.
3. Vinegar Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of white wine vinegar, try apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead.

Remember, these substitutions might change the flavor and texture a bit, but they’ll still give you a tasty dressing!

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Frequently Asked Questions

So there you have it, folks! Everything you ever wanted to know about steakhouse blue cheese dressing and then some.

Now go forth and dress those salads like a pro!

Be sure to check out other articles from Simply Cooking Recipes

Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.