Blue cheese dressing, with its tanginess and powerful blue cheese taste, remains a solid favorite for many of us, whether you prefer to pour it over salads or roasted vegetables, or it is always the must-have dip for your Buffalo wings!
While making blue cheese dressing at home is lovely, many of us don’t have the time, and it might also involve an additional trip to the grocery store or farmers market to get blue cheese. As a result, the answer is to purchase ready-made blue cheese dressing. In this piece, we look at some of the top store-bought blue cheese dressings on the market and provide some advice on what to look for when selecting blue cheese dressing.
Best Selection
Our favorite store-bought blue cheese dressing is the Happy Belly blue cheese dressing, which is a thick dressing made with genuine blue cheese and devoid of artificial flavors.
Budget Selection
Wish-Bone chunky blue cheese dressing is another chunky and tangy dressing that is devoid of artificial flavors and gluten.
Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top 12 Best Store Bought Blue Cheese Dressing
- 1. Happy Belly Blue Cheese Dressing
- 2. Wish-Bone Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
- 3. Kraft Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
- 4. Walden Farms, Bleu Cheese Dressing
- 5. 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Blue Cheese Dressing
- 6. Ken’s Steak House Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
- 7. Briannas Home Style Blue Cheese Dressing
- 8. Uncle Dan’s Bleu Cheese Dressing
- 9. Kraft Roka Blue Cheese Dressing
- 10. La Martinique Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Dressing
- 11. June Moon Spice Company Blue Cheese & Chives Dressing
- 12. Daiya Blue Cheeze Dairy-Free Dressing
- Considerations When Using Store-Bought Blue Cheese Dressing
- Conclusion
Quick Comparison: Top 12 Best Store Bought Blue Cheese Dressing
| Product Name | Grade |
|---|---|
| Happy Belly Blue Cheese Dressing | A |
| Wish-Bone Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing | A- |
| Kraft Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing | A- |
| Walden Farms, Bleu Cheese Dressing | A |
| 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Blue Cheese Dressing | A- |
| Ken’s Steak House Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing | A |
| Briannas Home Style Blue Cheese Dressing | A |
| Uncle Dan’s Bleu Cheese Dressing | A |
| Kraft Roka Blue Cheese Dressing | A- |
| La Martinique Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Dressing | A |
| June Moon Spice Company Blue Cheese & Chives Dressing | A- |
| Daiya Blue Cheeze Dairy-Free Dressing | A- |
1. Happy Belly Blue Cheese Dressing
The Happy Belly blue cheese dressing is made with genuine blue cheese and incorporates blue cheese chunks. This is a 16 oz bottle that is shelf stable until opened and then should be refrigerated.
While it incorporates blue cheese chunks, it is a smoother dressing that lets the blue cheese flavor to shine through.
This contains no high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) or artificial flavors. It also has a money-back guarantee.
Some would have like that this dressing be somewhat thicker so that it could be used for dipping rather than simply as a dressing, and although it does include tiny bits or crumbles of blue cheese, others would have preferred bigger chunks.
Pros
Cons
2. Wish-Bone Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
Wish-Bone chunky blue cheese dressing is made with aged blue cheese and buttermilk and comes in a 15 oz squeeze bottle that is shelf stable.
This is a creamy dressing with a lovely blue cheese tang that is great for sauces as well as dipping wings, however it may be a little thin for dipping at times. This product is HFCS-free, gluten-free, and does not contain any artificial flavors.
Pros
Cons
3. Kraft Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
The Kraft chunky blue cheese dressing is free of MSG (monosodium glutamate) and HFCS, making it excellent for dipping or dressing. This comes in a 16 oz easy pour container and should be refrigerated once opened.
Prepared with genuine blue cheese This dressing is tart with a hint of sweetness and is chunkier and thicker than some other blue cheese dressings. Since it is thick, a piece of cheese may sometimes stay caught, thus a little effort is required to release the obstruction!
Pros
Cons
4. Walden Farms, Bleu Cheese Dressing
The Walden Farms Near Zero bleu cheese dressing is devoid of sugar, carbs, and calories. This dressing, which comes in a twin pack of 12 oz bottles, is also devoid of dairy, gluten, and GMO ingredients. It is also Halal.
This dressing has a more faint blue cheese taste, which is surprising given that it contains no genuine blue cheese, just blue cheese flavor, and it is also a smooth dressing. Since it is thinner, it may not work as well for dipping. It also comes in glass bottles, which increases the danger of breakage.
Pros
Cons
5. 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Blue Cheese Dressing
The certified USDA organic 365 Whole Foods Market organic blue cheese dressing is also acceptable for vegans. One serving includes 80 calories and is shelf stable until opened in a 16 oz container.
The odd consumer thought the blue cheese taste was a tad mild, and others thought the consistency was more ranch-like than blue cheese.
Pros
Cons
6. Ken’s Steak House Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
The gluten-free Kens Steak House chunky blue cheese dressing has just 1 gram of carbohydrates per serve. This comes in 16 oz bottles and may be kept in the pantry until used, when it should be refrigerated.
This is a chunky blue cheese dressing with a creamy and thicker consistency that is great for dipping wings and dressing. The occasional consumer has been dismayed to discover that this does not taste exactly like the restaurant’s blue cheese dressing.
Pros
Cons
7. Briannas Home Style Blue Cheese Dressing
Briannas Home Style blue cheese dressing, available in a six-pack of 12 oz bottles, is a creamy and rich dressing that may be used for dipping as well as dressing.
There are blue cheese bits in this, however they are little rather than massive chunks. It has no HFCS and is acceptable for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
Pros
Cons
8. Uncle Dan’s Bleu Cheese Dressing
This is a shelf stable powder mix that comes in 1 oz packets and may be used to produce 16 oz of blue cheese dressing by combining one packet with one cup of buttermilk and one cup of mayo. The dressing may also be combined with Greek yogurt, low fat sour cream, and other ingredients to lessen the dressing’s calorie or fat level. It should be let to stand for a few hours after it has been created before usage. It may also be used as a dry powder in marinades and other applications.
This product has no additional MSG and is gluten-free.
Pros
Cons
9. Kraft Roka Blue Cheese Dressing
The Kraft Roka blue cheese dressing (single serving) 100 bulk pack is a shelf stable dressing that does not need to be refrigerated. This is a smooth dressing with a distinct and balanced taste that is convenient to take about for on-the-go meals or simply for easy portion control.
While it contains genuine blue cheese, this dressing may lack the blue cheese taste you want, and since it is only available in single serving packets, it is not as cost effective as purchasing a standard sized bottle of blue cheese dressing.
Pros
Cons
10. La Martinique Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Dressing
La Martinique blue cheese vinaigrette dressing, created in France, is a combination of oil, vinegar, and spices with hand crushed bits of blue cheese.
This is shelf stable, but should be chilled once opened and mixed well before use. This is a high-quality blue cheese dressing that comes in 10 oz glass bottles and is best used for dressing rather than dipping.
Pros
Cons
11. June Moon Spice Company Blue Cheese & Chives Dressing
The June Moon Spice Company blue cheese and chives dressing is a high-quality dressing created in small quantities without the use of artificial colors. This blue cheese, chives, and apple cider vinegar dressing is great for dipping as well as dressing.
This 12 oz container also has a double freshness seal to help keep the taste in. When purchased, this is shelf stable; however, once opened, it should be refrigerated.
This may not be as thick as you want, and it is more costly than other blue cheese dressings.
Pros
Cons
12. Daiya Blue Cheeze Dairy-Free Dressing
The dairy-free Daiya blue cheeze dressing is a plant-based dressing that contains no GMOs. It is also devoid of gluten and soy, making it ideal for a variety of diets.
This may be used as a dipping sauce as well as a dressing and has a creamy and thick texture, so thick that it may need to be scooped out rather than poured out! This is available in smaller 8.36 ounce bottles.
Pros
Cons
Considerations When Using Store-Bought Blue Cheese Dressing
While handmade fresh blue cheese dressing is delicious, it is simpler to have store purchased dressing on hand if you don’t always have blue cheese on hand. It may also be less expensive to buy shop purchased than to create your own from scratch, which is useful if you have members of your family that want blue cheese dressing with practically every meal!
Freshly produced blue cheese dressing also has a limited shelf life, but shop purchased may simply be returned to the refrigerator and kept there for a while, if it lasts that long in your house. It should also be noted that blue cheese dressing will not stink up the fridge in the same way that a large piece of Maytag would!
Blue cheese dressings sold in stores are produced with a range of components, although the majority include some type of dairy, such as milk or buttermilk, as well as actual blue cheese or, in some instances, blue cheese taste.
When selecting a dressing, search for those with blue cheese mentioned first in the ingredients list, since this indicates that the dressing includes more blue cheese. It will also include flavorings like garlic powder, onion powder, spice hints, and vinegar. Be aware of dressings produced with herbs or spices that you wouldn’t include in your own blue cheese dressing since they may alter the taste too much.
Blue cheese dressing will also include oil or fat in it. Canola oil oxidizes quicker than other oils, absorbing the tastes of the other components, so keep this in mind when comparing dressings.
Smooth or chunky blue cheese dressings are available. Chunkier dressings often include bits of blue cheese for added flavor, but if you just have smooth on hand, simply add some blue cheese crumbles or tiny chunks of fresh blue cheese to the dressing for more texture (and taste!).
Chunkier dressings are frequently thicker and better for dipping; if you want to drizzle a thicker dressing, dilute it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or something similar.
Traditional blue cheese dressings are frequently thinner, making them excellent for finishing salads and other dishes rather than dipping.
Some store-bought blue cheese dressings include a lot of sugar. Ignoring nutritional considerations, the larger sugar level implies that the added sweetness will dilute the sharpness of the blue cheese. However, be wary of those with extra salt, since blue cheese is already higher in sodium than other cheeses.
There is no discernible difference between shelf stable and refrigerated dressings; in fact, shelf stable dressings might be advantageous since they last longer. Many store-bought dressings are shelf stable until opened, at which time they should be refrigerated; nevertheless, always check the label for the proper storage conditions.
Pasteurization and safety of store-bought blue cheese dressing
Blue cheese is one of the foods that should be avoided by pregnant women. This is due to the fact that blue cheese is often unpasteurized. Nevertheless, most store-bought blue cheese dressings are pasteurized, as stated on the label of the bottle or packet mix.
If a blue cheese dressing is created using pasteurized blue cheese, pregnant women who are unable to avoid blue cheese or blue cheese dressing may be allowed to consume a small amount of pasteurized shop purchased blue cheese dressing. This is due to the fact that the pasteurization process kills Listeria bacteria, which cause a foodborne sickness that is highly harmful to pregnant fetuses.
Nonetheless, it is always better to consult with a medical expert before consuming blue cheese dressing.
While individuals might be sensitive to various strains of penicillin, those who are allergic to blue cheese dressing should exercise caution. This implies that although someone may be unable to take penicillin, they may be able to consume blue cheese or blue cheese dressing without experiencing a response.
Vegan diet is also available. Those who are pregnant or sensitive to penicillin may use a blue cheese dressing prepared with blue cheese flavor instead of blue cheese. These dressings are often suited for dairy-free diets.
Many Uses for Blue Cheese Dressing
If you only use blue cheese dressing on occasion or are seeking for new ways to enjoy it, here are a few of our favorites!
Blue cheese dressing, traditionally used as a salad dressing, complements a variety of salads, including Cobb. It will flavor cold or even grilled meat, veggie, or cheese sandwiches and wraps, as well as sides like potato salad or slaws.
Wings are likely incomplete without blue cheese dressing on the side, or if you want a meat-free alternative, why not add a dairy or dairy-free blue cheese dressing? It also works well as a dip for pretzels or chips.
Blue cheese dressing goes nicely with burgers, grilled poultry, grilled or roasted veggies, and baked potatoes. You may also flavor conventional mac and cheese and a variety of other pasta meals.
Blue cheese dressing may be used as a spread or mayo alternative, and it can also replace sour cream in dips, salads, and other recipes. It may also be used in marinades for meats and vegetables; however, if you do use it in a marinade, stick to milder-flavored dishes like chicken or eggplant.
How Did Blue Cheese Dressing Come to Be?
Blue cheese refers to any cheese with blue mold and veins. Cow’s milk, ewe’s milk, or goat’s milk may all be used to make blue cheese. The intensity of a blue cheese may vary. It might be a light blue cheese like Danish Blue or a robust blue cheese like Roquefort or Maytag. The longer a blue cheese is aged or matured, the stronger it becomes.
While the molds used vary depending on where the cheese is created, all blue cheeses are made in the same fashion; either the mold is injected into the curds or the cheese is punctured with rods, allowing the Penicillium mold to enter and proliferate.
Roquefort cheese may only be manufactured from Lacaune, Basco, or Manech sheep and matured in France’s Combalou caves, which are the sole source of the mold Penicillium roqueforti or P. roqueforti.
It’s unclear how blue cheese became blue cheese dressing. While salads were consumed by the Ancient Greeks and Roquefort blue cheese was created in France during the Roman period, the two did not meet until much later!
It seems unlikely that blue cheese dressing originated in France since vinaigrettes were the predominant form of salad dressing and a cheese like Roquefort would not be reduced to an ingredient in a salad dressing because it was (and still is) a meal in its own right.
Roquefort was accessible in the United States in the 1850s, although salads were dressed with egg-thickened sauces at the time. Dressings came to be included into French dressings throughout time, and recipes for them were published in Fannie Farmer’s Boston Cooking-School Cook Book in 1896. None of these recipes, however, used Roquefort or any other form of blue cheese.
Mayonnaise was accessible on grocery store shelves by 1915, as commercialization and techniques advanced, opening the way to shelf stable salad dressings such as Ranch dressings. This coincided with an increase in the popularity of green salads. Green salads were a staple at tearoom luncheons, initially in California and then expanding to other states.
The Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad Book offered recipes for a variety of salad dressings, including Roquefort dressing, in 1928, indicating that the usage of blue cheese dressing had been widespread prior to this date. Yet, before that, in 1911, chef Rufus Estes, who served as the chef to two Presidents, wrote a recipe in his cookbook for a Trianon Salad dressing that included olive oil, grape juice, grape vinegar, pepper, paprika, and Roquefort cheese!
Conclusion
While blue cheese dressing has only been around for about a century or two, it has quickly become one of the most popular dressings. Having store-bought blue cheese dressing in the fridge is the simplest method to ensure you always have some on hand for dressing or dipping. It may also be less expensive, particularly if a bottle of blue cheese dressing is included with most meals!
We hope you liked reading our blue cheese dressing post and that it has given you the knowledge you need to find the finest store bought blue cheese dressing for your salads, wings, or roasted veggies!