Barefoot Contessa Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe – Tasty Shelter

Before diving into the delights of the Barefoot Contessa’s blue cheese dressing, let’s chat about what it pairs beautifully with. This creamy, tangy dressing can transform any simple dish into a culinary delight. 

Imagine you lay a crisp patty of grilled chicken on your plate, ready for a drizzle of rich dressing. Or consider a fresh garden salad; the dressing adds that zing, elevating the simplest greens into something special. You can also use it as a dip for crunchy veggies or chicken wings. It even shines atop baked potatoes, creating the ultimate comfort food.

With that said, let’s plunge into the dressing itself. Prepare for a culinary adventure where flavor meets simplicity.

If you’ve ever bought a bottle of store-bought blue cheese dressing, you might be missing out on something extraordinary. I’ll guide you through a delightful journey of creating your very own Barefoot Contessa blue cheese dressing. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste but in how quickly everything comes together. I guarantee that once you’ve tasted this dressing, you may never want to go back to the store-bought versions again.

Barefoot Contessa, also known as Ina Garten, is an icon in the cooking world. Her recipes are approachable yet elegant, making every home cook feel a tad like a culinary superstar. Today, we’re focusing on her take on blue cheese dressing.

So, why should you trust me? I’m a registered dietitian and a food blogger who thrives on sharing easy, delightful recipes with those looking to eat healthily without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. My experience in the kitchen has made me passionate about creating recipes that are not just nutritious but also incredibly satisfying.

Let’s get into it!

What is Barefoot Contessa Blue Cheese Dressing?

At its heart, the Barefoot Contessa blue cheese dressing is a simple concoction made with heavy cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, and a handful of spices. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor that will make you swoon. The use of high-quality ingredients is key in this recipe. The Roquefort cheese, in particular, gives the dressing an unforgettable richness.

This dressing isn’t just a condiment. It’s a game-changer for salads and dishes across the board. You can easily whip up a batch in less than 10 minutes. Yes, you heard that right! You could be drizzling this fabulous sauce over your lunch in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Barefoot Contessa Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Let’s break down why this blue cheese dressing will have you coming back for more:

1. Simplicity: The recipe requires minimal effort. Gather your ingredients, mix them up, and voilà!
2. Flavor Explosion: The creamy, rich texture combined with the bold, tangy flavor of the blue cheese is mouth-watering. Each bite feels indulgent.
3. Versatility: Use it as a dressing, a dip, or even a spread. Seriously, it works everywhere.
4. Quality Ingredients: With fresh, real ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re eating. There are no hidden preservatives.
5. Make Ahead: This dressing keeps well in the fridge, making it easy to prep in advance.

Now that we understand the magic behind this dressing, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of what you need to create this culinary masterpiece.

The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Barefoot Contessa Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Here’s everything you will need:

• 1 cup rich heavy cream
• 1 cup creamy mayonnaise
• 4 ounces premium Roquefort cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 head crisp iceberg lettuce, quartered, or 2 heads tender Bibb lettuce, halved
• Heirloom tomatoes or other ripe, flavorful tomatoes

Gather your culinary arsenal; it’s time to get cooking!

Directions

Step 1: Gather and Prepare

Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother and faster. Measure out your heavy cream into a mixing bowl. Then, add the mayonnaise and give it a good stir.

Step 2: Crumble the Cheese

Take your Roquefort cheese and crumble it into the bowl with the cream and mayonnaise. The size of the crumble doesn’t have to be uniform; just make sure you have those satisfying little chunks!

Step 3: Add Flavor Agents

Next, stir in the white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard. These ingredients will balance out the richness of the dressing and give it that characteristic kick.

Step 4: Sprinkle in the Seasoning

Now, add the chopped fresh chives, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well combined. When you taste it, you should experience a creamy dressing with a punch of blue cheese flavor.

Step 5: Let it Chill

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once ready, serve this dressing over your favorite salad or as a dip with fresh vegetables. Drizzle generously; there’s no such thing as too much!

Notes

Here are some tips to ensure your dressing turns out flawlessly:

• Use High-Quality Cheese: Investing in good cheese makes a significant difference in flavor.
• Let it Chill: Chilling enhances the flavor.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasonings if you prefer more tang or spice.
• Experiment: Feel free to add different herbs or spices based on your preference.
• Don’t Rush: Allowing the flavors to develop is key to a rich dressing.

Storage Tips

• In the Fridge: Store your blue cheese dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about one week.
• Freezing: This dressing doesn’t freeze well. The cream may separate when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition Information

barefoot contessa blue cheese dressing recipe nutrition facts

Serving Suggestions

How can you use your fabulous Barefoot Contessa blue cheese dressing? Check out these delicious ideas:

1. Classic Wedge Salad: Drizzle generously over quartered iceberg lettuce topped with crispy bacon bits and fresh tomatoes. The crunch and creaminess are a match made in heaven.
2. Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Use it as a spread in wraps filled with grilled or fried chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes for a kick of flavor.
3. Veggie Platter Dip: Serve it as a dip alongside fresh vegetables. Carrots, celery, and bell pepper strips all pair wonderfully with the creamy texture.
4. Baked Potatoes: Top your baked potatoes with blue cheese dressing, crumbled bacon, and chives for a satisfying twist on a classic dish.
5. Pasta Salad: Toss it with cooked pasta, grilled chicken, and roasted veggies for a complete meal in a bowl.

What Other Substitute Can I Use in Barefoot Contessa Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe?

If you don’t have all the specific ingredients, fear not! Here are some substitutes to still create a delicious dressing:

1. Cream Cheese: If you’re low on blue cheese, use cream cheese for a milder flavor. You might want heavier cream for texture.
2. Greek Yogurt: Swap half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy version that’s healthier and adds protein.
3. Feta Cheese: This cheese has a tanginess similar to blue cheese but is less intense. Crumble it in for a tasty alternative.
4. Buttermilk: Substitute heavy cream with buttermilk for a lighter dressing, though it will alter the texture slightly.
5. Ranch Dressing Mix: For a quick fix, you can incorporate ranch seasoning into plain yogurt or sour cream to get a blue cheese-like taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Now you have it: a comprehensive look at the Barefoot Contessa blue cheese dressing. It’s not just a salad topping; it’s a versatile addition to any meal. The creamy texture, the sharpness from the cheese, and the burst of flavor come together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or just a simple weekday dinner, this dressing will elevate your dishes. Remember, cooking should be fun, and this recipe embodies that joy perfectly. Dive in and relish every creamy drop. Happy cooking!

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