The Indispensable Roquefort Dressing: A Taste of Nostalgia and Bold Flavor

My earliest memories of Roquefort dressing are inextricably linked to my mother’s Sunday potlucks. Back in the 1970s, when mayonnaise and blue cheese were considered a somewhat daring combination, her version was the undisputed star of the salad bar. The moment that distinctive, pungent aroma wafted from the kitchen, I knew a culinary treat was imminent. It wasn’t just a dressing; it was a beacon of comfort and a testament to the simple, yet profound, magic of well-chosen ingredients coming together. This dressing, rich and creamy with that signature tangy bite, was always a crowd-pleaser, a flavor that has stayed with me through all my years in professional kitchens.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 80
• Yield: 2.5 quarts
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy

Ingredients

This Roquefort dressing is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create something truly spectacular. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the sheer power of each component.

• 24 ounces Buttermilk: The creamy, slightly tangy base that brings everything together.
• 32 ounces Mayonnaise (real mayo): Opt for a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise. The “real” designation ensures it’s made with oil and eggs, not fillers.
• 12 ounces Blue Cheese (Maytag is the best): This is the star. Maytag blue cheese, with its distinctive sharp, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor, is highly recommended. However, feel free to experiment with other high-quality blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Stilton if Maytag isn’t available. Crumble it finely for easier incorporation.
• 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder: A foundational aromatic that adds depth without the raw bite of fresh garlic.
• 24 ounces Sour Cream: This adds an extra layer of richness and a subtle tang that complements the blue cheese beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity to brighten the dressing and cut through the richness.
• Fresh Ground Pepper: To taste, adding a pleasant warmth and spice.

Equipment Needed

For this wonderfully straightforward dressing, you won’t need much in the way of specialized equipment.

• A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients.
• A sturdy whisk or a strong spoon will be your primary tools for blending.
• For serving and storage, airtight containers are a must.

Instructions

The magic of this Roquefort dressing lies in its almost astonishing simplicity. There’s no cooking involved, just a harmonious melding of flavors.

1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure your blue cheese is crumbled into small pieces. This will help it distribute more evenly throughout the dressing.
2. In your large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
3. Add the crumbled blue cheese to the bowl.
4. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and lemon juice.
5. Now, with your whisk or spoon, vigorously mix all the ingredients together. Continue to mix until the dressing is well combined and the blue cheese crumbles are as evenly distributed as possible. You’re aiming for a creamy consistency with discernible blue cheese pieces.
6. Finally, add freshly ground pepper to your liking. Mix once more to incorporate.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a few chef-inspired touches to elevate them from good to exceptional.

• Cheese Matters: While Maytag is the gold standard here, don’t underestimate the impact of your blue cheese. A good quality blue cheese will have a more complex flavor profile that translates directly into a superior dressing. If you’re unsure, ask for recommendations at your local cheese shop.
• Texture Control: For a smoother dressing with less visible cheese chunks, you can gently mash some of the blue cheese against the side of the bowl with your spoon before mixing everything. Alternatively, for an extremely smooth texture, you could pulse the ingredients in a blender or food processor, but be careful not to over-process, as you’ll lose that delightful rustic charm.
• Flavor Development: Like many dressings, this Roquefort dressing truly shines after it has had a chance to rest. I highly recommend making it at least an hour, or even a few hours, ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more cohesive and intense taste.
• Garlic Powder Nuance: The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, but this is a great place for personal adjustment. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add a little more. Conversely, if you prefer a subtler garlic note, start with less and add more to taste.
• Consistency Adjustment: If you find the dressing a bit too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a splash more buttermilk or a touch of milk. If it’s too thin, you can try adding a little more mayonnaise or sour cream, though this will alter the flavor profile slightly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Roquefort dressing is incredibly versatile, but its classic pairing is, of course, with salads.

• Salad Supreme: Drizzle generously over a crisp iceberg lettuce wedge, a mixed green salad, or even a steak salad. It’s also phenomenal with roasted vegetables.
• Dipping Delight: Beyond salads, this dressing doubles as a fantastic dip for crudités, chicken wings, or even pizza crusts.
• Storage Savvy: To keep your Roquefort dressing fresh, transfer it to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It will typically keep well for 7 to 10 days. Because it contains dairy, it’s best to consume it within this timeframe to ensure optimal flavor and safety. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

Nutritional Information

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx. 1 oz)	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	36.2 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	3.1 g	4%
Saturated Fat	1.9 g	9%
Cholesterol	8.2 mg	2%
Sodium	250.1 mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate	0.9 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0.8 g	3%
Protein	1.4 g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is a beloved classic, the culinary world is full of opportunities to adapt and innovate.

• Lighter Option: For a slightly lighter dressing, you can substitute some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This will also add a little extra tang.
• Herbaceous Twist: For added freshness, consider chopping a small amount of fresh chives or parsley and stirring them into the dressing just before serving.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a delightful warmth.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this Roquefort dressing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This dressing benefits from resting, so making it a few hours or even a day in advance is highly recommended for optimal flavor.

Q: How long will the dressing last in the refrigerator?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this dressing should stay fresh and delicious for approximately 7 to 10 days.

Q: What is the best way to incorporate the blue cheese?
A: Crumble the blue cheese finely. For a smoother dressing, you can also gently mash it against the bowl before thoroughly mixing all ingredients.

Q: Can I use a different type of blue cheese?
A: Yes, while Maytag is highly recommended, you can certainly experiment with other good-quality blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Stilton for different flavor profiles.

Q: Is this dressing suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A: Yes, this Roquefort dressing is naturally gluten-free, provided all your individual ingredients (like mayonnaise) are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain joy that comes from recreating a dish that holds such personal significance, and this Roquefort dressing is one of those recipes. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most memorable flavors come from the simplest of preparations, allowing the inherent quality of the ingredients to truly sing. I encourage you to give this dressing a try, perhaps for your next gathering or simply to elevate a weeknight salad. Share it with friends, watch their eyes widen with delight, and I’m confident you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again, just as I have. It’s a taste of comfort, a burst of bold flavor, and a little piece of culinary history all in one.