We’ve always been fans of that creamy, tangy magic found in a cheese shop’s house dressing—it’s the perfect way to elevate a simple salad or veggie platter. Originating from those cozy cheese counters, this recipe captures the essence of fresh, flavorful ingredients that make every bite memorable.
Ingredients
To craft our creamy and tangy Cheese Shop House Dressing, we rely on a selection of fresh ingredients that deliver bold flavors and a memorable taste experience. Below, we’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for accuracy.
- Base Components:
- 1 cup high-quality blue cheese, crumbled (use a sharp variety from your local cheese shop for authentic tanginess).
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise (opt for one without added sugars to keep the dressing pure and creamy).
- Acidic Elements:
- ¼ cup white vinegar (or substitute with apple cider vinegar for a milder bite; ensure it’s at room temperature).
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, squeezed from 1 medium lemon (for that zesty brightness that enhances salads).
- Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 clove garlic, minced (freshly chopped for a pungent kick that pairs perfectly with cheese).
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (choose a smooth, not grainy, type to blend seamlessly).
- ½ teaspoon dried herbs, such as thyme or oregano (crushed between your fingers for maximum aroma).
- Finishing Touches:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (cold-pressed for richness; drizzle slowly when mixing).
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt and adjust for a balanced seasoning that complements the cheese’s saltiness).
This combination ensures our Cheese Shop House Dressing achieves the perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it ideal for elevating your salads and veggie platters.
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Cheese Shop House Dressing to life, we need a few essential tools and equipment that ensure precise preparation and a smooth blending process. These items help us handle the ingredients like blue cheese and olive oil effectively, maintaining the creamy texture and tangy flavors we’ve discussed.
Basic Preparation Tools
We recommend the following core tools, organized by their primary function in the recipe:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for balancing flavors in our dressing. Use a set of dry and liquid measuring cups for ingredients like olive oil and vinegar, and spoons for smaller amounts such as mustard or herbs.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized, non-reactive bowl (like glass or stainless steel) provides ample space for combining wet and dry components without altering tastes.
- Whisk or Fork: For achieving that silky consistency, we rely on a sturdy whisk to emulsify the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and oils quickly and evenly.
Blending and Processing Tools
If we’re aiming for a ultra-smooth finish, these tools elevate our process:
- Blender or Food Processor: Essential for finely incorporating ingredients like garlic and blue cheese. We prefer a high-speed blender for its efficiency in creating the perfect creamy base.
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife paired with a stable cutting board allows us to mince garlic or chop any fresh herbs with precision, ensuring no large chunks disrupt the dressing’s harmony.
Storage and Serving Essentials
Once prepared, proper storage maintains freshness:
- Airtight Container or Jar: We use a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid to store the finished dressing, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.
By gathering these tools, we set ourselves up for a seamless transition from ingredients to a delicious, homemade Cheese Shop House Dressing that enhances any meal.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting our creamy, tangy Cheese Shop House Dressing with simple, precise steps for a flavorful result.
Prepare the Ingredients
First, we measure and prep each component to ensure smooth blending and optimal taste. Here’s how to get everything ready:
- Measure the wet ingredients: In a measuring cup, pour 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil for a balanced tangy base.
- Prepare the aromatics: Using a sharp knife and cutting board, finely mince 2 cloves of garlic to release its pungent flavor that elevates the dressing’s zest.
- Handle the cheese and herbs: Crumble 1/2 cup high-quality blue cheese into small pieces for easy incorporation, and measure 1 teaspoon dried herbs such as thyme or oregano to add earthy notes.
- Gather the seasonings: Measure 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for its sharp, smooth tang that harmonizes the creamy texture.
This preparation sets the stage for a silky dressing that bursts with vibrant flavors.
Mix the Dressing
With ingredients prepped, we blend them into a luscious, velvety mixture that coats salads with rich, tangy goodness. Follow these steps for perfect results:
- In a medium-sized non-reactive mixing bowl, add the measured wet ingredients—full-fat mayonnaise, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil—and whisk vigorously for 1 minute until emulsified and creamy.
- Incorporate the aromatics and seasonings by stirring in the finely minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs, then gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese for pockets of bold, pungent flavor that create an irresistible contrast.
- For a smoother finish, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend on medium speed for 30 seconds until the dressing achieves a silky, pourable consistency that clings beautifully to greens and veggies.
- Taste and adjust as needed—we recommend adding a pinch of salt or extra lemon juice if the tang isn’t quite right, ensuring every bite delivers a memorable harmony of creamy richness and sharp zest.
Store the Dressing
Once mixed, we preserve the dressing’s fresh, vibrant flavors for future use by storing it properly.
- Transfer the finished dressing to an airtight container or jar to maintain its creamy texture and prevent oxidation.
- Refrigerate immediately and use within 7 days for the best quality—the dressing’s flavors intensify over the first 24 hours, making it ideal for enhancing meals throughout the week.
| Storage Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration Time | Up to 7 days |
| Ideal Serving Temp | Chilled (remove 10 minutes before use for optimal taste) |
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Cheese Shop House Dressing is how well it lends itself to make-ahead preparation, allowing flavors to intensify and saving us valuable time on busy days. By planning ahead, we ensure the creamy tang from the blue cheese and herbs reaches its peak, making it even more irresistible on salads or veggie platters.
Preparing the Dressing in Advance
To get started, we follow the standard recipe steps outlined earlier but add a few tweaks for optimal make-ahead results:
- Measure and mix ingredients early: Begin by combining the wet components like mayonnaise, vinegar, and lemon juice in a non-reactive bowl. This base can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance to let the acids mellow and blend seamlessly.
- Incorporate aromatics and cheese: After mixing the wet ingredients, add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and crumbled blue cheese. We recommend preparing this step no more than 48 hours ahead to preserve the fresh garlic’s punch and the blue cheese’s texture.
- Blend for consistency: Use a blender or food processor to achieve that silky finish, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container immediately. This step helps prevent oxidation and keeps the dressing vibrant.
Storage and Shelf-Life Tips
Storing our Cheese Shop House Dressing properly is key to maintaining its fresh, tangy profile. Here’s how we handle it:
- Refrigerate promptly: Always chill the dressing in an airtight jar or container right after preparation. This halts bacterial growth and locks in flavors.
- Label for tracking: Mark the container with the preparation date to monitor freshness easily.
For a quick overview of storage durations and tips, refer to the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 7 days | Stir before use to recombine any separation; flavors peak after 24 hours. |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Freeze in ice cube trays for portion control, then thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid repeated freezing to preserve texture. |
Reviving and Using Make-Ahead Dressing
When we’re ready to use our pre-prepared dressing, a quick refresh ensures it tastes as good as new:
- Stir or shake well: Give the container a good shake to restore the creamy consistency before serving.
- Taste and adjust: If needed, add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of herbs to brighten flavors that may have settled.
By following these steps, we maximize the convenience and quality of our Cheese Shop House Dressing, making it a go-to staple in our kitchen.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Cheese Shop House Dressing to bring a touch of gourmet flair into your kitchen. It’s a simple way to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary ones.
By trying our recipe, you’ll discover how fresh ingredients create lasting memories at the table. We’re confident it’ll become a staple in your home, adding that perfect creamy tang every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheese Shop House Dressing?
Cheese Shop House Dressing is a creamy, tangy condiment popular in cheese shops, perfect for salads and veggie platters. It combines fresh ingredients like blue cheese, mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, herbs, and olive oil for a flavorful boost to your meals.
What ingredients are needed for Cheese Shop House Dressing?
Key ingredients include high-quality blue cheese, full-fat mayonnaise, white or apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried herbs, and extra-virgin olive oil. These create a harmonious blend of creamy and tangy flavors for an elevated dressing.
What tools do I need to make Cheese Shop House Dressing?
You’ll need measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a non-reactive mixing bowl, a whisk or fork for blending, and optionally a blender or food processor for smoothness. A knife and cutting board help with garlic and herbs, plus an airtight container for storage.
How do I prepare Cheese Shop House Dressing?
Start by measuring wet ingredients like mayonnaise and vinegar, then mince garlic and crumble blue cheese. Whisk wet components together, add aromatics, herbs, and seasonings, and blend for a silky texture. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Can I make Cheese Shop House Dressing ahead of time?
Yes, prepare wet ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and add aromatics and cheese no more than 48 hours ahead for better flavor development. This saves time and allows tastes to intensify, making it ideal for meal prep.
How should I store Cheese Shop House Dressing?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Always label with the date, and stir before use to maintain texture and freshness.
How long does Cheese Shop House Dressing last?
In the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 7 days, with flavors peaking after 24 hours. In the freezer, it can last up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and stir well before serving for the best results.