Ask a Cook: Keeping homemade blue cheese dressing fresh (2024)

Q: I make my own blue cheese salad dressing. Will the salad dressing be good after the expiration dates on the milk and sour cream?

A: Commercially made blue cheese dressing usually will keep several months after opening, as long as it is refrigerated and handled properly.

I saw a tip recently on making it last longer by not putting anything in the jar, from a fork to a finger, that might introduce bacteria.

Homemade, however, is much harder to predict. Small things can make a big difference. Even starting with a solid wedge of blue cheese vs. using pre-crumbled blue could introduce more bacteria. Or if the recipe has a little vinegar, it might keep a bit longer.

To be on the safe side, I would keep homemade blue cheese dressing no more than 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.

Make it in smaller quantities so you don't waste it.

If anything with cheese or milk base develops a strange color (often pink) or an off odor, definitely throw it out.

Ask a Cook: Keeping homemade blue cheese dressing fresh (2024)

FAQs

How long will blue cheese dressing last in the fridge? ›

To be on the safe side, I would keep homemade blue cheese dressing no more than 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Make it in smaller quantities so you don't waste it. If anything with cheese or milk base develops a strange color (often pink) or an off odor, definitely throw it out.

Why does my homemade blue cheese dressing get watery? ›

Why does my homemade blue cheese dressing get watery? As blue cheese dressing sits, the water in the sour cream can begin to separate. That's natural. Just stir the dressing before you spoon it onto the salad or sandwich.

How to thicken up blue cheese dressing? ›

If you want to thicken up the sauce, simply stir in the optional 2 tablespoons of sour cream. 5. Stir in half of the minced parsley; use the remaining parsley as a garnish for the finished dressing.

Is there a difference between blue cheese and blue cheese dressing? ›

The dressing vs.

On the contrary, if you're looking to make a blue cheese dressing, or even turn a blue cheese dip into a dressing, you'll want to thin it out a bit. Adding a bit of white vinegar, lemon juice,or even buttermilk can turn a tasty blue cheese dip into the perfect consistency to be used as a dressing.

Is it okay to freeze blue cheese dressing? ›

Storage. Homemade blue cheese dressing will last 1 week in the refrigerator in a sealed container. You can also freeze it for 3 months in freezer bags or containers. That's it, my friends.

Is it okay to eat blue cheese that was left out overnight? ›

Proper cheese storage is essential for maintaining quality and preventing foodborne illnesses. Blue cheese can be left out at room temperature for up to two hours. However, exposure to air and warm temperatures can expedite the growth of bacteria, affecting the cheese's safety and taste.

How do you keep homemade dressing from solidifying? ›

If you use a high quality olive oil (has a higher ratio of monounsaturated fats), it will solidify in the fridge. This is completely normal, so no worries. Just let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before using or place in a warm water bath to speed up the process. Shake and enjoy!

What is the blue stuff in blue cheese dressing? ›

Blue cheese is made using Penicillium, a type of mold that's responsible for its unique taste, smell, and appearance. Unlike other types of mold, Penicillium does not produce toxins and is safe to consume.

Is blue cheese dressing safe to eat? ›

Storage and Food Safety

Blue cheese dressing needs to be stored in the refrigerator once opened and it can last up to 6 to 9 months. If the dressing has been stored tightly covered and the package has not been damaged, the texture, color, or flavor may change slightly, but it is still safe to consume.

What if blue cheese sauce is too runny? ›

Blue cheese sauce is best the day you make it. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them covered in the fridge for three to five days. You can use it straight from the fridge or gently warm it on the stove over low heat. If it gets too runny, add a few more crumbles of blue cheese to help thicken it.

What is the old name for blue cheese dressing? ›

Its origin is a bit unknown, but the earliest recording is in the Edgewater Beach Hotel Salad book in 1928, but it was called Roquefort dressing.

What are the benefits of eating blue cheese dressing? ›

Supports Gut Health

Good bacteria are produced by fermentation which improves gut health. As indicated by research, consumption of fermented dairy products such as blue cheese dressing is associated with a reduced risk of metabolic disorders and a healthy gut.

Does Paul Newman make blue cheese dressing? ›

Newman's Own Blue Cheese Dressing! Wonderfully rich Blue Cheese Dressing to give any salad for a flavor boost. Enjoy Newman's dressing today!

Does refrigerated Italian dressing go bad? ›

Unopened: Italian dressing can generally last for 12 to 18 months at peak quality when stored in a proper location. Opened: Once opened, the shelf life reduces significantly. It is commonly recommended to use it within 6 to 12 months for optimal freshness.

Can salad dressing really go bad? ›

After all, food sellers want to get products in the hands of customers as quickly as possible after they arrive. Instead, most salad dressing can easily last anywhere from one to four months past the expiration date once it's open as long as you keep it refrigerated.

How long does an open container of blue cheese last in the fridge? ›

Once opened, the cheese will store for up to three weeks if rewrapped tightly and refrigerated. If kept longer, a surface/foreign mold will begin to grow. However, this does not necessarily harm the cheese. If foreign mold appears, simply scrape off the edges and use remaining cheese.

How do you store blue cheese after opening? ›

Blue cheeses: Blue cheeses such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton should be wrapped in wax or parchment paper and then in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator, and make sure the cheese is not touching any raw meat or seafood to prevent contamination.

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