Outback Blue Cheese Vinaigrette: Easy Recipe!

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Braham 46 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to recreate that amazing blue cheese vinaigrette from Outback Steakhouse? Well, you're in the right place! This recipe will guide you through making a delicious, restaurant-quality dressing right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this flavor-packed vinaigrette that's perfect for salads, dipping, or even as a marinade.

What Makes This Blue Cheese Vinaigrette So Good?

So, what's the deal with this blue cheese vinaigrette, and why is it so irresistible? The magic lies in the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and sharp flavors. This vinaigrette isn't just another dressing; it’s a flavor explosion that elevates any dish it graces. The richness of the blue cheese blends beautifully with the acidity of the vinegar and the smoothness of the oil, creating a dressing that’s both complex and incredibly satisfying. The beauty of making it at home is that you have total control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize it to your exact preferences. Want it extra tangy? Add a splash more vinegar. Prefer a milder blue cheese flavor? Go for a creamier, less pungent variety. Plus, let’s be real, there’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up something this delicious from scratch. It’s like having a little piece of Outback magic right in your own kitchen, ready to jazz up any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof, guaranteeing a perfect vinaigrette every single time. Get ready to transform your salads and appetizers with this incredible blue cheese vinaigrette!

Ingredients You'll Need

To nail this Outback blue cheese vinaigrette, you'll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather:

Blue Cheese: The star of the show! Opt for a good quality blue cheese, like Gorgonzola or Roquefort, for the best flavor. You'll want it crumbled, so it blends evenly into the dressing.
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess and body to the vinaigrette. Use your favorite brand – full-fat mayo will give you the richest flavor, but you can use a light version if you prefer.
Sour Cream: For that tangy, creamy element that complements the blue cheese perfectly. Full-fat or low-fat both work well.
White Wine Vinegar: This provides the necessary acidity to balance the richness of the cheese and cream. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar if you're in a pinch, but white wine vinegar is ideal.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It adds a smooth, fruity note to the dressing.
Garlic: A clove or two of fresh garlic, minced finely, adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a dash of this adds a savory umami note that enhances all the other flavors.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the vinaigrette and adds a touch of acidity.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course! Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Optional: Dijon Mustard: A small amount of dijon mustard can add a slight tang and help emulsify the dressing.

Make sure your ingredients are fresh and ready to go. Having everything prepped will make the process even smoother!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get down to business and make this fantastic blue cheese vinaigrette! Follow these easy steps, and you'll have a delicious dressing in no time:

Crumble the Blue Cheese: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, crumble the blue cheese into small, even pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will incorporate into the dressing.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to the bowl with the blue cheese.
Mix Well: Use a whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Ensure that the blue cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. If you prefer a smoother dressing, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to achieve a creamier consistency. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the dressing too thin.
Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that blue cheese can be quite salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed. Taste the dressing and add more lemon juice or vinegar if you prefer a tangier flavor, or a bit more olive oil for a smoother, richer taste.
Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling the vinaigrette also helps it thicken slightly.
Serve: Before serving, give the vinaigrette a good stir. If it has thickened too much in the refrigerator, add a tablespoon or two of water or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency. Serve over your favorite salads, as a dip for vegetables, or as a marinade for meats.

And there you have it! A perfectly creamy, tangy, and flavorful blue cheese vinaigrette that rivals the one from Outback Steakhouse. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Vinaigrette

To really nail this blue cheese vinaigrette, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

Quality of Blue Cheese: The flavor of your vinaigrette heavily relies on the quality of the blue cheese. Don't skimp on this ingredient! A good quality blue cheese will have a rich, complex flavor that elevates the entire dressing. Experiment with different types to find your favorite – Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton are all excellent choices.
Freshness Matters: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic will make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor of the vinaigrette. Avoid using bottled lemon juice or pre-minced garlic, as they lack the vibrancy and punch of fresh ingredients.
Adjusting Consistency: If your vinaigrette is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a tablespoon or two of water, milk, or even a bit of olive oil. If it's too thin, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream to thicken it up. Adjust the consistency until it reaches your desired texture.
Flavor Infusion: For an extra layer of flavor, try infusing the olive oil with garlic or herbs before making the vinaigrette. Simply heat the olive oil over low heat with a clove of garlic or a sprig of rosemary for a few minutes, then let it cool before using it in the recipe. This will add a subtle but noticeable depth of flavor to the dressing.
Emulsification: To ensure a smooth and creamy vinaigrette, it's important to properly emulsify the ingredients. This means that the oil and vinegar are fully combined and don't separate. Whisk the ingredients vigorously or use an immersion blender to achieve a stable emulsion. Adding a small amount of Dijon mustard can also help with emulsification.
Storage: Store any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week. The flavors may intensify over time, so be sure to taste it before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun variations you can try with this blue cheese vinaigrette recipe:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the vinaigrette for a spicy kick. This will add a delicious heat that complements the creamy blue cheese flavor.
Herby Freshness: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill into the vinaigrette for a burst of herby freshness. Finely chop the herbs and add them to the dressing just before serving.
Sweet and Tangy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette for a touch of sweetness. This will balance the tanginess of the vinegar and the sharpness of the blue cheese.
Creamy Avocado: Blend in a ripe avocado to create a super creamy and rich blue cheese dressing. This variation is perfect for salads or as a dip for vegetables.
Bacon Bits: Stir in some crispy bacon bits for a smoky and savory twist. This adds a delicious textural element to the vinaigrette and complements the blue cheese flavor perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you've made this amazing blue cheese vinaigrette, let's talk about how to serve it! This dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:

Classic Salad Dressing: Of course, the most obvious way to use this vinaigrette is as a salad dressing. It pairs perfectly with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other salad vegetables. Try it on a wedge salad with bacon and tomatoes for a truly decadent treat.
Dip for Vegetables: Serve the vinaigrette as a dip for raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. It's a delicious and healthy snack option.
Marinade for Meats: Use the vinaigrette as a marinade for chicken, steak, or pork. The acidity of the vinegar will help tenderize the meat, while the blue cheese and other flavors will add a delicious depth of flavor. Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking.
Sauce for Burgers: Drizzle the vinaigrette over burgers for a flavorful and creamy sauce. It pairs especially well with bacon and caramelized onions.
Topping for Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with a dollop of blue cheese vinaigrette for a delicious and indulgent side dish. Add some bacon bits and chives for extra flavor.

Enjoy Your Homemade Outback Blue Cheese Vinaigrette!

So there you have it! You've successfully recreated the famous Outback blue cheese vinaigrette in your own kitchen. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable to your preferences, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Whether you're using it as a salad dressing, a dip, or a marinade, this vinaigrette is sure to elevate any dish. Enjoy the delicious flavors and happy cooking!