Sauces & Condiments
Recreating Applebee's blue cheese dressing at home delivers that signature velvety tang and herbaceous depth you crave—without the restaurant markup. The secret lies in balancing sharp blue cheese with creamy sour cream and a touch of buttermilk for that signature tang.
I've perfected this recipe after years of testing, ensuring every spoonful delivers the same rich, complex flavor profile you know and love.
This version requires just five simple ingredients and takes less than five minutes to mix together, making it the perfect addition to salads, chicken wings, or as a dip for crispy vegetables.
The key is blending the ingredients thoroughly until smooth, allowing the blue cheese to dissolve completely for that signature creamy texture. No special equipment needed—just a whisk or immersion blender for the smoothest results.
What you'll end up with is a dressing that's rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced—creamy enough to coat every bite while maintaining that bright blue cheese flavor. The sour cream adds body, the buttermilk sharpens the tang, and the herbs provide that fresh, aromatic finish that makes this dressing irresistible.
Once you try this homemade version, you'll never buy bottled again.
Use it immediately on your favorite salads or save it in the fridge for up to five days—this dressing only gets better as the flavors meld. The possibilities are endless, from drizzling over grilled steaks to pairing with crispy fried chicken. Let's get mixing!
Ingredients for applebee's blue cheese dressing
Five simple ingredients transform into that signature Applebee's tangy, creamy blue cheese dressing.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cheese 🧀 | 1 cup | Crumbled, sharp variety preferred |
| Sour Cream 🥛 | ½ cup | Full-fat for best creaminess |
| Buttermilk 🥛 | ¼ cup | Small carton, not powdered |
| Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 | ¼ cup | Light, fruity variety |
| Fresh Chives 🌿 | 2 tbsp | Finely chopped, mild onion flavor |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed, bright flavor |
The blue cheese is the star—St. Agur blue cheese or Gorgonzola if you can find it, but any sharp, crumbly blue works. Trader Joe's or Whole Foods usually carry good options. Avoid pre-shredded cheese (it gets gummy). For the sour cream, full-fat is non-negotiable—it's what gives that signature velvety texture. I grab the Kroger brand or Organic Valley for consistency. The buttermilk should be cold—no substitutions here, powdered or low-fat won't give the same tang. Fresh chives add that bright, fresh finish—grab a bunch and chop extra since they wilt fast.
No buttermilk? Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice with 1/4 cup milk (let it sit 5 minutes). Out of fresh chives? Dried chives at 1/4 the amount or even fresh parsley in a pinch. The olive oil matters—avoid strong, peppery varieties (like Kalamata) that'll overpower the blue cheese. Want it richer? Add 1 tbsp mayonnaise. For extra tang, bump lemon juice to 2 tbsp. The key is blending until the blue cheese dissolves completely—immersion blender is magic here, but a whisk works too if you pulse well.
This dressing keeps beautifully—5 days in the fridge, sealed tightly. The flavors actually improve as they meld. I portion mine into small jars (like mason half-pints) so I can grab just what I need. Freezes for 3 months if you want to make a big batch. Store the olive oil separately if you're freezing—add it back when ready to use. The dressing thickens when chilled, so whisk before serving if it seems too stiff.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: This dressing comes together with just a whisk and a bowl—no fancy gadgets, no stress. Toss in crumbled blue cheese, a splash of buttermilk, and a drizzle of olive oil, then fold in chives. That’s it. Even when I’m exhausted after work, I can still pull this off.
- Tangy Creamy Bliss: The buttermilk cuts through the sharpness of the blue cheese while the sour cream adds that velvety richness. Honestly, the first time I made it, I took a spoonful straight from the bowl. That’s how good it is—no need for fancy plating.
- Wings & More: Dip those crispy fried chicken wings, toss it with a fresh salad, or slather it on grilled steak. I’ve even used it as a dip for veggies when my kids refuse to eat anything else. It’s the kind of dressing that works for everything—no overthinking required.
- Leftovers That Don’t Disappoint: Unlike some dressings that turn sad in the fridge, this one stays fresh and flavorful for days. Between us, I’ve had it last a full week in my fridge, and it’s still the star of my meal prep. Plus, it’s cheap to make—way cheaper than buying a bottle at the store.
Step-by-step instructions for Applebee's blue cheese dressing
Here's how to recreate that signature tangy, creamy dressing at home with just a few simple steps.
Crumble the Blue Cheese Thoroughly
Place the 1 cup crumbled blue cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to break it into small, even pieces—about the size of small peas. The goal is to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the dressing, so no large chunks remain. I like to press the cheese against the sides of the bowl to ensure it's fully incorporated later.
This step is crucial because the texture of blue cheese varies—some varieties have larger crystals that can make the final dressing grainy if not properly crumbled. Take your time here, and you'll avoid that unpleasant surprise when you taste the finished product.
Whisk in Sour Cream and Buttermilk
Add the 0.5 cup sour cream and 0.25 cup buttermilk to the bowl with the blue cheese. Using a whisk, gently combine everything until fully incorporated. Start with slow strokes to avoid creating air bubbles, then gradually increase speed until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the blue cheese and sour cream. If you notice any lumps, press them against the side of the bowl with the back of your spoon—they'll dissolve as you continue whisking. This step ensures your dressing will have that signature creamy texture without being too thick or clumpy.
Gradually Incorporate the Olive Oil
With the motor running on low speed (if using an electric mixer) or while whisking vigorously by hand, slowly drizzle in the 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Adding it gradually prevents the dressing from separating. You'll know you're doing it right when the mixture begins to emulsify into a smooth, velvety consistency.
This is where the magic happens—the olive oil not only adds richness but also helps bind all the ingredients together. If you add it too quickly, the dressing may curdle. Go slow, and you'll achieve that perfect, restaurant-quality texture.
Season and Finish with Fresh Herbs
Add the 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the bowl. Stir well to combine, then fold in the 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives using a rubber spatula. The chives should be evenly distributed throughout the dressing for that signature Applebee's flavor.
The lemon juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the cheese and sour cream. Taste as you go—you may want to adjust the seasoning slightly, but this recipe is already perfectly balanced. Let the dressing sit for 5 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld completely.
Adjust Consistency and Serve
If the dressing is too thick for your liking, thin it with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water or buttermilk, stirring gently until it reaches your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining cheese crystals.
This dressing pairs perfectly with fried chicken, wings, or even as a dip for veggies. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, giving it a quick stir before serving to restore its creamy texture. Enjoy your homemade version of that beloved Applebee's classic!
Pro Tips For Making Applebee'S Blue Cheese Dressing
- Whisk Slowly First: Start with a gentle hand—blue cheese crumbles like a diva when you rush. Whisk the crumbled cheese into the sour cream and buttermilk mixture in small batches, or you’ll end up with a grainy paste instead of a silky dressing. I learned this the hard way after scraping cheese chunks out of my teeth.
- Use Room-Temp Cheese: Cold blue cheese is stubborn. Take the block out of the fridge 30 minutes before crumbling—it blends smoother and releases its funky flavor without fighting you. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.) The difference is noticeable, especially when you’re drizzling it over wings or salad.
- Skip the Chives Until Last: Fresh chives turn to mush if tossed in early. Reserve them until the dressing is fully emulsified and cooled slightly—just stir them in right before serving. This keeps their bright green color and crisp texture, so they don’t turn to sad, soggy confetti.
- Thin with Olive Oil: The recipe might call for water or milk, but extra-virgin olive oil (just 1-2 tablespoons) adds richness and helps the dressing cling better to greasy foods like fried chicken. It also keeps the texture velvety instead of watery—trust me, your dressing will thank you.
Creative variations of this dish
Spicy Kick Variation
Add 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Crystal or Tabasco) or ½ tsp cayenne pepper for a fiery twist that mimics the heat level of some Applebee's menu items. For a smoky heat, swap the chives for 1 tbsp chopped fresh jalapeño—seeds removed for mild heat.
This version works perfectly with spicy fried chicken or loaded nachos. 🌶️
Lighter Greek Yogurt Version
Replace half the sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt (about ¼ cup) to lighten the dressing while keeping it rich. Add 1 tsp dried oregano and ½ tsp garlic powder for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
This works beautifully with grilled meats or as a dip for crudités. The yogurt adds a tangy brightness that balances the blue cheese.
Sweet Heat Honey Mustard
Stir in 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp Dijon mustard for a sweet-and-tangy variation that’s perfect with BBQ ribs or pulled pork. The honey softens the sharpness of the blue cheese while the mustard adds depth.
For extra richness, drizzle in 1 tsp balsamic glaze before serving. This combo is a crowd-pleaser at summer cookouts.
Herb-Infused Variations
Swap the chives for 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or 1 tsp dried thyme for a completely different flavor profile. Dill adds a bright, almost cucumber-like freshness, while thyme brings earthy warmth.
These variations work well with seafood dishes or roasted vegetables. Keep the base recipe the same—just adjust the herbs to taste.
Extra Creamy Ranch Twist
Mix in 2 tbsp ranch seasoning (like Hidden Valley) and 1 tbsp mayonnaise for a dressing that’s creamy, tangy, and slightly herby. This version is ideal for dipping crispy fries or tossing with Caesar salads.
The ranch seasoning adds a subtle garlic and onion note that complements the blue cheese beautifully.
Smoky Chipotle Version
Add ½ tsp chipotle powder (or 1 tsp adobo sauce) and ¼ tsp smoked paprika for a smoky, slightly spicy dressing that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or steak.
The smokiness enhances the blue cheese’s depth, creating a complex flavor that’s both rich and bold. Serve with a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for extra texture.
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this dressing without buttermilk?
Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with ¼ cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute. This works perfectly and maintains the dressing's tangy profile. For best results, use whole milk to match the richness of traditional buttermilk.
How do I prevent lumps in my blue cheese dressing?
Crumbles the blue cheese as finely as possible before mixing, and whisk or blend the ingredients thoroughly. For ultra-smooth results, use an immersion blender to fully emulsify the cheese with the other components. If lumps appear, press them against the bowl's sides with a spoon—they'll dissolve as you continue blending.
Can I use this dressing on hot foods like fried chicken?
Yes, but be mindful of the temperature. The dressing can thin out when exposed to high heat. For best results, toss your food with the dressing just before serving, or store the dressing separately and mix it in at the last minute. The creamy texture holds up well when drizzled over cool or room-temperature dishes like salads or veggies.
What's the best way to store leftover dressing?
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The dressing may thicken slightly when chilled—give it a quick whisk before serving. For longer storage, freeze the dressing (without olive oil) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir in the olive oil when ready to use.
Can I make this dressing dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the sour cream with full-fat coconut yogurt and the buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Use a dairy-free blue cheese alternative or omit it entirely, adding extra lemon juice for tang. The texture will be lighter but still delicious when paired with grilled veggies or salads.