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This rich, tangy blue cheese dressing is a game-changer—creamy, bold, and as delicious as the iconic Bob’s Big Boy original.
When I was growing up in Southern California in the early 1970s, Bob’s Big Boy was a popular restaurant enjoyed by many families, including my own. It was at a Bob’s in Lakewood, California where I first tasted Blue Cheese dressing, and that first bite set Bob’s Big Boy Blue Cheese Dressing as the gold standard for me—one I’ve compared all others to ever since.
Their thick, creamy dressing, perfectly balanced with just the right amount of blue cheese and a subtle acidic tang, turned every bite into something extraordinary. I still remember their dinner salads served in the signature triangular bowls, where the dressing elevated a simple salad into a memorable experience. That early introduction became an important part of my culinary journey. Over time, I realized how one exceptional element can transform a dish. It taught me that even a single standout ingredient can elevate an entire meal.
But alas, since moving to Indiana in 2017, I’ve been disappointed by how challenging it is to get Bob’s signature dressing here. Refrigeration requirements make shipping impossible, and it’s frustrating to miss out on such a standout staple from my past. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a copycat version. This recipe brings back the flavor I grew up with, allowing me to enjoy it again on salads, hot wings, spicy chili, tacos, and any dish that benefits from the creamy, cooling magic of blue cheese dressing.
Join me as we discover how to make this wonderful dressing and bring some of Bob’s magic to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Captures the iconic taste of Bob’s Big Boy Blue Cheese Dressing.
- Creamy and Tangy: Perfectly balanced with bold blue cheese and subtle acidity.
- Versatility: Delicious on salads, wings, tacos, chili, and more.
- Easy to Make: Comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
- Nostalgic Appeal: Brings back memories of a beloved classic, now recreated at home.
Mise en Place
The first step in preparing this Copycat Bob’s Big Boy Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe—or any recipe— is to fully read through the instructions, gather all necessary equipment, and measure out each ingredient. This practice, known as “Mise en Place,” or “everything in its place,” is a cornerstone of culinary preparation. Especially for newer cooks, mise en place offers clarity and confidence, ensuring you understand each step, have all components within easy reach, and can move smoothly through the cooking process. Preparing ingredients and tools first saves time and helps prevent last-minute surprises, setting you up for a seamless cooking experience.
Ingredients to Make Blue Cheese Dressing
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that provides richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and a slight velvety texture for balance.
- Buttermilk: A touch of acidity and fluidity to thin the dressing to the perfect consistency.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Subtle depth and savory notes without overpowering the dressing.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a hint of umami for complexity.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tang and saltiness.
- Kosher Salt & Cracked Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- White Vinegar: Enhances the tangy undertones and brightens the dressing.
- Lemon Juice: A burst of freshness that complements the blue cheese.
- Blue Cheese: The star ingredient, offering bold, tangy flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare this Recipe
- Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place):
- Measure out all the ingredients (see recipe card for exact measurements).
- Crumble the blue cheese into small, pea-sized pieces.
- Mix the Base:
- Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the Seasonings:
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the Acidity:
- Add the white vinegar and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure the flavors meld.
- Fold in the Blue Cheese:
- Gently fold the crumbled blue cheese into the dressing.
- Chill the Dressing:
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the dressing to thicken.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Before serving, taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed (add a pinch of salt, more lemon juice, or a touch of pepper to taste).
Serving Suggestions for Blue Cheese Dressing
- Classic Salad Dressing: Drizzle over crisp greens or a wedge salad for a bold and creamy addition.
- Dip for Hot Wings and Veggies: Pair with wings, celery sticks, or carrot slices for a cooling balance to spicy or crunchy dishes.
- Spicy Taco Topping: Add a dollop to tacos for a tangy, creamy twist.
- Fiery Chili Companion: Use as a cooling contrast to the heat of a bowl of chili.
- Burger Spread: Smear onto a burger bun to elevate your next cookout.
Storing Blue Cheese Dressing
- Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Stir well before each use, as some separation may occur due to the fresh ingredients.
- Avoid freezing, as the dressing’s creamy texture may become grainy upon thawing.
Bob’s Blue Cheese Dressing – Copycat
Bring the iconic taste of Bob’s Big Boy Blue Cheese Dressing to your table with this easy copycat recipe. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced with bold blue cheese flavor, this dressing is versatile enough for salads, wings, tacos, or anything that needs a cool, delicious touch. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it a breeze to recreate this nostalgic favorite at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 (2 tablespoon) servings 1x
- Category: Dressing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Add the white vinegar and lemon juice. Whisk until thoroughly blended.
- Fold in the crumbled blue cheese, and continue to mix until blended throughout the dressing.
- Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Before serving, taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.
