Barefoot Contessa Chunky Blue Cheese & Yogurt Dip Recipe

The Best Barefoot Contessa Chunky Blue Cheese & Yogurt Dip Recipe

Blue cheese and yogurt dip transforms ordinary snacking into a creamy, tangy adventure that beckons food lovers.

This robust combination promises an unexpectedly luxurious culinary experience with bold, zesty undertones.

Creamy textures mingle with sharp, pungent flavors that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the dip elevates simple vegetables and crackers into something remarkable.

Each spoonful delivers a complex balance of rich and bright notes that surprise and delight.

The recipe celebrates contrasting ingredients that harmonize in unexpected ways.

Why Barefoot Contessa’s Blue Cheese Dip Works

  • Burst with Bold Flavors: This dip packs a powerful punch of tangy Gorgonzola, zesty garlic, and bright lemon juice that dance together in every creamy bite.
  • Whip Up in Minutes: The food processor does all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dip in just moments with minimal prep and cleanup.
  • Customize Your Texture: By controlling the pulse settings, you can create a perfectly chunky or smoothly blended dip that suits your personal preference and dipping style.
  • Make-Ahead Party Hero: Chilling the dip for a few hours allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it an ideal make-ahead appetizer that tastes even better as it sits.

Ingredients for Chunky Blue Cheese & Yogurt Dip

Dairy Base:
  • Yogurt: Creamy base that adds tanginess and smooth texture to the dip.
  • Mayonnaise: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • Gorgonzola Cheese: Sharp blue cheese that gives the dip its distinctive chunky flavor and bold taste.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Shallot: Mild onion-like flavor that adds depth without overpowering the dip.
  • Garlic: Provides a classic, pungent undertone to enhance overall taste.
  • Chives: Fresh herb that brings a mild onion flavor and bright green color.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the rich dairy ingredients.
  • Tabasco: Gives a subtle heat and extra dimension to the dip.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How to Whip Up This Blue Cheese Dip

How to Whip Up This Blue Cheese Dip

Step 1: Gather Ingredients for a Creamy Dip

Collect these delicious components for your blue cheese dish:
  • Shallot
  • Garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Plain yogurt
  • Mayonnaise
  • Gorgonzola cheese
  • Tabasco sauce
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh chives

You’ll need a food processor and a serving bowl.

Step 2: Blend Base Flavors

Toss all ingredients except chives into the food processor.

Pulse about 12 times to create a slightly chunky texture.

The mixture should look creamy with small cheese chunks.

Step 3: Add Fresh Herb Touch

Sprinkle minced chives into the processor.

Pulse two to three times to distribute herbs evenly.

Chives will add a bright green color and fresh flavor.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Transfer dip to a clean serving bowl.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours.

Chilling allows flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove dip from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving.

Pair with crisp vegetable sticks or crunchy crackers.

Perfect for casual gatherings or afternoon snacks.

Keeps fresh in refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Best Tips for a Creamy Yogurt Dip

  • Boost Blue Cheese Intensity: Select a high-quality, sharp Gorgonzola to elevate the dip's rich, tangy flavor profile.
  • Maximize Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the dip for at least two hours, allowing the ingredients to blend and develop a more harmonious taste.
  • Customize Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting Tabasco sauce – fewer dashes for mild, more for a zesty kick.
  • Preserve Chive Freshness: Fold in chopped chives just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
  • Create Diverse Dipping Experience: Offer a variety of crunchy vegetables and crackers to suit different preferences and add textural interest.

Storage Pointers for Blue Cheese Dip

  • Airtight Container Method: Seal the dip in a glass or hard plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass containers prevent flavor absorption and maintain the dip's original taste better than plastic alternatives.
  • Temperature Control Method: Cool the dip completely before refrigeration to prevent condensation and preserve its creamy texture. Position the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from the door to maintain consistent temperature.
  • Freshness Preservation Method: Consume within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and quality. Cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the dip to minimize air exposure, which prevents bacterial growth and maintains the dip's original consistency.

Flavor Ideas for Barefoot Contessa’s Yogurt Dip

  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace chives with fresh oregano, basil, and parsley for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dip that brings bright, aromatic flavors to your appetizer spread.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Swap Tabasco for fresh minced jalapeños and add a pinch of smoked paprika to create a zesty, heat-packed version that tingles your taste buds with bold southwestern flair.
  • Smoky Blue Cheese Blend: Incorporate crumbled bacon bits and a dash of liquid smoke to transform the original recipe into a rich, savory dip with deep, complex flavor notes that complement the blue cheese perfectly.
  • Roasted Garlic Elegance: Substitute raw garlic with slow-roasted garlic cloves for a mellow, caramelized undertone that softens the sharp blue cheese and adds a luxurious depth to the creamy dip.

End Thoughts on This Tasty Dip

Gorgonzola dip emerges as culinary magic, blending tangy yogurt with bold blue cheese nuances.

Ina Garten’s recipe showcases simplicity meeting sophisticated flavor profiles.

Chilling intensifies each ingredient’s complex character, creating an irresistible appetizer sensation.

Home cooks can elevate gatherings with this quick, elegant preparation that impresses without complicated techniques.

Minimal ingredients deliver maximum taste experiences guaranteed to delight guests.

Readers, dive into this creamy sensation – share your dip adventures, spread deliciousness across social platforms, and spark conversation around this remarkable Barefoot Contessa classic.

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Barefoot Contessa Chunky Blue Cheese & Yogurt Dip Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Chunky Blue Cheese & Yogurt Dip Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Barefoot Contessa’s chunky blue cheese and yogurt dip delivers creamy, tangy perfection for party appetizers. Ina Garten’s signature style blends robust blue cheese with smooth yogurt, creating an irresistible dip you’ll want to serve at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) sharp (mountain) Gorgonzola, crumbled
  • 7 ounces (198 grams) Greek-style yogurt, such as Fage Total
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) good mayonnaise, such as Hellmann’s

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) finely chopped shallot
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 5 dashes Tabasco sauce, or to taste

Serving Suggestion:

  • Crudités and/or crackers, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients by finely chopping shallot and mincing garlic to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the dip.
  2. Load all ingredients except chives into the food processor, including yogurt, mayonnaise, Gorgonzola cheese, lemon juice (30 milliliters / 1 fluid ounces), Tabasco sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Secure the steel blade attachment in the food processor and pulse the mixture approximately 12 times, creating a slightly chunky yet mostly smooth consistency.
  4. Delicately fold in freshly minced chives, gently pulsing 2-3 additional times to incorporate herbs without over-processing.
  5. Transfer the creamy dip into a clean serving bowl, ensuring smooth surface with a spatula.
  6. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, sealing edges to prevent air exposure and potential flavor contamination.
  7. Refrigerate the dip for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, which enhances the overall taste profile.
  8. Before serving, allow the dip to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly and release its complex flavor notes.
  9. Arrange an assortment of fresh vegetable crudités and crisp crackers around the dip for an elegant and inviting presentation.

Notes

  • Serve with different dipping choices: Crisp carrot sticks, crunchy cucumber slices, and hearty crackers offer a delightful variety for guests with different tastes.
  • Add chives last for a fresh taste: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives just before serving to preserve their vibrant green color and provide a subtle oniony crunch.
  • Adjust the spice level with Tabasco: Control the heat by starting with a few drops and gradually increasing to match your personal spice preference.
  • Allow the dip to chill for 2 hours: Refrigerating the mixture helps blend flavors and creates a smoother, more cohesive texture that tastes even better.
  • Pick sharp Gorgonzola for a stronger taste: Selecting a high-quality, aged Gorgonzola cheese will elevate the dip’s depth and create a more intense blue cheese experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30 grams)
  • Calories: 50
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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