Ironstone Dressing
A rich and tangy cheese dressing with a smooth texture, perfect for sandwiches or baked potatoes, offering bold flavors of cheddar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, slowly heat the margarine until melted; remove from heat.
- Add flour, salt, white pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, a small portion at a time, stirring constantly.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring continually.
- Reduce heat and simmer.
- Add 1/2 pound of grated sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Continue to stir and simmer until the cheese is completely melted.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once cooled, add alternately portions of salad oil and cider vinegar while stirring.
- For added zest, include a garlic clove or 1 tablespoon of horseradish.
- Chill the dressing. Shake before using.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Ironstone Dressing, consider adding minced garlic or a tablespoon of horseradish for a zesty kick. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. For a lighter version, use low-fat milk. Ensure to stir constantly while adding milk to avoid lumps. This dressing can also be used as a base for various American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Ironstone Dressing is perfect drizzled over fresh salads or served as a dip for vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Zucchini Tomato Quiche or grilled chicken. Consider using it to dress a pasta salad for a delicious side dish. For a creamy touch, serve alongside Mom'S Dessert Bananas for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Ironstone Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. Avoid overheating, as the cheese may separate. You can also use it cold as a salad dressing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ironstone Dressing contains roughly 1281 calories, with 8g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1844mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese in this dressing?
Yes, you can substitute sharp Cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it melts well. Mixing cheeses can also create a unique taste, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Is it possible to make this dressing vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, replace margarine with vegan butter, use plant-based milk, and omit the Worcestershire sauce or find a vegan alternative. Nutritional yeast can also be added to mimic the cheesy flavor without dairy.
How can I adjust the thickness of the dressing?
If you prefer a thinner dressing, simply add more milk until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if you want it thicker, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the dressing while cooking to thicken it up.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).