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–+ servings
Mayonnaise Dressing
Mayonnaise dressing recipes like this one became especially popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, before commercially prepared mayonnaise was widely available. Rather than relying on raw oil-emulsified mayonnaise, many home cooks made a cooked dressing by thickening milk with butter and flour before adding egg, mustard, sugar, and vinegar. The result is a creamy, tangy dressing that works beautifully on potato salads, vegetable salads, sandwiches, and cold meats. This vintage version reflects the practical cooking methods of its era, using pantry staples to create a rich, flavorful dressing that stores well and delivers a pleasantly smooth texture with a mild sweetness balanced by vinegar.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course dips, sauces
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 42 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp prepared mustard
  • ½ cup vinegar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Base

  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
  • Whisk in the flour until smooth.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk.

Step 2: Cook Until Thick

  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoning

  • In a bowl, beat together the egg, salt, sugar, mustard, water, and vinegar.

Step 4: Finish the Dressing

  • Slowly whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture.
  • Return to low heat if necessary and stir until smooth.
  • Do not boil after adding the egg.

Step 5: Cool

  • Allow the dressing to cool completely before serving or refrigerating.

Tips

  • Use apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor.
  • Dijon mustard can replace prepared mustard.
  • Chill for several hours before serving for the best flavor.
  • Add a pinch of paprika for color.
  • Stir in chopped fresh dill for a herb dressing.
  • Mix with finely minced onion for extra flavor.
  • Thin with a tablespoon of milk if it becomes too thick.
  • Excellent on potato, macaroni, or cabbage salads.

Nutrition

Calories: 42kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.8gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 217mgPotassium: 43mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 28mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword classic recipes, condiment, creamy dressing, heirloom meals, homemade dressing, nostalgic food, salad dressing, vintage