Ranch seasoning is a versatile blend of herbs, spices, and tangy flavors that can transform everything from chicken wings to pasta salad. But instead of buying those little packets filled with mystery ingredients, why not make your own?
It's simple to whip up a batch of homemade ranch seasoning using common pantry items. And you'll know exactly what's going into your food.
Ranch seasoning typically contains a mix of dried parsley, dill, garlic, onion, salt, and black pepper to deliver a tangy, herby flavor profile. The key ingredient setting ranch seasoning apart is buttermilk powder. This powdered milk product provides a creamy, slight tang without adding moisture.
Commercial ranch seasoning will also often contain corn syrup solids, monosodium glutamate (MSG), maltodextrin, yeast extract, "natural flavors", and other additives you won't find in homemade.
Ranch Seasoning Ingredients
To make your own ranch seasoning at home, you only need 9 basic ingredients:
- Buttermilk powder - Provides tang and creaminess
- Dried parsley - Herby flavor
- Dried dill - Signature ranch herb
- Garlic powder - Pungent, savory flavor
- Onion powder - Slightly sweet, earthy flavor
- Dried onion flakes - For texture
- Ground black pepper - Spicy contrast
- Fine sea salt - For saltiness
- Dried chives (optional) - Extra herbiness
Most recipe creators suggest using 2 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning in place of 1 packet of the store-bought stuff. Adjust to taste if yours turns out stronger or milder than expected.
Key Takeaway: With common dried herbs, spices, salt, and buttermilk powder, it's simple to recreate that classic zingy ranch taste at home.
Where to Find Buttermilk Powder
The buttermilk powder can be found in the baking aisle near the powdered milk and evaporated milk products. Look for a container labeled as "buttermilk blend" or simply "buttermilk powder."
Popular brands to try are Saco and Hoosier Hill Farm. Once opened, it's best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep for a few months.
Unopened, buttermilk powder lasts at room temperature for up to a year. So it makes sense to stock up if it's not a typical staple in your kitchen!
How to Make Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Homemade Ranch (Powder) Seasoning
Ingredients
- Buttermilk powder
- Dried parsley
- Dried dill
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried onion flakes
- Ground black pepper
- Fine sea salt
- Dried chives (optional)
Instructions
- Truly, a ranch seasoning recipe doesn't get much easier than this. You simply measure out the herbs, spices, and buttermilk powder into a small bowl, then whisk everything together until uniformly blended.
If you want a finer powder, you can pulse it briefly in a food processor. But the whisking method works just fine.
Pro Tip: Crush the dried parsley and dill between your fingers into smaller bits first for a more cohesive blend without whole leaves.
Customize your ranch mix to suit your tastes by playing with the amounts of garlic, black pepper, onion, or additional dried herbs. Draw inspiration from some of these mix-in ideas:
- Lemon pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Ground mustard
- Dried tomato powder
- Grated parmesan
Whisking up a batch takes only 5 minutes! Keep your homemade ranch seasoning in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. It will stay fresh for up to 1 year and keep its potency longer than the store-bought packets.
How to Store Homemade Ranch Seasoning
The best storage containers for homemade ranch seasoning (or any dried herb/spice mix) are as follows:
- Airtight - Minimal air exposure
- Opaque - Blocks light to prevent fading
- Cool & dry area - Prevent clumping from moisture
- Away from heat - Prevent loss of flavor
Glass jars, plastic containers, even resealable plastic bags can all work. Just make sure your container of choice meets all the criteria above.
Refrigeration can extend the shelf life, especially if you've added the buttermilk powder. But it's not strictly necessary if stored properly.
What to Make with Homemade Ranch Seasoning
The possibilities are endless when you have a batch of this versatile seasoning on hand!
Ranch Dips and Dressings
Mix ranch powder into mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk to make quick dips and dressings. Add a splash of milk or lemon juice to reach desired texture. Ratios vary, but an example combo is:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon homemade ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon milk
Combine, whisk, and let chill at least 20 minutes for flavors to develop.
Ranch Rub for Meat
Coat chicken breasts, pork chops, lamb racks, or beef roasts with a blend of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear and roast as usual for full-flavor entrees.
Ranch Roasted Potatoes
Toss potato wedges, cubes, or baby potatoes with olive oil, homemade ranch seasoning, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F until crispy, tender, and infused with flavor.
Ranch Popcorn Topping
What's better than popcorn? Ranch popcorn! Melt butter, mix in ranch seasoning, then drizzle over hot popcorn and toss to coat. Sprinkle with extra ranch powder and grated parmesan too.
Ranch Pasta Salad
Whisk ranch powder into mayo and Greek yogurt, then toss with cooked pasta shells or rotini. Mix in chopped veggies like tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, shredded carrot, peas, and scallions. Chill overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Table 1: Recipe Ratio Examples for Homemade Ranch
| Use | Ranch Powder | Liquid/Fat | Other Additions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dip | 1 tsp | 1⁄2 cup Greek yogurt | Sprinkle of garlic powder |
| Dressing | 1 Tbsp | 1⁄4 cup mayo, 1⁄4 cup buttermilk | Lemon juice, salt |
| Roast Rub | 2 Tbsp | n/a | Salt, pepper, garlic powder |
| Popcorn Topping | 2 tsp | 2 Tbsp melted butter | Grated parmesan |
Ranch Seasoning Alternatives
Don't have buttermilk powder for homemade ranch seasoning? Try one of these substitutions:
- Regular buttermilk - Thins out consistency
- Plain yogurt
- Sour cream
- Cashew cream*
- Coconut milk*
- Almond milk*
The plant-based milk powders make good dairy-free options, though the flavor won't be exactly the same.
You can also search for vegan ranch seasoning recipe options using nutritional yeast, tofu, miso paste, lemon juice, vinegar, and more for alternate tangy, savory notes.
FAQs
How long does ranch powder last?
Properly stored in an airtight container away from light, heat, and humidity, homemade ranch seasoning keeps for about 1 year.
What's the equivalent of 1 packet ranch?
Around 2-3 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning replaces 1 packet or 1 ounce of the store-bought mix. Start with 2 Tbsp and tweak to your taste preferences.
Can I make ranch without buttermilk powder?
Buttermilk powder gives ranch its signature tangy creaminess, but in a pinch you can use regular buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, or non-dairy alternatives like cashew cream. The flavor won't be exactly the same though.
Is homemade ranch seasoning gluten-free?
Yes, the classic recipe and recommended ingredients contain no gluten. Just be sure to use brands marked gluten-free for any pre-bought components like the buttermilk powder or garlic powder.
Conclusion
With its fresh, herbaceous flavor and cool, tangy creaminess, homemade ranch seasoning is extremely versatile. Use it to make quick ranch dip, salad dressing, or creamy veggie dips. Or add next-level flavor to roasted meats, baked poultry, pasta salads, oven fries, and beyond.
This easy 9-ingredient ranch powder only requires 5 minutes of whisking and keeps for months in your pantry. Plus you control the quality of ingredients.