If you love the tangy, savory flavor of ranch but want a healthier, homemade version, try making ranch seasoning from scratch! It's quick, easy, and versatile, perfect for adding to recipes or sprinkling on snacks. Plus, you control the ingredients, so there are no preservatives or unnecessary additives. Here’s everything you need to know about making homemade ranch seasoning in just five minutes.
Why
Make Homemade Ranch Seasoning?
Store-bought ranch packets often
contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, and extra sodium. Homemade ranch
seasoning, on the other hand, allows you to create a fresher, more flavorful
mix without any mystery ingredients. It’s also budget-friendly, as you likely
already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
Ingredients
You’ll Need
To make your ranch seasoning, gather
the following ingredients:
- Dried Buttermilk Powder - The base of ranch flavor. You can find this in the
baking aisle and it gives that signature tang.
- Dried Parsley
- Adds freshness and a mild herb flavor.
- Dried Dill
- A key flavor in ranch seasoning, offering a slightly bitter, earthy
taste.
- Garlic Powder
- For a rich, savory depth.
- Onion Powder
- Enhances the umami flavor and balances the garlic.
- Dried Chives
- Adds a hint of mild onion flavor, contributing to the overall ranch
taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Seasoning essentials that bring out the other flavors.
These ingredients are shelf-stable,
so you can make a big batch and store it for later.
Simple
Recipe for Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Here’s a basic recipe for making
about one cup of ranch seasoning mix. Feel free to double or adjust the recipe
to suit your needs.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dried buttermilk powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium / .sized bowl / .combine all the ingredients /.
- Stir well, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, such as
a small jar, to keep it fresh.
Tip: For a finer texture, you can pulse the mixture in a food
processor or spice grinder.
How
to Use Your Ranch Seasoning Mix
There are endless ways to enjoy this
homemade ranch seasoning:
- Dips:
Combine 1–2 tablespoons with sour cream or Greek yogurt to make a creamy
dip.
- Salad Dressing:
Mix with mayonnaise, sour cream, or buttermilk for a classic ranch
dressing.
- Seasoned Snacks:
Sprinkle it on popcorn, roasted chickpeas, or homemade potato chips.
- Marinades:
Add to your favorite marinades for chicken, fish, or vegetables.
- Roasted Vegetables:
Toss veggies with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of ranch seasoning
before roasting.
Storage
Tips
Store your ranch seasoning in an airtight
container in a cool, dry place. It should stay fresh for up to 3 months, though
the flavors may fade slightly over time.
Final
Thoughts