This versatile, flavorful Ranch seasoning blend brings a delightful twist to your kitchen staples, all while keeping things simple and wholesome. Say goodbye to unnecessary additives and hello to a fresh, zesty flavor that you’ll want to sprinkle on just about everything.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
- Cost-effective: Making your own seasoning means you can save money by not buying expensive store-bought packets.
- Versatile: This buttermilk ranch seasoning is perfect for everything from veggies and meats to popcorn and chips.
- Convenient: Store the ranch powder in an airtight container and use it whenever you need to punch up your recipes.
Get Your Flavor Fix with Homemade Ranch Seasoning
I usually find inspiration in flavors from around the world, but have to admit that sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and celebrate the flavors of home. And when it comes to classic American flavors, nothing beats ranch seasoning!
Whether you’re a fan of ranch on your salad, as a dip for your veggies (or pizza crusts!), or as a seasoning for your meats and potatoes, there’s no denying the popularity of this zesty seasoning blend.
But did you know that you can easily make your own homemade ranch seasoning at home? Not only is it more affordable than buying pre-made packets (especially if your spring for Hidden Valley), but it’s way more flavorful.
So, grab your favorite apron, put on some feel-good tunes, and let’s get started on creating a seasoning blend that’ll bring a taste of the heartland to your kitchen!
Ingredients you’ll need:
Dry Buttermilk. Powdered buttermilk is the star ingredient and the base of the seasoning. It gives the mix its tangy, creamy flavor. You can buy it online or look for it in the baking aisle!
Dried Parsley. Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the seasoning mix.
Dried Dill. Provides a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttermilk, giving the seasoning its signature ranch taste.
Garlic Powder. Adds a pungent flavor to the seasoning, and is key in any ranch seasoning blend.
Onion Powder. Complements the garlic powder, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Black Pepper. Adds a mild heat and subtle, spicy flavor to the seasoning.
Dried Chives. Adds a mild onion-like flavor and a pop of color to the seasoning.
Salt. Enhances the other ingredients, making their flavors more pronounced.
How to make it
- Combine the ingredients together in a bowl, bag, or jar.
- Store your seasoning blend in the refrigerator in an airtight container or a small jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Use as desired to add tons of flavor to your recipes.
How to use DIY ranch seasoning
Here are a few ideas for using your homemade seasoning:
- Make dip: Mix 1 Tablespoon into 1 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a delicious dip for chips or veggies
- Make homemade Ranch dressing: Mix 2 Tablespoon of seasoning into 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup milk. Chill 30 minutes to let thicken.
- Use in all of your favorite recipes: Swap in 2 Tablespoons of ranch seasoning for a packet of Hidden Valley
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend onto roasted potatoes or vegetables
- Season freshly popped popcorn
Frequently asked questions
Yes!
Because this recipe contains buttermilk powder, it needs to be refrigerated. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 months. The ingredients might settle as it sits, so give it a stir or a shake before using it.
Making your own seasoning blends is a fun and rewarding way to enhance your creativity in the kitchen. You get to experiment with different herbs and spices, and create unique flavor combinations that are tailored to your specific preferences. Plus, by making your own blends, you can ensure that the ingredients are high-quality, so they often taste better than premixed blends!
For seasoning blends like this one I recommend sticking to dried ones, since fresh herbs add to much moisture to the blend and mean you can’t keep it as long.
But did you know you can dry your own fresh herbs right in the microwave? Layer them between two paper towels and microwave on high in 20 second increments until they’re dry and crumbly. Most herbs will take about 1 minute to fully dry, but note that delicate herbs will dry faster while heartier ones may take a little longer.
Buttermilk ranch has a tangier, more acidic flavor than traditional creamy ranch. If you prefer a traditional ranch, substitute the buttermilk powder for regular dry milk.
It’s all about the combination of dill and chives!
Buttermilk is the liquid that’s left behind after churning butter from cream. Buttermilk powder is made by dehydrating buttermilk — and it’s one of my favorite kitchen secrets!
Since it’s dried, it has a longer shelf life than liquid buttermilk, but you can easily reconstitute it with water to use in all of your favorite recipes. It’s great for making pancakes, biscuits, quick breads, or my favorite buttermilk roast chicken.
Other recipes you might like:
- Cowboy Steak Rub
- Homemade Pizza Seasoning
- Guava Barbecue Sauce
- Easy Teriyaki sauce
- How to make katsu sauce
- 20 Easy Marinade Ideas
Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning
Ingredients
- ½ cup dry buttermilk powder
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 Tablespoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a small bowl and mix until combined. For the most flavor, use a spoon so gently crush the herbs against the side of the bowl.
- Transfer to a tightly sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
