You can use the little packets of ranch seasoning mixture from the grocery store. You can do many things with them other than making a batch of ranch dressing. This flavorful mixture of buttermilk, herbs and spices can be used to coat any food in a creamy, tangy, herby sauce. However, I wanted to make my homemade ranch spice to create any amount I needed, and I would know all the ingredients.
BUTTERMILK POWDER IS A MUST
Although most of the ingredients in this homemade ranch spice mix can be found in your pantry, one ingredient cannot be replaced: buttermilk powder. This is dehydrated buttermilk. Buttermilk powder adds tangy, creamy flavors to the mixture without adding liquid. This makes it possible to create a dry rub for meat or season popcorn with the classic ranch flavor.
It is usually found in small, round containers and can usually be found in the baking aisle near dry or canned evaporated milk.
HOMEMADE RANCH SESSIONING: HOW TO USE IT
It’s amazing to make my ranch seasoning finally. There are so many ways you can use it. These are just a few of the ideas.
- Seasoned roasted potatoes (or Smashed Potato).
- Season Baked chicken wings
- Stir into mashed potatoes
- Sprinkle popcorn with salt
- Season Roasted chicken
- Use butter and mix with the mixture to brush on the biscuits
- Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- Season Baked Fries
- Make chip dip
- Season handmade croutons
- Sprinkle on buttered pasta (see Ranch Broccoli Pasta).
- Seasoned roasted vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE RANCH SEASONING MIX
This recipe makes a small batch about the same size as the ranch seasoning packet you would buy at the store. You can make the recipe larger and save some of the pre-made mixes. Keep the ranch seasoning mixture in an airtight container in your refrigerator. The ranch seasoning mix should keep for several months. However, as with any dried herb, the flavor will gradually diminish.
SEASONING MIX
This simple homemade ranch seasoning is great for ranch dressing. It can also be used as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, and pasta.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Tbsp buttermilk Powder ($0.15)
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley ($0.05)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill ($0.03)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder ($0.02)
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp lemon pepper ($0.02)
- 1/8 tsp sugar ($0.01)
- 1/8 tsp salt ($0.02)
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper ($0.01)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. You can either use it immediately or keep it in a sealed container until you are ready to use it.
TO MAKE RANCH DRESSING
- Mix 1/4 cup ranch seasoning with 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup sour milk. Whisk until smooth.
TO MAKE CHIP DIP
- Mix the ranch seasoning with 1 cup of sour cream. Stir until smooth. Allow the dip to sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
