This homemade Ranch Seasoning mix is a dry powder blend designed to elevate your culinary creations. By crafting your own, you gain complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresh, preservative-free, and customizable flavor profile for your ranch dressing and various recipes that typically call for a store-bought packet.
The Ultimate Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix: Fresh, Flavorful, and Customizable
Embarking on the journey of homemade seasonings has been incredibly rewarding. After perfecting my Taco Seasoning, which has become a staple in my pantry, my attention naturally turned to another incredibly versatile and beloved blend: Ranch Seasoning. Beyond its classic use as a salad dressing, ranch mix is a fantastic addition to countless dishes, adding that signature creamy, herby, and tangy kick that Americans adore. This recipe delivers a simple, straightforward way to create your own ranch mix, promising a flavor far superior to anything you’ll find pre-packaged on a grocery store shelf.
“I’ve looked for a homemade version since ranch is my favorite dressing – yours is the simplest, most versatile ever! Thank you! A new health issue means I’ve adapted many recipes to low sodium – I can do that here using a salt replacement. What a wonderful thing!”
– Jackie
Why Choose Homemade Ranch Seasoning?
There are numerous compelling reasons to ditch the store-bought packets and embrace the simplicity and superiority of homemade ranch seasoning. First and foremost, you gain complete control over the ingredients. Commercial mixes often contain undesirable additives like MSG, artificial flavors, anti-caking agents, and excessive sodium. By making your own, you can ensure a natural, wholesome blend, free from hidden chemicals and allergens.
Customization is another significant benefit. Whether you prefer a spicier kick, a more pronounced dill flavor, or a low-sodium option (as highlighted by Jackie’s wonderful feedback), you can tailor this recipe to your exact preferences. This flexibility is impossible to achieve with pre-made mixes. Furthermore, homemade seasoning is often more cost-effective in the long run. While the initial investment in individual dried herbs and spices might seem higher, they last a long time and yield many batches of delicious ranch mix, saving you money compared to continuously buying small packets.
Finally, the freshness and vibrant flavor of a homemade blend are simply unparalleled. Dried herbs and spices lose their potency over time, and a freshly mixed batch will infuse your dishes with a far more aromatic and authentic ranch taste. It’s an easy step that makes a monumental difference in your cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Buttermilk powder is a crucial ingredient for achieving that classic tangy ranch flavor. You can typically find it in the baking aisle of most well-stocked grocery stores, usually alongside other powdered milk products. It comes in a bag or a container. If you’re having trouble locating it, or prefer an alternative, you can substitute with regular dry milk powder, though the distinctive tang of buttermilk will be less prominent. For a quick hack, if you only have fresh milk, you could add a tiny bit of lemon juice or white vinegar to it to create a mock buttermilk, but for a dry mix, buttermilk powder is truly ideal.
A convenient rule of thumb is that 2 Tablespoons of this homemade ranch seasoning mix is equivalent to one standard store-bought packet. This makes it incredibly easy to adapt your favorite recipes that call for a packet of ranch mix – simply measure out two tablespoons of your fresh, homemade blend!
Turning your dry seasoning mix into a luscious ranch dressing is quick and easy! To make a classic ranch dressing, combine 1 Tablespoon of your homemade seasoning mix with 1/3 cup of mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option) and 1/3 cup of milk. Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. For best results, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Absolutely! This homemade ranch seasoning mix is incredibly versatile and can be used in a multitude of delicious dishes. Here are just a few ideas to get you started, many of which are beloved family recipes:
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast: Add a savory depth to this tender, flavorful pot roast.
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken: Infuse chicken with the irresistible tang and herbiness of ranch.
- Crock Pot Crack Chicken: A creamy, cheesy, ranch-flavored chicken dish that’s incredibly addictive.
- Bacon Ranch Crackers: Transform ordinary crackers into an exciting, savory snack.
- Ranch Smashed Potatoes: Give your roasted potatoes an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheddar Bacon Celery Sticks: A simple, crunchy snack with a ranch twist.
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Bread: The ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, bursting with cheesy ranch goodness.
- As a Rub for Meats: Sprinkle liberally on chicken, pork, or even steak before grilling or baking.
- For Roasted Vegetables: Toss with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or potatoes before roasting for an instant flavor boost.
- In Dips: Mix with sour cream or cream cheese for a quick and easy party dip.
- Popcorn Seasoning: Elevate your movie night popcorn with a savory ranch sprinkle.
Due to the presence of buttermilk powder, it is highly recommended to store this homemade ranch seasoning mix in the refrigerator. Transfer the blend to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 months. This ensures maximum freshness and prevents any potential moisture absorption, keeping your seasoning vibrant and flavorful for longer. Always remember to give it a good shake before each use to redistribute the ingredients.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Creating this versatile ranch seasoning requires just a handful of common dried herbs and spices, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The key is using quality ingredients to ensure the most vibrant flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Buttermilk Powder: This is the secret to the signature tangy flavor of ranch. It rehydrates beautifully and provides that creamy, zesty kick.
- Dried Parsley: A classic herb in ranch, offering a fresh, slightly peppery, and green note.
- Dried Minced Onion: Provides a more substantial onion flavor and texture compared to powder.
- Garlic Powder: A fundamental flavor component, offering a warm, savory depth.
- Onion Powder: Complements the minced onion, providing a more uniform and potent onion essence throughout the mix.
- Dried Dill: Adds a distinct fresh, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor that is quintessential to ranch.
- Dried Chives: Offers a delicate, mild onion flavor and a touch of color.
- Ground Black Pepper: For a hint of warmth and spice.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors. Remember, you can adjust the amount to create a low-sodium ranch seasoning if desired.
How to Make Homemade Ranch Seasoning: A Simple Guide
Preparing your own ranch seasoning is incredibly straightforward and takes mere minutes. Follow these easy steps to create your fresh blend:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Ensure you have all your dried herbs and spices measured out and ready. For this recipe, you’ll need: 2/3 cup buttermilk powder, 1/4 cup dried parsley, 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried minced onion flakes, 1 1/2 Tablespoons garlic powder, 1 1/2 Tablespoon onion powder, 3 teaspoons dried dill, 2 teaspoons dried chives, 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons salt.
Step 2: Combine in an Airtight Container
Choose a clean, dry, airtight container for your seasoning. Mason jars are an excellent choice as they seal tightly and are aesthetically pleasing. Add all of the measured ingredients into the jar. Layering them can be a fun visual, but it’s not strictly necessary as they will all be mixed thoroughly.
Step 3: Shake to Combine
Once all the ingredients are in the container, secure the lid tightly. Then, give it a vigorous shake for about 30 seconds to a minute. This ensures that all the spices are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed throughout the buttermilk powder, creating a uniform seasoning mix. It’s also a good practice to give the jar a quick shake before each use to re-mix any settled ingredients.
Step 4: Storage
Because this homemade blend contains buttermilk powder, it requires refrigeration to maintain its freshness and quality. Store your airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. This helps preserve the potency of the dried herbs and prevents moisture from affecting the powder, ensuring a delightful flavor every time you use it.
More Homemade Kitchen Staples and Ingredients
Once you discover the ease and benefits of making your own seasonings and mixes, you might find yourself inspired to create even more kitchen staples from scratch. Here are some other fantastic homemade ingredient recipes to explore, helping you stock your pantry with fresh, customizable options:
- Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Homemade Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
- Homemade Apple Pie Spice
- Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
- Beau Monde Seasoning
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Dressing (+Video) (using this seasoning mix!)
- Homemade Bisquick
- Homemade Velveeta
Originally published: March 2015
Updated photos & republished: April 2025
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
This homemade Ranch Seasoning mix is a dry powder blend. You control all the ingredients that go into your ranch dressing or into recipes that call for a packet of ranch, ensuring fresh flavor and customizable options.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup buttermilk powder
- ¼ cup dried parsley
- 1 ½ Tablespoons dried minced onion flakes
- 1 ½ Tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ Tablespoon onion powder
- 3 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 teaspoons dried chives
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
In an airtight container (a mason jar works wonderfully!), add all the ingredients: 2/3 cup buttermilk powder, 1/4 cup dried parsley, 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried minced onion flakes, 1 1/2 Tablespoons garlic powder, 1 1/2 Tablespoon onion powder, 3 teaspoons dried dill, 2 teaspoons dried chives, 2 teaspoons ground black pepper and 2 teaspoons salt.
All your dry ingredients ready for mixing. Secure the lid tightly and give the container a good, vigorous shake to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
This mix needs to be stored in the refrigerator because of the buttermilk powder. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Store your homemade ranch seasoning in the fridge. Always remember to give the seasoning mix a good shake before each use to ensure all ingredients are well distributed.
A quick shake before each use keeps the flavor consistent.
Notes
Packet Equivalent: 2 Tablespoons of this homemade mix equals 1 packet of store-bought seasoning mix.
To Make Ranch Dressing: Combine 1 Tablespoon seasoning mix with 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative) and 1/3 cup milk; whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 40kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 427mg | Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.