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Don’t waste any more money on those ranch seasoning packets. Whip up your own homemade ranch seasoning mix. It tastes so much better, it has less salt, and no added ingredients, compared to the store-bought seasoning packets. Plus, it’s cheaper and you know exactly what’s in it!
HOMEMADE RANCH SEASONING
Did you know that you can make your own homemade ranch seasoning instead of buying the packet of it? I am a huge fan of convenient items like those seasoning packets, and I use them all the time, but sometimes I love the idea of being able to make my own instead of spending $2 per packet.
This homemade ranch seasoning replaces the store bought packet and all you need to make it are simple, dried seasonings that you probably already have in your kitchen. The recipe does call for buttermilk powder, which is easy to find in the baking aisle at most stores, and it comes in a large container so you’ll have plenty to make several batches of this homemade ranch seasoning.
HOW MANY TABLESPOONS IN RANCH SEASONING PACKET?
- There are 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning in one packet of ranch seasoning mix.
- So if a recipe calls for a packet of ranch seasoning all you have to do is measure out 2 tablespoons and add it into the recipe instead of using the packet.
WHAT IS IN RANCH SEASONING
Buttermilk Powder – This is probably the one ingredient that you have never heard of and probably don’t have in your kitchen right now. It is just dried buttermilk powder that is the shelf-stable, dried version of buttermilk. You will find it in the baking aisle at the grocery store. It comes in a good sized container so you will have plenty to make several batches of this seasoning mix.
Dried Parsley
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Dried Minced Onion
Dried Chives
Dried Dill Weed
Salt
Black Pepper
I love that the recipe uses dried spices. Which not only makes it simple and inexpensive to make but it also stores really well, in a covered container, at room temperature in a cupboard.
HOW DO I USE A RANCH SEASONING PACKET?
-
Use in any recipe that calls for a ranch seasoning packet
- Use 2 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning mix to replace one packet.
- These recipes all call for a packet of ranch seasoning mix
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Make a vegetable or chip ranch dip
- To make a ranch vegetable dip simply mix 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning mix, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and up to 1/2 cup milk until your desired consistency is reached.
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Make ranch dressing
- I will be honest and say that I actually much prefer my homemade ranch dressing recipe. It’s a very similar recipe in that it uses dried spices (not the buttermilk powder) but I love my homemade ranch because it has the added buttermilk and Worcestershire sauce in it, which really makes it stand out from the rest.
- If you want to make ranch dressing with your homemade ranch seasoning mix then add 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, and about 3/4 cup milk. You may need more milk or less milk depending on how high the fat content is in the milk you’re using and depending on how thin or thick you want your ranch dressing to be.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk powder
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried chives
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a bowl and stir with a whisk until combined.
- Store the ranch seasoning in an air-tight container or jar, I use a mason jar, at room temperature in the cupboard.
- Use 2 tablespoons of the homemade ranch seasoning in any recipe that calls for a packet of ranch seasoning mix.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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How much liquid do you use to make the dressing? I see where it says 2T is one packet but no further instructions. Thanks!
Jen, it varies for what kind of dressing you want. This recipe was just for the ranch seasoning mix (the kind you get in the packet). Generally, I think the packets say to mix with 1 cup sour cream for a veggie dip? Not entirely sure what you’re trying to make, but this recipe just replaces the packet of ranch seasoning mix either in a recipe or in a dressing recipe. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more questions.
My dry buttermilk says store in fridge after opening. Do you keep this whole thing in the fridge then?
Good point! I’ve never realized that. I have made this several times and have always kept it in the spice cupboard. It does tend to get dry and clumpy if you leave it in there too long without using. Maybe that’s the reason. Keeping it in the fridge would not hurt it so if you feel better about doing that, it should be just fine 🙂
I tried your recipe and it didn’t thicken… stayed watery.
This recipe is just for the ranch seasoning mix. When a recipe calls for a packet of ranch seasoning mix (just the dry stuff) you can use this homemade one instead of a store bought packet. Not sure what you mean by it won’t thicken…. if you’re looking for ranch dressing i have that recipe I’ll link to in a little bit.
Yeah, I had the same problem. I tried using the 2T to make a ranch dressing. The dressing packets say to mix with 1c mayo, 1c milk and it’s waaaay too runny. I’m wondering if something about the packet makes the dressing thicken but I would like to know what measurements you use to make a good thick ranch dressing.
Xanthan gum is a thickening agent. You can add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum powder to the recipe, and you will get the salad Dressing.
This is a wonderful recipe for Ranch Mix, it is my go to recipe. I do suggest that you mix in 1/2 cup of milk b/c it thickens after it sits in the fridge over night. My grandchild will no longer eat store bought, bottled ranch dressing because she loves this so much, she always wants to lick the spoon after I put it on her salad, fresh avocado or tomatoes too.
Thank you for the suggestion about adding the milk. That makes me so happy to read that she loves it so much!