DIY: Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
I grew up in the 80’s, which means that I grew up eating A LOT of stuff that included a packet of ranch seasoning mix. The most common one was the basic veggie dip, which was simply a packet of the seasoning mix stirred into a 16-ounce container of sour cream. This was (and a lot of times, still is) the de facto veggie dip to go along with a platter of cut-up veggies for a party or get-together. My personal favorite has always been the veggie pizza appetizer, which is crescent rolls from a can pressed into a sheet pan and baked, then topped with the sour cream/seasoning mixture and chopped vegetable and shredded cheddar. What can I say? I’m a sucker for nostalgic food. Earlier this year, one of my husband’s best friends came over for the afternoon with his wife and their two daughters. We weren’t doing lunch or dinner, but I wanted to have some stuff to munch on, especially stuff that a 3-year-old would like. I settled on a bowl of pretzels, some Rice Krispie treats, mac and cheese on the stove, and a platter of fresh vegetables with ranch dip. I used the ranch seasoning packet and sour cream, but a part of me felt guilty serving it to a 3-year-old after I looked at the back of the packet. It has MSG, as well as some other not-so-great sounding ingredients. Bleh. After that, I decided that I needed to find a homemade alternative to that seasoning packet so that I could continue to enjoy ranch-flavored things without the crappy ingredients. Mission accomplished. 
This seasoning mix is exceptionally easy to make with ingredients you should be able to find at your local grocery store. The primary ingredient is dried buttermilk powder, which my grocery store stocks in the baking aisle on the top shelf near the baking powder and cornstarch. If you can’t find it at yours, it is also available to order from King Arthur Flour.
A quick buzz in the food processor or blender, and you’ll have your homemade mix all ready to go. It will keep in the fridge for months, and you could even store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. I have included information below in the recipe on how to use this to make the classic veggie dip, as well as a quick ranch dressing. I’ve kept a container of this in the fridge for the last couple of months and I’ve used it for both quick ranch dressing and dip. I usually stir some of it into a container of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a little bit of a healthier snack option with cut-up carrots, red peppers and cucumbers.
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I’m beyond thrilled that I now have a homemade way of making one of my favorite seasoning packets.
If you grew up on those ranch packets, you have to make yourself a batch of this and keep it on hand!
One year ago: Thai Peanut Cabbage Slaw
Two years ago: Ginger-Peach Granola Squares and Apple Pie Ice Cream
Three years ago: Garden Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Four years ago: Monkey Bread and Cowboy Cookies
Five years ago: Lemon-Limoncello Cupcakes
Six years ago: Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Seven years ago: Black Bean Burgers
DIY: Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) dried buttermilk powder
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried dill, divided
- 2½ teaspoons (2.5 teaspoons) garlic powder
- 2¼ teaspoons (2.25 teaspoons) kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) paprika
- ¼ teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place the buttermilk, 1 tablespoon of the parsley, 1 teaspoon of the dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried minced onion, salt, sugar, black pepper, paprika and cayenne in a food processor or blender. Process until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed, about 15 seconds. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or glass jar, add in the remaining 1 tablespoon dried parsley and 1 teaspoon dried dill and whisk to combine.
- Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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Your recipe looks really good, however, you did not indicate how much dried buttermilk powder to use………I would like to make this but can’t until I know the buttermilk powder to herb ratios.
Your views on MSG are unfounded https://www.google.com/amp/s/beta.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/03/20/why-americans-still-avoid-msg-even-though-its-health-effects-have-been-debunked/%3foutputType=amp
Michelle….you can get buttermilk powder cheaper from Atlantic Spice company as well as a whole bunch of other bulk spices and teas.
Love there stuff! Especially their teas if you are looking for that sort of thing.
Can you use regular milk instead of buttermilk when making the ranch dressing recipe you provided?
Hi Monica, You won’t get the same traditional tang of ranch dressing without using buttermilk, but you could certainly try with regular milk and see how you like it! It will likely be a little thinner so you may want to use less milk or increase the sour cream to get to your desired consistency.