Add flavor to potatoes, chicken and casseroles or make your own ranch dressing or dip at home with this easy Ranch Seasoning Mix recipe! It’s gluten free and easy to make in just 5 minutes. Keep it in the pantry so you’ll always have this delicious homemade seasoning mix on hand.
Add the flavor of ranch to any meal!
Making your own ranch seasoning mix at home is simple and rewarding. With just a few pantry spices and a bit of dry buttermilk powder, you can recreate that familiar ranch flavor for dressings, dips, rubs, and seasoning potatoes, chicken, or popcorn. This homemade mix is gluten free and can be prepared in about 5 minutes.
If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan version, simply omit the dry buttermilk powder and rely on the herbs and spices for flavor. For creamy dressings without mayonnaise, swap in sour cream or Greek yogurt combined with milk or buttermilk.
Homemade seasoning mixes are economical and customizable. Make a double or triple batch to keep in jars in the pantry so you always have a flavorful seasoning on hand for quick meals and snacks.
Key ingredients
Below are notes on the main ingredients used in this easy ranch seasoning mix so you know what to look for when shopping. The full ingredient list with measurements appears in the recipe card further down.
- Dry buttermilk powder – a powdered milk product that adds tang and creaminess to the mix. It’s typically found in the baking aisle near other powdered milk products.
- Dried parsley, dill, and chives – freeze-dried herbs (when available) often retain more vibrant color and flavor than traditionally dried herbs. These herbs create the classic herb-forward taste of ranch.
Use good-quality spices for the best flavor. If you only want the herb and spice profile for dietary reasons, you can skip the buttermilk powder to make a dairy-free seasoning.
What to make with the mix
This versatile mix is great for dressings, dips, rubs, and snacks. Here are practical uses and simple recipes using the seasoning:
- Ranch Dressing: Combine 2 tablespoons seasoning mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup milk (2% or whole) for a classic creamy dressing. Adjust thickness with more or less milk.
- Buttermilk Ranch: For a tangier version, use 1 cup buttermilk and 1 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons seasoning mix.
- Ranch Dressing without Mayo: Mix 2 tablespoons seasoning mix with 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup buttermilk, and 1/2 cup sour cream for a creamy, mayo-free dressing.
- Ranch Dip: Blend 2 tablespoons seasoning mix into 2 cups sour cream for an easy party dip.
- Oven-Baked Ranch Fries: Toss 2 pounds potato wedges with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/4 cup seasoning mix. Arrange in a single layer and bake at 450°F until golden and tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Loaded Ranch Fries: After baking ranch fries, top with 3–4 cups shredded cheddar, bake until melted, and finish with crispy bacon bits and sliced green onions. Serve with ranch for dipping.
- Ranch Popcorn: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons seasoning mix over 8 cups popped popcorn and toss to coat for a savory snack.
- Ranch Burgers: Stir 1 tablespoon seasoning mix into 1 pound ground beef before forming patties for a simple flavor boost.
- Seasoning for Cream Cheese or Appetizers: Coat softened cream cheese or use as a dry rub on cheeses and spreads for a ranch-forward appetizer.
More homemade seasoning recipes
Try making other DIY seasoning blends to stock your pantry. Homemade mixes are convenient, economical, and let you control salt and additives.
Fajita Seasoning
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Italian Seasoning
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Ranch Seasoning Mix
Add flavor to potatoes and chicken or make your own ranch dressing or dip at home with this easy Ranch Seasoning Mix. It’s gluten free and quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry buttermilk powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon freeze dried chives (or dried chives)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or a mason jar. Stir or shake until well mixed and the powder is evenly distributed.
- Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry.
Notes & Tips
- This recipe is gluten free when made with gluten-free labeled ingredients.
- Store homemade ranch seasoning mix in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, in the pantry for up to 6 months for best flavor.
- To make ranch dressing: combine 2 tablespoons seasoning mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup milk; adjust thickness to taste.
- To make ranch dip: combine 2 tablespoons seasoning mix with 2 cups sour cream. Chill for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- A typical store-bought ranch seasoning packet contains about 1 ounce, which equals roughly 2 tablespoons of this homemade mix.
- Substitutions: omit the buttermilk powder for a dairy-free mix or replace with non-dairy powdered milk if desired; adjust salt to taste for a lower-sodium version.
- Scaling: the recipe multiplies easily. Double or triple the quantities to fill larger jars for gift giving or pantry stocking.
Nutrition Facts (per tablespoon)
Calories: 25 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 191 mg
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on exact brands and substitutions.