Are you a ranch lover who wishes you could skip those little packets of ranch seasoning mix and create your own flavorful blend at home? Look no further! With this homemade ranch seasoning mix, you’ll have a pantry staple that adds flavor to everything from salads to chicken strips.

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Why Make Your Own Ranch Seasoning Mix?

Making your own homemade ranch mix means you can avoid store-bought packets that often contain preservatives and additives. It’s also a great way to customize your ranch seasoning to suit your taste. Plus, it’s easy to whip up a big batch and store it for a long time in an airtight container.

Key Ingredients for Homemade Ranch Mix

Powdered Buttermilk

Powdered buttermilk is the key ingredient that gives this ranch mix its signature tang but you can substitute for powdered milk if you prefer.

Dried Herbs

Parsley, dill weed, chives, basil, oregano, and thyme provide much flavor and a fresh taste in powder form.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder

Essential for that classic ranch flavor.

Kosher salt, black pepper, and a little sugar (optional)

These seasonings bring everything together for the perfect homemade ranch seasoning mix.

Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup powdered buttermilk
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried dill weed
1 tablespoon dried chives
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

Gather Your Ingredients

Start by collecting all the ingredients listed in the recipe. Measure out the powdered buttermilk, dried parsley, dried dill weed, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, dried minced onion, kosher salt, ground black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and sugar (if you’re using it). It’s helpful to have everything prepared and measured out beforehand, so the mixing process goes smoothly.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, begin by adding the powdered buttermilk—this is the base of your seasoning mix and gives it that classic ranch flavor. Next, sprinkle in the dried parsley, dill weed, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried minced onion. These dried herbs and spices are essential to the flavor profile of the mix, offering herbal notes and a subtle sweetness from the onion powders.

Add in the seasonings: kosher salt, black pepper, and the optional sugar. Finally, toss in the dried basil, oregano, and thyme to round out the flavor with earthy and slightly peppery undertones.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a finer texture, you can use a food processor to pulse the mix and create a finer powder. This makes it blend even more smoothly into dressings or dips.

Mix Thoroughly

Using a whisk, carefully mix all the ingredients together. Take your time to ensure that everything is evenly distributed. You don’t want any clumps of powdered buttermilk or herbs sticking together. Whisk until you see an even consistency throughout the mixture, and all the colors are blended uniformly.

If you’re using a food processor, give the mixture a few pulses until it’s well combined and has a smooth, fine texture. Be cautious not to over-process it, as you still want the herbs to be visible and not turn into dust.

Store in an Airtight Container

Once mixed, transfer your homemade ranch seasoning mix into a clean, dry mason jar or other sealed container. Make sure the container seals tightly to preserve the freshness and flavor of the herbs and spices. Proper storage is key to ensuring that your ranch mix remains potent and full of flavor for a long time.

Label the container with the date and contents. This is helpful, especially if you make several homemade seasoning mixes and keep them in your spice cabinet.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

To keep the mix fresh, store the jar in a cool, dry place such as your pantry or spice cabinet. Avoid areas where the mix could be exposed to moisture or heat, which can cause clumping or degrade the quality of the herbs. Properly stored, this seasoning mix should last for several months, making it a convenient pantry staple.

How to Use Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

One of the best things about this homemade seasoning blend is its versatility. Here’s how to make your own homemade ranch dressing:

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing mix with ½ cup mayonnaise and ½ cup milk (or evaporated milk for a richer taste).
Add a little zing with a teaspoon of lemon juice or olive oil, if desired.
Let the mixture chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

This homemade ranch dressing is perfect for salads, ranch popcorn, or as a dip for french fries, chicken strips, and garlic bread. You can even season meats with this dry ranch seasoning mix or add it to side dishes for extra flavor.

More Ways to Use Homemade Ranch Mix

This ranch mix isn’t just for dressing. Use it in different ways to enhance your favorite recipes:

Homemade ranch dip: Mix with sour cream for a creamy ranch dip.
Seasoning for veggies or meats: Sprinkle on roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
Ranch popcorn: Toss freshly popped popcorn in a small bowl with a sprinkle of this homemade ranch mix.
Baking aisle favorite: Keep this dry buttermilk powder mix handy for quick recipes from ranch salad dressing to seasoning blends.

Storing Your Homemade Mix

The best way to store your homemade ranch seasoning supply is in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, this mix can last for a long time, retaining its flavor and freshness.

Conclusion

This homemade ranch mix is full of flavor, made with simple ingredients, and can be used in so many great recipes. With your own homemade ranch dressing mix, you’ll never need to rely on store-bought ranch packets again. Whether it’s for a side of ranch with your favorite things or adding a little zing to your next big batch of dressing, this mix is sure to become one of your go-to pantry staples.