This creamy ranch dip recipe is the perfect party appetizer, but also great for tucking into school lunches or enjoying as an afternoon snack.
It’s a cinch to make and it tastes so much better than the store-bought version!
If you like ranch dressing, then you’re going to love ranch dip! It has the tanginess, flavor, and creaminess of everyone’s favorite dressing, but instead of being thin enough to pour all over a salad, it’s thick so it clings to any veggies you dip into it.
It’s not just for veggies, though—there are so many ways to use this homemade ranch dip recipe. Pair it with crackers and chips for dipping, or completely change things up and add a dollop to baked potatoes, chili, wings, and more.
The combination of herbs, savory onion and garlic, and tangy sour cream makes for a delicious dip that packs in loads of flavor, but the cool, creamy texture makes it great for pairing with spicy foods to tame their heat.
Ranch Dip Recipe
Just like my veggie dip, blue cheese dip, and sour cream dip recipes, this ranch dip is as simple as mixing all of the ingredients together and serving.
I love this kind of recipe when I’m entertaining because it allows me to serve up something delicious and homemade without adding anything complicated to my to-do list!
Why You’ll Love It
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Mayonnaise – Use your favorite brand. A full-fat variety is best for the richest, creamiest ranch dip.
- Sour cream – This will give your dip tangy flavor even if you don’t use the optional dried buttermilk.
- Dried dill weed
- Dried parsley
- Dried chives
- Garlic powder – The garlic and onion powder add that savory flavor we all love in a good ranch dressing.
- Onion powder
- Onion flakes
- Salt
- Fresh ground black pepper – Add extra for a cracked peppercorn ranch dip.
- Dried buttermilk – This is optional, but it’s nice to have on hand if you like making homemade buttermilk pancakes too!
- Fresh chives – Or use green onions for more flavor and texture.
Variations
- Parmesan Ranch Dip – Stir grated Parmesan into the dip to add some cheesy flavor.
- Sriracha Ranch Dip – Add sriracha (or another hot sauce) to taste for a spicy twist on the original recipe.
- Chipotle Ranch Dip – For heat and smoky flavor, add some of my chipotle seasoning to this recipe.
- Bacon Ranch Dip – Bacon bits will give your ranch dip some smokiness without the heat!
Directions
- Combine – In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill week, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, onion flakes, salt, pepper, and dried buttermilk.
- Serve – If you’re making this for a party, transfer the ranch dip to a serving bowl and arrange your fresh vegetables, chips, and crackers on a platter or board.
Tip
If you happen to have fresh herbs on hand or in your garden, you can use those in this recipe if you’d like. Be sure to mince them finely, and note that you’ll need 3 times more fresh herbs than dried.
How to Use Ranch Dip
Pair your ranch dip with:
- Fresh vegetables, like celery sticks, radishes, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, broccoli, bell pepper slices, cauliflower, etc.
- Thick-cut potato chips
- Crackers
- Baked potatoes or Loaded Smashed Red Potatoes
- Pizza
- Sweet Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
How to Store
- Room Temperature – If you’re serving this for a party and plan on having it out for a few hours, fill a bowl with ice and then place the bowl of ranch dip on top. This will keep it cool so it doesn’t spoil as quickly.
- Refrigerate – Ranch dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Leftover Idea
Use leftover ranch dip in wraps, sandwiches, and burgers instead of mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ranch dressing is a creamy condiment typically made with mayonnaise, buttermilk, spices, and herbs. Ranch dip is similar to ranch dressing, but it’s thicker in consistency because it’s made with sour cream instead of buttermilk, making it perfect for scooping up with veggies or crackers.
The tangy, herbaceous flavor of ranch makes it delicious for pairing with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, celery, carrots, and bell pepper. It also pairs well with foods that need a bit of a flavor boost, like potatoes and crackers. Because it’s cool and creamy, it’s often served with spicy foods, too. There’s not much that doesn’t taste good dipped in ranch!
No, mayonnaise does not freeze well, and neither does a mayo-based dip like this ranch dip recipe. It will separate upon freezing and thawing. Instead, store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Tips
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If you make this ranch dip ahead of time for a party, give it a good stir before serving and freshen it up by adding a sprinkle of fresh chives over the top.
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You can use full-fat plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to up the protein in this recipe, which is great if you’re making it for snacks and school lunches!
More Dip Recipes
Ranch Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon onion flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried buttermilk optional
- Fresh chives to garnish optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, dill week, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, onion flakes, salt, pepper, and dried buttermilk.
Julie’s Tips
Tips
- If you make this ranch dip ahead of time for a party, give it a good stir before serving and freshen it up by adding a sprinkle of fresh chives over the top.
- You can use full-fat plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to up the protein in this recipe, which is great if you’re making it for snacks and school lunches!
How to Store
- Room Temperature – If you’re serving this for a party and plan on having it out for a few hours, fill a bowl with ice and then place the bowl of ranch dip on top. This will keep it cool so it doesn’t spoil as quickly.
- Refrigerate – Ranch dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
I want your Recipe please that look Good.
I want your recipe please that look so Good.
Hello,
The free printable recipe card with ingredients and instructions is at the bottom of the post.
Enjoy,
Julie