This Homemade Ranch Seasoning takes just minutes to make, using common pantry staples! It makes a flavorful addition to almost any dish!
Copycat Hidden Valley Seasoning
Raise your hand if you love ranch!!
Growing up, I put ranch on almost everything…from fries, to pizza, to lasagna (don’t knock it ’til you try it!)
Did you know it is super easy to make your own ranch seasoning at home? Sure, you can buy packets at the store, but those often contain additives, such as MSG. Making your own ensures that you know exactly what goes into your mix! No weird stuff!
Instead of buying a storebought ranch seasoning packet, make your own! This homemade ranch seasoning only takes five minutes to make, and you probably have a lot of these ingredients already!
This is the perfect DIY ranch seasoning mix to make whenever you want to make your own ranch dressing or a ranch-flavored dish.
Where Did Ranch Dressing Come From?
Ranch dressing is one of those fabulous mid-century food creations that stood the test of time. It is now the most popular salad dressing in the United States.
Credit for inventing ranch seasoning goes to Steve Henson, who served as a cook for a crew in Alaska in the early 1950s. Fresh dairy and herbs were not always available, so Henson whipped up this seasoning mix using dried herbs and spices instead, to flavor their food.
Henson and his wife Gayle bought a property in California, named it Hidden Valley, and opened a steakhouse and guest ranch, where the seasoning was on the menu. The “ranch” seasoning became so popular that the Hensons began packaging and selling it…and the rest is history!
Ranch Seasoning Ingredients
All of the ingredients used to make ranch seasoning mix are common pantry staples! You probably have most, if not all, at home already!
- Dry nonfat milk powder
- Dried parsley
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried dill
- Onion flakes
- Freeze-dried chives
- Coarse salt
- Ground black pepper
- Sugar
What is the Difference Between Ranch Dressing and Ranch Seasoning?
Ranch dressing is known for its creaminess, which comes from buttermilk and mayonnaise. Sour cream and yogurt are sometimes used as alternatives.
Ranch seasoning has all of the spices and herbs used in the salad dressing, minus the perishable ingredients. This makes it shelf stable for years! The seasoning can then be used to make dressing fresh, or sprinkled onto food.
Does Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning Have MSG?
Yes, if you look at the ingredient list on a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, you’ll see monosodium glutamate (MSG) right there. MSG is a common ingredient in a lot of ranch mixes, not just Hidden Valley. Another code word for MSG is “natural flavor” — this may or may not be MSG, but it can be.
MSG is a flavor enhancer that is added to many different types of foods. While generally considered safe, some people may be sensitive to this food additive. The other thing to consider is the amount of MSG in your daily menu. One dish with MSG likely isn’t a big deal, but if you eat a lot of processed foods, it might be too much.
Making your own seasonings is a way to ensure that you don’t have hidden MSG in your food! Plus, homemade always tastes better!
What Can You Put Ranch Seasoning On?
If you love ranch as much as I do, you may put it on just about anything! Here are some ideas you might not have tried yet:
- Mix into mashed potatoes
- Sprinkle on popcorn or roasted nuts
- Top off your pizza
- Flavor your chicken salad
- Make a dip using Greek Yogurt or sour cream
- Use it to season stuffing
- Coating for fish
- Dress up your deviled egg filling
- Jazz up veggies (like our Parmesan Ranch Green Beans)
How to Make Ranch Seasoning
Place all the spices in a mixing bowl.
Whisk until everything is evenly distributed.
Transfer to a mason jar or airtight food storage container.
How Long Does Homemade Seasoning Last?
Ground spices and dried herbs can last anywhere from 1-4 years, depending on the type and storage conditions. So your homemade ranch seasoning should stay fresh for at least a year, if properly kept.
To store your homemade seasoning mix, keep in a sealed airtight jar or container. Store in a cool, dark place — the pantry should be perfect. Do not refrigerate.
Try these homemade spice mixes and sauces too:
Homemade Ranch Mix (Printable Recipe)
Love this recipe? Please rate it! You’re also invited to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry nonfat milk powder
- 3 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 teaspoon onion flakes
- 2 teaspoon freeze-dried chives
- 2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Place all the spices in a mixing bowl and combine.
- Store in a jar for use.
Nutrition
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