I have an interesting story about this dish! Last time, my loving husband and I visited Canada for a three-month trip. One evening, we ordered a salad and really wanted some ranch dressing as a topping. But to our surprise, the hotel didn’t have it. Apparently, ranch dressing is hard to find outside the U.S.
Since ranch is my husband’s absolute favorite, I knew I had to make some myself. That got me thinking about the ranch dressing from Cheddar’s restaurant—it’s simple yet so delicious. So, I whipped up a big batch, refrigerated it, and we enjoyed our salad with ranch in Canada.
If you’re like me and want that authentic Cheddar’s ranch taste, follow these easy steps and you’ll have copycat Cheddars Ranch Dressing Recipe in no time!
What Makes Cheddar’s Ranch Dressing So Unique?
Cheddar’s ranch dressing stands out because of its perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and herby flavors.
What makes it truly unique is the combination of simple ingredients, like fresh herbs and spices, that come together to create a rich and well-balanced taste. The subtle kick from garlic powder, the brightness of parsley and chives, and the slight tang from buttermilk give it a fresh, homemade feel that store-bought versions just can’t match.
Plus, making it from scratch means you can adjust it to your liking, making it as bold or mild as you prefer.
Ingredients List
- ½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise (I like to split it—¼ cup mayo, ¼ cup sour cream for balance)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or use whole milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to make your own buttermilk)
- 2 teaspoons chives (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dill (fresh or dried)
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- A few grinds of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Jar or container for storage
How To Make Cheddars Ranch Dressing
Step 1 | Start with the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup mayonnaise and ¼ cup sour cream (or just ½ cup of either one, depending on your preference). This will form the creamy foundation of your ranch dressing.
Step 2 | Add Buttermilk
Next, pour in ½ cup buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no problem! You can make a substitute by mixing ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with ½ cup of whole milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to the mix.
Step 3 | Herbs and Spices
Now, it’s time to give that ranch its signature flavor! Add in:
- 2 teaspoons chives (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- A few grinds of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step 4 | Mix It All Together
Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. You should start to see the herbs and spices evenly dispersed throughout the dressing.
Step 5 | Taste and Adjust
Give it a little taste. If you feel like it needs a bit more salt, pepper, or even garlic, now’s the time to adjust. The beauty of homemade ranch is that you can tweak it to your liking.
Step 6 | Let the Flavors Marinate
Pour your freshly mixed ranch into a jar or airtight container and pop it in the fridge. For best results, let it chill for at least a few hours, but overnight is even better. This allows all the flavors to meld together, giving you that rich, perfect ranch taste.
Step 7 | Enjoy your Cheddar’s Copycat Ranch!
After your ranch has had time to chill, give it one last stir and you’re ready to serve! Pair it with veggies, wings, pizza, or even use it as a salad dressing.
Recipe Notes
DIY Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, just add lemon juice or vinegar to whole milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’s a quick and easy fix!
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the herbs and spices to your preference. If you love garlic, add a little more. If you’re a fan of tarragon, boost its amount for a unique flavor twist.
Chilling is Key: The longer you let the ranch sit in the fridge, the better the flavors will meld together. Try to give it a few hours or even overnight for the best taste.
Recipe Substitutions
Mayonnaise vs. Sour Cream: You can use all mayonnaise if you want a creamier texture or all sour cream for a tangier taste. I like to split them evenly to get the best of both worlds.
Fresh Herbs vs. Dried: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs work just as well. Just remember to adjust the quantities since dried herbs are stronger in flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: If you want to make a dairy-free version, you can swap the sour cream and mayonnaise for vegan alternatives, and use almond milk or soy milk in place of buttermilk.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Making this ranch dressing ahead of time is a great idea because the flavors only get better with time. Here are a few tips:
Make Ahead: You can easily make this ranch dressing a day or two before serving. In fact, letting it sit for a longer period enhances the flavor.
Storage: Store the ranch in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, and you’re good to go!
Ways to Use Cheddars Ranch
Cheddar’s ranch dressing is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
1. Salads: Of course, it’s perfect as a salad dressing. It adds creaminess and flavor to any salad.
2. Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dip for veggies, fries, or chicken wings. It’s especially great with carrots, celery, and cucumber.
3. Pizza: Believe it or not, ranch pairs perfectly with pizza. Just drizzle it over a slice or use it as a dip for the crust.
4. Sandwiches & Wraps: Spread it inside a sandwich or wrap for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Baked Potatoes: Top a baked potato with this ranch dressing for a creamy, delicious bite.
Cheddars Ranch Dressing FAQs
1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a healthier substitute. It adds a nice tangy flavor too.
2. Can I freeze ranch dressing?
It’s not recommended to freeze ranch dressing because the texture can change after thawing.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this homemade ranch dressing is gluten-free as long as your ingredients are.
4. Can I make this ranch spicy?
Sure! Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to spice it up.
Cheddars Ranch Dressing Recipe
Learn how to make Cheddar's ranch dressing at home! This creamy, flavorful dressing is perfect for salads, dips, and more. Ready in 10 minutes!
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise (I like to split it—¼ cup mayo, ¼ cup sour cream for balance)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or use whole milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to make your own buttermilk)
- 2 teaspoons chives (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dill (fresh or dried)
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- A few grinds of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1 | Start with the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup mayonnaise and ¼ cup sour cream (or just ½ cup of either one, depending on your preference). This will form the creamy foundation of your ranch dressing.
Step 2 | Add Buttermilk
Next, pour in ½ cup buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no problem! You can make a substitute by mixing ½ tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with ½ cup of whole milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to the mix.
Step 3 | Herbs and Spices
Now, it’s time to give that ranch its signature flavor! Add in:
2 teaspoons chives (fresh or dried)
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon dill
3 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
A few grinds of black pepper
1 teaspoon tarragon
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon salt
Step 4 | Mix It All Together
Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. You should start to see the herbs and spices evenly dispersed throughout the dressing.
Step 5 | Taste and Adjust
Give it a little taste. If you feel like it needs a bit more salt, pepper, or even garlic, now’s the time to adjust. The beauty of homemade ranch is that you can tweak it to your liking.
Step 6 | Let the Flavors Marinate
Pour your freshly mixed ranch into a jar or airtight container and pop it in the fridge. For best results, let it chill for at least a few hours, but overnight is even better. This allows all the flavors to meld together, giving you that rich, perfect ranch taste.
Step 7 | Enjoy your Cheddar's Copycat Ranch!
After your ranch has had time to chill, give it one last stir and you’re ready to serve! Pair it with veggies, wings, pizza, or even use it as a salad dressing.
Conclusion
Making your own Cheddar’s Ranch Dressing Recipe at home is not only easy, but it also tastes amazing! By following these simple steps, you can create a creamy, flavorful ranch dressing that’s perfect for salads, dips, or drizzling over just about anything.
So, what are you waiting for? Try it out today and bring that authentic Cheddar’s flavor into your kitchen. And don’t forget—if you enjoyed this recipe, follow us on Pinterest for more delicious ideas!
