What Do Restaurants Use for Ranch Dressing? Uncovering The Hidden Ingr | Boyd Hampers (2024)

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Norah Clark

What Do Restaurants Use for Ranch Dressing? Uncovering The Hidden Ingr | Boyd Hampers (1)

As a chef with over 10 years of experience, I’ve had my fair share of making and serving ranch dressing. In my opinion, the key to making great ranch dressing is to use quality ingredients and to not be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs.

I personally love adding a bit of cayenne pepper or paprika for a little bit of heat. But no matter what your secret ingredient may be, one thing is for sure – there’s nothing quite like a good ranch dressing.

Read on to discover what restaurants use for ranch dresssing!

What Is Ranch Dressing?

Ranch dressing is a beloved condiment enjoyed by many, but have you ever wondered what restaurants use to make it so delicious?

Ranch dressing typically includes a combination of buttermilk, mayonnaise, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and dill.

After conducting extensive research and speaking with industry professionals, I’ve uncovered some of the hidden ingredients that make restaurant-style ranch dressing so crave-worthy.

Worth a read: Does Ranch Have Eggs In It?

It’s no secret that Hidden Valley Ranch is a staple ingredient in many homemade ranch dressings, but did you know that restaurants also rely on this classic brand?

According to several chefs I spoke with, Hidden Valley Ranch provides the perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess that customers love.

Buttermilk: The Secret to Creamy Consistency

In addition to Hidden Valley Ranch, many restaurants use buttermilk to create a rich and creamy consistency in their ranch dressing.

Buttermilk has a slightly tangy flavor and helps to thicken the dressing, making it perfect for dipping and drizzling.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Adding Flavor Without Overpowering

Garlic powder and onion powder are common ingredients found in restaurant-style ranch dressing.

These powders add depth and flavor to the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients.

Fresh Herbs: Elevating The Flavor

Some restaurants take their ranch dressing to the next level by adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives.

These herbs add a pop of freshness and elevate the overall flavor of the dressing.

FAQs

Is ranch dressing unhealthy?

While ranch dressing can be high in calories and fat, many restaurants offer lighter versions or allow customers to request dressings on the side.

How long can ranch dressing last in the fridge?

Homemade ranch dressing can last up to two weeks in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.

What Do Restaurants Use for Ranch Dressing? Uncovering The Hidden Ingr | Boyd Hampers (2)

Norah Clark

Norah Clark, Editor of Boyd Hampers! Norah is a food writer with over a decade of experience in hospitality as a pastry chef, sous chef, and barista; former chef at the Savoy Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Plaza Hotel.

What Do Restaurants Use for Ranch Dressing? Uncovering The Hidden Ingr | Boyd Hampers (3) What Do Restaurants Use for Ranch Dressing? Uncovering The Hidden Ingr | Boyd Hampers (4) What Do Restaurants Use for Ranch Dressing? Uncovering The Hidden Ingr | Boyd Hampers (5)

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What Do Restaurants Use for Ranch Dressing? Uncovering The Hidden Ingr | Boyd Hampers (2024)

FAQs

What Do Restaurants Use for Ranch Dressing? Uncovering The Hidden Ingr | Boyd Hampers? ›

In addition to Hidden Valley Ranch, many restaurants use buttermilk to create a rich and creamy consistency in their ranch dressing. Buttermilk has a slightly tangy flavor and helps to thicken the dressing, making it perfect for dipping and drizzling.

What is the ranch dressing that restaurants use? ›

Because while some restaurants do use a bottled shelf stable dressing, what you are referring to is a powdered ranch mix (typically the Hidden Valley brand) that the restaurant cooks add milk/ buttermilk and sour cream to make their dressing.

How do restaurants make their ranch taste so good? ›

Even when a restaurant does start with premade ranch, they will often fold in extra fresh herbs, and maybe even more buttermilk, to lighten and bring in some brighter flavors that can be lost in shelf-stable bottling.

Why does Hidden Valley Ranch taste different than Restaurant Ranch? ›

When it's bottled, much of the "cream" in ranch consists of an oil-based dairy substitute. It's cheap to make, and it doesn't go bad when it sits unrefrigerated on the shelf. While many restaurants use mass produced ranch mix, they often add it to a higher-quality base.

What is Hidden Valley Ranch made of? ›

Over the years, Steve had been perfecting his signature salad dressing, a tangy blend of buttermilk, savory herbs and spices. His ranch guests couldn't get enough of the stuff, and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing was invented.

What gives ranch dressing its distinctive flavor? ›

“But the particular flavor of traditional ranch can only be achieved with the dry versions of all those aromatics: garlic and onion powder, dried herbs, powdered pepper and buttermilk.” That's because fresh ingredients were rare in Alaska at the time.

What does Mcdonald's use for ranch? ›

Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Water, Cultured Low Fat Buttermilk, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Contains 2% Or Less: Sea Salt, Garlic Puree, Whey Protein Concentrate, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Modified Guar Gum, Black Pepper, Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Onion Powder, Natural Flavor, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Salt, Parsley ...

Why is there a shortage of Hidden Valley Ranch? ›

Clorox, Hidden Valley's parent company, is dealing with a cyberattack that has affected the dressing's production.

What company owns Hidden Valley Ranch dressing? ›

These twists on the original are all from Hidden Valley Ranch, the nation's biggest brand of ranch dressing. And they are part of a strategy by the brand's parent company, Clorox, to dominate the condiments aisle.

Is there MSG in Hidden Valley Ranch? ›

The ingredients in the seasoning packet have changed a bit since Henson first wrote the recipe and in particular, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is now one of the ingredients.

How long does Hidden Valley Ranch last in the fridge? ›

Once opened, Hidden Valley® Ranch Dressing should be refrigerated to maintain its quality and freshness. When stored in the refrigerator, it will generally last for about 1–2 months after opening.

Does Hidden Valley Ranch contain bioengineered ingredients? ›

This product contains bioengineered ingredients, also known as GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms, and has been labeled in accordance with the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard. Bioengineered foods or ingredients have changes introduced into their DNA through genetic engineering.

What is the ranch at Wingstop uses? ›

WingStop makes its own special blend of ranch dressing using mayonnaise, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning.

What kind of ranch is Chick Fil A ranch? ›

A creamy buttermilk ranch sauce with savory garlic, onion and herb flavors. Nutrition information is calculated using standard product formulations and incorporates multiple data sources.

What is the difference between Homestyle and Original Hidden Valley Ranch? ›

A: I found flavor is pretty much the same but the new original container I just got has more salt: homestyle 45 mg vs original 60 mg. I can taste the difference. Great product for either version.

Why is Wingstop ranch so different? ›

What Makes Wingstop Ranch Stand Out? Wingstop's Ranch is distinguished by its harmonious blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, dill, and a medley of spices. The resultant concoction is a velvety, flavorful sauce that pairs exquisitely with a variety of dishes, transcending beyond just wings.

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