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 kind of ranch dressing do most 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.

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

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.

What company makes Hidden Valley Ranch dressing? ›

On October 30, 1972, The Clorox Company bought a small mail-order dressing business called Hidden Valley® Ranch. Forty-five years on, the Hidden Valley brand has grown far beyond its rural California beginnings. Ranch is a category all its own, a flavor beloved the world over, and not just on salads.

Where does WingStop get their ranch dressing? ›

WingStop makes its own special blend of ranch dressing using mayonnaise, buttermilk, and ranch seasoning. Where does WingStop get their ranch? WingStop makes its own ranch dressing at each restaurant.

Why is Jet's ranch so good? ›

The flavor is obviously incredible, and what makes it superior to other ranch dressings is that it tastes fresh. So many of these chains have pre-packaged ranch that is lame and uninspiring, but Jet's tastes like they make it at their store, even if its not.

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.

What is the base of Hidden Valley Ranch? ›

HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH STARTED IN 1954

That's when Steve Henson and his wife, Gayle, purchased 120 acres of sprawling land nestled in the mountains outside of Santa Barbara, California, and started a dude ranch.

Is there a real Hidden Valley Ranch? ›

Yes! Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® dressing was developed in the late 1950s by real ranchers, Steve and Gayle Henson. The Hidden Valley® Guest Ranch is located near Santa Barbara in California and was favored by visitors who wanted to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Is there MSG in Hidden Valley Ranch? ›

Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packets can be purchased with and without MSG.

Does Clorox still own Hidden Valley? ›

Since 1972 Hidden Valley Ranch has been owned by Clorox. Ranch dressing was created in 1949 by a plumber-turned-cowboy.

What is the most expensive ranch dressing? ›

This bottle's no joke. It's covered in 75 carats' worth of jewels, making it valued at $35,000. You could almost buy three brand-new Nissan Versas for that. But Hidden Valley knows you can't put a price tag on love, be it the holy matrimony kind or the condiment-you-drizzle-on-everything variety.

Does Kraft own Hidden Valley Ranch? ›

Manufacturing of the mix was later moved to San Jose, then Colorado, and then to Sparks, Nevada, in 1972. In October 1972, the Hidden Valley Ranch brand was bought by Clorox for $8 million, and Henson retired. Kraft Foods and General Foods introduced similar dry seasoning packets labeled as "ranch style".

What brand of ranch dressing does KFC use? ›

Kfc Heinz Buttermilk Ranch Dressing (1) (1 serving) contains 1g total carbs, 1g net carbs, 17g fat, 0g protein, and 160 calories.

What brand of ranch does Hooters use? ›

Naturally Fresh, Inc. is a producer of dressings, sauces, marinades, dips, oils, and vinegar. The company also manufactures dressings, sauces and dips for a number of different restaurants and institutions, including Hooters.

Why is Wingstop ranch the best? ›

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.

What kind of ranch is Chick Fil A ranch? ›

A creamy buttermilk ranch sauce with savory garlic, onion and herb flavors.

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 ...

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