Wingstop Ranch Recipe (Copycat)

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This copycat Wingstop ranch recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Rich, creamy, and ideal for dipping, dunking, or drizzling.

Image showing ranch sauce in a mason jar.

The best part about making your own homemade wingstop ranch is that you can customize it to your taste.

Without additives and preservatives, this ranch dressing won't quite last as long as the store-bought ranch, but it will taste loads better. Perfect for game day, gatherings or anytime cravings strike!

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What is ranch dressing
Wingstop's Famous Ranch
Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients Needed
How to make Wingstop Ranch
FAQs
Tips for the Best Ranch Dressing
Ways to Use Wingstop Ranch
Variations
More Copycat Recipes
Recipe
Comments

What is ranch dressing

Ranch dressing is an American salad dressing typically made with the same ingredients as this copycat recipe.

Ranch dressing has been very popular in the United States and Canada for the past 30 years or so. It appears on restaurant menus across the continent.

Ranch is used as a dressing for salad and a dip for pizza, and the flavor has been replicated as a seasoning for potato chips and other salty snacks.

The salad dressing section of the grocery store has exploded over the years with both refrigerated and shelf-stable variations of ranch dressing available. The types of ranch also range from classic to non-dairy, made with yogurt, avocados, or mayonnaise-free.

Wingstop's Famous Ranch

Wingstop started as a buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Garland, Texas 1994. Today, over 1,500 locations worldwide are decorated with an aviation theme. Quickly becoming a favorite amongst wing lovers, Wingstop began franchising in 1994; the rest is history.

As we all know, you can't eat wings without a dipping sauce, and the favorite amongst wing eaters seems to be ranch. Given that Wingstop seems to be the destination for wings, they needed a fantastic ranch sauce to go with their wings. Hence the popularity of their ranch dressing and the plethora of knockoffs.

Why you'll love this recipe

This copycat version of Wingstop ranch sauce has the perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors, with a hint of herby flavoring and subtle garlic and onion seasoning. Best of all, it is highly versatile, which is why I love this recipe and always have a jar ready to go in the fridge.

Ready in no time, you can pull this recipe together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients to create that signature wingstop flavor right in your kitchen. I sometimes make a double batch as it goes so quickly.

It can be made at a fraction of the cost of buying a premade bottle. And way better than store-bought, you'll be amazed at the vibrant flavor this delicious buttermilk ranch will bring to your meals.

If you are out of buttermilk, you can achieve a similar taste by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar to every cup of milk.

Ingredients Needed

Image showing Wingstop ranch ingredients are placed on a earthy background.

Mayonnaise: choose a good quality mayonnaise for this recipe. Low fat will work, but I suggest using full fat for the best flavor and texture.

Sour cream: sour cream adds loads of creaminess to the ranch dip. Low fat will work but won't give you the same richness. Full-fat Greek yogurt is a good substitute.

Buttermilk: adds a mild tangy flavor, which is a signature characteristic of ranch dressing.

For Homemade Ranch Seasoning

Dried dill: or use fresh. Dill is the quintessential ingredient for ranch dressing's unique flavor.

Dried parsley: or fresh parsley. Parsley or chives both work.

Onion and garlic powder: for adding depth and complexity.

Salt and pepper: for the essential seasoning.

How to make Wingstop Ranch

You can easily make up a batch of this easy Wingstop ranch recipe in just a few steps.

Combine: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, parsley, pepper, and salt. Mix together all the wet ingredients and seasonings using a whisk until well combined and smooth.

3 images showing combining the wet and ranch seasoning ingredients and putting the dressing in a mason jar.

Adjust the taste and consistency: Taste and adjust to your liking. If you find the dressing too thick, add a little more buttermilk to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a touch more mayonnaise if you prefer it thicker.
Refrigerate: Refrigerate the dressing at least 30 minutes before using it. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
Serve: Serve your homemade buttermilk ranch dressing with salads as a tasty dip for veggies or alongside your favorite wings.

FAQs

Can I use heavy cream instead of sour cream?

While ranch dressing typically uses sour cream, you can still enjoy the classic flavors by considering two alternatives. You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. Greek yogurt provides the creamy texture and a tangy flavor similar to sour cream. Alternatively, you can use a combination of heavy cream and lemon juice to mimic sour cream's creamy and tangy characteristics.

Is it gluten-free?

This easy recipe for Wingstop Ranch dip is gluten-free, but it's always a good idea to read labels to be 100% certain. Sometimes, gluten-containing foods are prepared in the same facility, which may increase the risk of cross-contamination.

Is it keto?

Yes, this ranch dressing is keto-friendly, so if you are on a ketogenic diet, feel free to go ahead and make this ranch dressing.

How long does it last?

Homemade ranch sauce will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge in an airtight container or mason jar.

Tips for the Best Ranch Dressing

When it comes to making the best ranch dressing possible, it is essential to start with the best quality ingredients. Choose full-fat versions of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream for creaminess and texture. Mix the ingredients well with a whisk and allow the flavors to mingle slightly before you eat the sauce.

Ways to Use Wingstop Ranch

If you've got a jar of ranch sauce in the fridge, here are a few ways you can put it to use:

Drizzle over salads, such as green salad, Caesar salad, or even pasta salad.
Pour some over your favorite omelette.
Use it as a dip for your potato fritters, paneer pakora, chicken nuggets, and chicken wings.
Serve it with some cut-up vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, broccoli, peppers, or tomatoes.
Pair with some pizza for some pizza dipping.
Serve alongside some plain chips, potato wedges, french fries, or buffalo fries to add more flavor.

Variations

If you're looking to change things up a bit and are wondering what other flavors you can add to this creamy sauce or want to explore different flavors, here are a few options:

Add a touch of cayenne pepper or chipotle in adobo sauce, sriracha, or Tobasco for a spicy kick.
Use Hidden Valley ranch mix seasoning if you don't have all the individual seasonings on hand.
Stir in some lemon or lime juice.
Mix in Dijon mustard.
Add fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, cilantro, or mint to the dressing.
Grate parmesan or cheddar cheese and mix it in.
Blend a touch of pesto into the ranch dressing.
Add avocados to the mix.
Chop up dill pickles or add a touch of relish.
Make it vegan and use vegan mayonnaise and non-dairy alternatives for the dairy products.

More Copycat Recipes

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