Description
This Hot Honey Ranch recipe is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing or dip that combines classic ranch flavors with the sweet heat of hot honey. Perfect for salads, dipping veggies, wings, or drizzling over your favorite dishes, this homemade ranch offers a deliciously balanced mix of flavors with a smooth and rich texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing Base
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (adjust for desired consistency)
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon hot honey (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Combine base ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy base for the dressing.
- Add spices and hot honey: Stir in the hot honey, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using, ensuring all seasonings are thoroughly mixed into the base.
- Adjust seasoning and sweetness: Taste the ranch and add more hot honey if you prefer a sweeter and spicier flavor, tailoring it to your personal preference.
- Add brightness: Stir in lemon juice or white vinegar if you desire a tangier note to balance the richness of the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the ranch for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled as a dip or dressing for salads, vegetables, wings, and more.
Notes
- Adjust buttermilk quantity to achieve your preferred dressing consistency.
- Use more or less hot honey depending on desired sweetness and heat level.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds smoky depth to the flavor.
- Letting the dressing sit in the refrigerator enhances flavor blending.
- Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
