Buffalo ranch sauce is a delectable savory condiment that's easy to make at home. It combines the bold flavors of buffalo sauce with the creamy richness of ranch dressing. With a few simple ingredients you can whip this sauce up in less than 15 minutes!
Are you a sauce person? We've got a lot of sauce recipes on the blog, so if you can't tell: I love sauces! Sauces like hot honey sauce, Thai peanut sauce, and vegan Tzatziki sauce can totally transform food from drab to fab.
The best part? Homemade sauces are usually so quick and easy to make at home!
Some of my fave sauces are a combination of two yummy sauces. Like honey mustard. Or this amazing buffalo ranch sauce.
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What is buffalo ranch sauce?
Buffalo ranch sauce is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with the flavors of two sauces in one. It blends the fiery flavors of buffalo sauce with the soothing coolness of creamy ranch dressing.
This saucy creation is a versatile sensation. It can be the ultimate dip for crispy chicken wings, a flavorful salad dressing, or a zesty drizzle for a burger that beckons with every bite.
And bonus: this buffalo ranch sauce recipe is super easy to make from scratch at home!
🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
The deliciousness of this great dipping sauce can be attributed to several key elements:
- Spicy kick - Buffalo sauce, typically made with hot sauce, adds a fiery and spicy kick to every bite. This heat can range from mild to mouthwatering depending on the specific recipe, making it an exciting flavor experience.
- Creamy coolness - The classic ranch dressing component brings a creamy and cool counterbalance to the spice.
- Rich texture - Buffalo ranch sauce is known for its smooth and velvety texture. The creaminess of the ranch dressing blends seamlessly with the buffalo sauce, making it easy to drizzle or dip.
- Versatile dipping sauce - You can enjoy this delicious sauce with a wide range of foods, including chicken wings, chicken tenders, burgers, sandwiches, and even salads.
- Umami flavors - The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing also creates a rich umami flavor profile. Umami is often described as the "fifth taste," characterized by savory and meaty flavors, which can be incredibly satisfying.
- Addictive quality - Many people find buffalo ranch sauce to be addictive. Its spicy, creamy, and tangy blend makes it hard to resist, leading to a desire for more with each bite.
- Customization: Buffalo ranch dressing can be customized to suit individual preferences. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce. You can tweak the creaminess by altering the amount of ranch dressing. You have total control over the flavor profile.
🛒 Ingredient notes
You only need four simple ingredients to make this recipe!
- Hot sauce - Use your favorite hot sauce for this recipe. I love Frank's hot sauce, and it's easy enough to find in any local grocery store. I also like that it comes in a variety of heat levels. So you can make a mild, medium, or spicy ranch buffalo sauce depending on the hot sauce level.
- Ranch seasoning - You can find ranch seasoning mix in 1-ounce packets, usually in the dried seasoning section of or near the salad dressings.
- Sour cream - Your favorite sour cream adds a bit of tanginess and creaminess to this sauce. You can substitute Greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Mayonnaise - Mayo also creates the creamy texture of this sauce.
Optional ingredients
You can mix up the flavor by adding:
- a squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for acidity
- a light sprinkling of garlic powder and/or onion powder
- dash of black pepper
- sprinkling of fresh chives as garnish
✅ Step-by-step instructions
This recipe is super easy to make! Full ingredients and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. But here's a photo step-by-step guide to show you what the sauce should look like as you make it.
In a large bowl, whisk together all four ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir the sauce before using.
👩🏻🍳 Buffalo ranch sauce frequently asked questions
Like most sauces, this buffalo ranch dressing can stay out at room temperature for up to 2 hours, maximum. After that, you should store it in the refrigerator.
To make a spicy (spicier) buffalo ranch sauce, simply use a hot sauce with a higher heat level. Or, add more hot sauce than what the recipe calls for.
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one week (7 days).
🍽 Serving ideas
Buffalo ranch sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in so many ways!
Here are some delicious ways to use buffalo ranch sauce:
- Dipping sauce - Buffalo ranch sauce makes an excellent dipping sauce for a variety of foods. Use it as a dip for chicken wings, chicken tenders, popcorn chicken, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, carrot and celery sticks, cauliflower bites, or even French fries.
- Burger topping - Add a dollop of homemade sauce to your burgers. It's a great option that adds a zesty kick and creamy element that complements the savory flavors of the patty.
- Salad dressing - Drizzle it over a chicken salad or a spicy buffalo chicken salad for an extra burst of flavor. You can thin it out with a bit of buttermilk or yogurt if you prefer a lighter dressing.
- Wrap or sandwich spread - Spread buffalo ranch sauce on wraps, sandwiches, or subs for a tangy and spicy twist. It works well with grilled chicken, turkey sandwiches, or even roast beef sandwiches.
- Pizza drizzle - Give your homemade or takeout pizza a unique twist by drizzling this delicious creamy sauce over the top. It pairs especially well with taco pizzas or veggie pizzas.
- Mexican food topping - Use buffalo ranch sauce as a topping for nachos, tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
- Grilled meats - Brush sauce onto grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. This will infuse the meat with a delightful combination of flavors.
- Potato wedges or fries: Serve as a dip for potato wedges, French fries, or sweet potato fries.
- Pasta Salad: Incorporate the sauce into a BLT pasta salad as a zesty dressing.
- Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with buffalo ranch sauce, along with cheese and bacon bits, for a loaded and indulgent side dish.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
You don't need any fancy equipment or special kitchen tools to make this easy recipe!
You just need a large bowl and a whisk. That's it!
More Game Day recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Buffalo Ranch Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Frank's Buffalo sauce
- 1 (1 ounce) powdered ranch packet
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all four ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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