Cowboy Ranch Seasoning is a flavorful blend of various herbs and spices, carefully combined to create a versatile dry seasoning mix with a smokey kick! Use it on its own for a dry rub for meats like pork or chicken. Or, create a delicious dressing or dip! It’s an elevated rendition of my homemade ranch seasoning mix, which you will also want to have on hand!

Jar of Cowboy Ranch Seasoning on a Cutting Board with Fresh Herbs nearby.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Dry Powdered Buttermilk: Dry powdered buttermilk provides a creamy and tangy base that adds depth to the flavor profile.

Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika can be used if you don’t have smoked paprika, but you’ll miss out on the smoky flavor. You can also enhance the smokiness with a pinch of liquid smoke, available at local grocery stores.

Dried Onion Flakes: If you don’t have dried onion flakes, you could increase the amount of onion powder to compensate.

Dried Dill Weed: Dried dill seeds or ground dill can be used in place of dried dill weed, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor might differ slightly.

Cayenne Pepper: Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can be used as a substitute, but adjust the amount based on your preferred level of heat.

Ground Mustard: If you don’t have ground mustard, you can use prepared mustard, but it might alter the consistency of the mix.

Cumin: Cumin has a unique flavor, but you can leave it out if necessary. Or, substitute with a pinch of ground coriander for a different yet complementary taste.

Spices and Seasonings for Cowboy Ranch Seasoning Blend.

How To Use Cowboy Ranch Seasoning

Cowboy ranch seasoning can be used in various ways to enhance the flavor of a wide range of dishes. Here are a few ways you can use it:

Dressings and Dips: The seasoning mix can be used to create a ranch-inspired dressing for salads or a dip for vegetables, chips, or wings.
Snacks: Add a sprinkle of the seasoning mix to popcorn, roasted nuts, or homemade potato chips for a flavorful and satisfying snack.
Vegetables: Toss vegetables like roasted carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli in the seasoning mix before cooking to infuse them with ranch-inspired flavors.
Eggs: Sprinkle the seasoning on scrambled eggs to add extra flavor.
Marinades and Rubs: Mix the seasoning with a bit of oil to create a marinade for meats such as chicken, pork, or even beef. Let the meat sit in the marinade for a few hours before grilling, roasting, or baking. You can also use the seasoning as a dry rub by sprinkling it directly onto the meat before cooking.
Potatoes: Mix the seasoning with olive oil and toss it with roasted or mashed potatoes for a unique ranch-flavored twist.

Bowl of Cowboy Ranch Seasoning with a Wooden Spoon in it.

How To Store Cowboy Ranch Seasoning

Store Cowboy Ranch Seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. An airtight glass container will extend the shelf-life of the seasoning longer than an airtight plastic container. Glass is less porous, so less air can enter the container which can damage spices. A lid of a glass container also gives a tighter seal. Also, keep light exposure to your spices to a minimum, especially if you do not store them in a cabinet. This will last up to 3 months.

Dipping Carrot into a Bowl of Cowboy Ranch Dressing.

How To Store Cowboy Ranch Dip & Dressing

If using the seasoning mix to make a dip or dressing, store that in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will last up to a week.

What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:

Autumn

I normally do not love the smokey flavor, but this is amazing! This would be a great dressing for salads, a dip for chips or veggies, or even a dry rub!

Elizabeth

This mix is amazingly flavorful! And, when used to make a dip, I couldn't get enough of it!!!! I can't wait to try the dry rub on some meat and use the dip for my chicken wings!