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.
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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.

Jar of Cowboy Ranch Seasoning on a Cutting Board with Fresh Herbs nearby.
5 from 2 votes

Cowboy Ranch Seasoning

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Cowboy Ranch Seasoning is a rich and flavorful blend of various herbs and spices, carefully combined to create a versatile dry seasoning mix. Use it on its own for a dry rub for meats like pork or chicken. Or, create a delicious dressing or dip!

Ingredients

Seasoning mixture

  • cup (34 g) dry powdered buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
  • 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon cumin

Dressing

  • 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (115 g) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons cowboy ranch seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 1-2 tablespoons whole milk, optional, as needed for desired consistency

Instructions

Cowboy Ranch Seasoning Blend

  • In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients together until well blended. For a more finely-ground seasoning, pulse the mixture in a food processor. This will make about ¾ cup of seasoning mix.
  • Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will last for up to 3 months.

Cowboy Ranch Dip

  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cowboy ranch seasoning, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and the seasoning is fully incorporated. This will yield about 1 ¾ cups of dip.
  • Store dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to a week.

Cowboy Ranch Dressing

  • Adjust the thickness of the mixture into a dressing by adding 1-2 tablespoons of whole milk, or enough to reach your desired consistency. This yields approximately 1 ¾-2 cups of dressing.
  • Store dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to a week.

Did you make this recipe?

You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.

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!

Annabelle

This is delicious! The smoky flavor pairs great with the tangy ranch, perfect for fries, veggies, whatever your heart desires!

Selena

This is such a yummy ranch. I love the smoky aspect of this. It really is a great combo of flavors.

Bella

Wow! I don't think I want ranch any other way after trying this. It has so much flavor and definitely kicks plain ranch to the side!

Rachael

I love ranch seasoning and this version is just a great twist on an already great seasoning. This could go with everything!

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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