Cowboy Ranch Seasoning

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.