Description
A classic, easy, and creamy ranch dip perfect for chips, crackers, and veggies. Customizable with endless variations to suit your taste!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Assorted chips, crackers, and vegetables for serving
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, chives, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick (optional).
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt, as the ranch dressing mix already contains some sodium.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the dip to thicken.
- Before serving, give the dip another quick stir. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with your favorite chips, crackers, and vegetables.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or jalapeño.
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blue cheese.
- Make it Greek: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Add herbs: Experiment with dill, basil, or oregano.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Add texture: Stir in diced tomatoes, onions, or bell peppers.
- Smoked Paprika: Add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory notes.
- Horseradish: Add a teaspoon or two of prepared horseradish for a zesty kick.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) for a burst of intense flavor.
- Bacon Bits: Add crispy bacon bits.
- Roasted Garlic: Use roasted garlic instead of garlic powder for a sweeter, more mellow garlic flavor.
- Avocado: Blend in half of a ripe avocado for a creamy and healthy twist.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Add finely diced pickled jalapeños for a tangy and spicy kick.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on top for added flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestions: Use as a sandwich spread, topping for baked potatoes, sauce for grilled chicken or fish, dip for chicken wings, with pita bread, on burgers, stuffed celery, deviled eggs, potato salad, coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes