Description
This Hot Honey Ranch is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing combining the coolness of ranch with the sweet heat of hot honey. Perfect as a dip for veggies, chicken wings, or drizzled over salads, it balances rich mayonnaise and sour cream with a kick of smoked paprika and zesty lemon juice for an irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon hot honey (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Combine creamy base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and well blended, forming the creamy base of the ranch dressing.
- Add seasonings and hot honey: Add the hot honey, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir thoroughly to fully incorporate all the spices and flavorings into the dressing.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more hot honey for extra sweetness and heat to suit your preference.
- Add acidity (optional): Stir in lemon juice or white vinegar if a bright, tangy note is desired to balance the creamy and spicy elements.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled as a dip for vegetables, wings, or a zesty salad dressing.
Notes
- Adjust buttermilk quantity to achieve desired dressing consistency—thinner for dressings, thicker for dips.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a smoky depth that complements the sweet heat.
- Use fresh lemon juice or white vinegar to add brightness without overpowering the flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For vegan variations, substitute mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives.
