Have you ever tasted a dressing that made you want to hug your salad? This hot honey ranch dressing is about to change your life—or at least your lunch.
Imagine the zingy kick of honey meeting the creamy coolness of ranch, like a sweet symphony that somehow, improbably, dances on your tongue. Remember that one time you had a really good day and everything just seemed to click?
Yeah, it’s like that.
Steps
- In a medium bowl, combine the room-temperature sour cream and honey to form the base of the sauce.
- Add the garlic chili oil to the mixture, stirring well to ensure the spicy, garlicky flavor is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the ranch seasoning mix, ensuring it’s thoroughly mixed for full flavor integration.
- Chop fresh dill and add it to the bowl, stirring until the dill is evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, adjusting the quantity to your desired level of spiciness.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well-blended.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate, where it will keep for up to a week.
- Serve the sauce cold or heat it in a microwave-safe bowl if you prefer it warm.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115 g) sour cream, at room temperature
- ? cup (113 g) honey
- 2 tablespoons garlic chili oil
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or about 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
FAQ
- Is Hot Honey Ranch Spicy?
- Hot Honey Ranch has a slight kick, particularly noticeable at the end. However, it’s not overwhelmingly spicy and allows the other flavors to shine. If you prefer a milder taste, you can omit the red pepper flakes or adjust them to your preferred spice level.
- How Can I Use Hot Honey Ranch?
- This versatile sauce can be used in several ways, such as a dip or dressing. Enjoy it with chicken wings, french fries, onion rings, or mozzarella sticks. It also works well drizzled over salads, wraps, tacos, nachos, pizza, and sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.
- How Should I Store Hot Honey Ranch?
- Keep Hot Honey Ranch in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to a week. If you prefer it warm, you can heat it in a microwave-safe bowl before serving.
- Can I Customize the Ingredients in Hot Honey Ranch?
- Absolutely! While sour cream provides the tangy base, you can experiment with other ingredients. Substitute fresh dill with dried dill if necessary, or use a store-bought ranch seasoning mix instead of making your own. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.
- What Are People’s Opinions on Hot Honey Ranch?
- Many people enjoy the sweet and spicy combination with a tangy ranch flavor. It has been praised as a delightful sauce for wings, fries, and veggie dips. Some find the honey flavor dominant, while others appreciate the unique blend of ingredients.
Tips
- Adjust the Heat Level: Customize the spiciness of the sauce by varying the amount of red pepper flakes. If you prefer less heat, you can omit them entirely or start with a small amount and increase to taste.
- Use Fresh Ingredients When Possible: To achieve the best flavor, opt for freshly chopped dill rather than dried. Fresh ingredients often enhance the taste and texture of the sauce.
- Multi-Purpose Serving: Enjoy the hot honey ranch as a versatile condiment. It can be used as a dip for veggies and fried snacks, a dressing for salads and wraps, or even drizzled over pizza and tacos for an extra burst of flavor.
- Storage Tips: Keep the sauce fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer it warm, heat your desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl before serving.
Equipment
- Garlic Chili Oil (if you don’t make your own)
- Ranch Seasoning Mix (if you prefer to use a store-bought packet instead of making your own)
- Airtight Container (for storing the sauce)
