Hot Honey Ranch Dressing Recipe
Introduction
Hot Honey Ranch is a creamy dressing that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make and adds a flavorful twist to salads, sandwiches, and dips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream (room temperature for best blending)
- 2 tablespoons honey (local or raw preferred)
- 2 tablespoons garlic chili oil (homemade recommended)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (homemade suggested)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream, honey, garlic chili oil, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Step 2: Finely chop fresh dill and fold it gently into the dressing.
- Step 3: Add red pepper flakes to taste for an optional heat boost.
- Step 4: Whisk or stir vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 5: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Before serving, stir the dressing gently to recombine any settled ingredients.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Use dried dill if fresh is unavailable, but reduce quantity to about 2 teaspoons.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor further.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Storage
Store the Hot Honey Ranch dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before each use, especially after refrigeration. This dressing is best served chilled but can be left at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it a few hours or even a day in advance helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Is garlic chili oil necessary?
While garlic chili oil adds a distinctive spicy and savory depth, you can substitute with infused chili oil or even a mild chili paste if needed.
PrintHot Honey Ranch Dressing Recipe
Hot Honey Ranch is a creamy, flavorful dressing that combines the sweetness of honey with the spicy kick of garlic chili oil and red pepper flakes, balanced by fresh dill and classic ranch seasoning. Perfect for adding a zesty twist to salads, dips, or as a versatile condiment, it delivers a deliciously balanced flavor explosion in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 1 cup (approximately 8 servings of 2 tablespoons each) 1x
- Category: Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1 cup Sour Cream (use room temperature for best blending)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (local or raw honey enhances the flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Garlic Chili Oil (homemade is recommended for optimal flavor)
- 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (a homemade mix works wonders)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (substitute dried dill with about 2 teaspoons)
- Red Pepper Flakes to taste (adjust based on your preferred heat level)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of garlic chili oil, and 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix.
- Add Fresh Dill: Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh dill and add it to the mixture. Gently fold the dill into the dressing to ensure even distribution without bruising the herbs.
- Adjust Heat: For an optional kick of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes to your taste, mixing gently so the heat is evenly spread throughout the dressing.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Using a whisk or a spatula, mix the dressing vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the texture is creamy and smooth.
- Chill: Transfer your Hot Honey Ranch dressing into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: When ready to serve, remove the dressing from the refrigerator and stir it gently to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
Notes
- This dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Use room temperature sour cream for the best blending and smooth texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Homemade garlic chili oil and ranch seasoning pack more flavor but store-bought alternatives work well too.
- Perfect for salads, dipping vegetables, or drizzling over grilled meats and sandwiches.
Keywords: hot honey ranch dressing, creamy dressing, spicy honey ranch, garlic chili oil dressing, ranch seasoning dip, sweet and spicy dressing
