Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch Recipe
Few sauces capture the hearts (and taste buds) of wing lovers quite like the Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced with herbs and garlic, this ranch dressing has become a cult favorite. Whether you’re dipping hot wings, drizzling it over a salad, or simply scooping it up with carrot sticks, that signature flavor is unmistakable. Today, I’m bringing my professional kitchen expertise to your home with a detailed, tried-and-true Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch recipe that rivals the original.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about recreating this beloved sauce—from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to pro tips, variations, and pairing ideas. Let’s bring restaurant-quality ranch to your table!
Why This Recipe Works
As a professional chef, I’ve spent years fine-tuning sauces to balance flavor, texture, and consistency. What makes the Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch recipe stand out is its unique combination of creamy richness and bold seasoning. This homemade version:
- Uses high-quality ingredients for a cleaner, fresher taste.
- Matches the signature tang and thickness of the original.
- Is customizable to your preference—thicker, thinner, more garlicky, or herb-forward.
- Can be made in under 10 minutes!
The Origins of Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch
Buffalo Wild Wings, affectionately known as “B-Dubs,” became a household name in the 90s and early 2000s—not just for its wings, but for its incredible lineup of sauces and dressings. Their ranch dressing quickly rose to fame as a fan favorite for dipping wings, fries, and everything in between. What sets it apart from store-bought ranch is its bold flavor and creamy yet pourable texture.
While the exact formula is proprietary, years of experience in flavor development (and more than a few containers of takeout ranch) helped reverse-engineer a recipe that’s spot-on.
Ingredients for the Perfect Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch
Creating an authentic Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch recipe requires attention to ingredient quality and ratios. Here’s what you’ll need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Use full-fat for richness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds tang and creaminess.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk – Essential for that signature twang.
Dry Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional but authentic)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar – For extra tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar – Balances acidity.
- Fresh chives or scallions – For a pop of freshness.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Combine the Dairy Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy. This trio forms the luscious foundation of your ranch.
Step 2: Mix in the Seasonings
Add all the dry seasonings: parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and MSG (if using). Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency
Want a thicker dip for wings or a thinner pour for salads? Adjust with more or less buttermilk. Start slow—add a tablespoon at a time and whisk until you reach your ideal texture.
Step 4: Taste and Tweak
Here’s where your palate comes in. Taste the ranch and adjust as needed:
- Too bland? Add a pinch more salt or vinegar.
- Too thick? Thin with a splash of milk or buttermilk.
- Too tangy? Balance with a touch of sugar or mayo.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes (preferably 2+ hours). This allows the flavors to meld and intensify, giving you that authentic Buffalo Wild Wings ranch experience.
Pro Chef Tips for Perfect Ranch
- Use cold ingredients: It helps the dressing emulsify properly.
- MSG matters: It’s the “secret” to that addictive restaurant taste. Brands like Accent offer food-grade MSG.
- Blend for smoothness: A quick pulse with an immersion blender or food processor creates a silky, uniform texture.
- Fresh herbs elevate: While dried herbs are traditional, fresh parsley or chives can give your ranch a garden-fresh finish.
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Ranch
Add 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
2. Avocado Ranch
Blend in 1/2 a ripe avocado for a creamy, green twist that’s perfect for tacos or grain bowls.
3. Greek Yogurt Ranch
Swap sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt for a protein boost and a tangier flavor.
4. Vegan Ranch
Use plant-based mayo, vegan sour cream, and oat or almond milk. Stick with dried herbs and add a touch of lemon juice for zing.
Serving Suggestions
Your freshly made Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch dressing is versatile and plays well with many dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic Chicken Wings: Obviously! Pair with spicy buffalo or garlic parmesan wings.
- Crispy French Fries: Better than ketchup—especially with seasoned or waffle fries.
- Grilled Veggies: Drizzle over roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Fresh Salads: A natural fit for cobb, BLT, or buffalo chicken salads.
- Pizza Dip: Yes, seriously—try dipping pepperoni pizza in this ranch!
Storage and Shelf Life
Once prepared, transfer the ranch to an airtight container or mason jar. Store in the fridge for up to 7–10 days. Stir before each use to re-emulsify. Because this recipe contains dairy, do not freeze—it will separate and lose its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the actual Buffalo Wild Wings ranch recipe?
No, this is a copycat version developed to taste as close to the original as possible. Based on professional culinary experience and flavor testing, it’s incredibly close.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s better after a few hours. Make it the night before your gathering for best results.
Can I use a ranch seasoning packet instead?
You can, but it won’t taste like Buffalo Wild Wings ranch. Those packets contain preservatives and extra sodium. This recipe is fresher and more customizable.
What type of mayo works best?
Stick to a neutral, high-quality mayo like Hellmann’s or Duke’s. Avoid olive oil-based or light mayo—they’ll affect the taste and texture.
Printable Recipe Card
Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: About 1.5 cups
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp MSG (optional)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp white vinegar, sugar to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Stir in all seasonings. Mix well to combine.
- Adjust thickness with additional buttermilk if needed.
- Taste and adjust salt, tang, or sweetness.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re throwing a game-day party or simply craving that nostalgic flavor, this Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch recipe brings the beloved dip right into your home kitchen. Easy to whip up, endlessly versatile, and flavor-packed—once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise full-fat
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk plus more to adjust thickness
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon MSG optional but authentic
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and MSG (if using). Whisk until well combined.
- Adjust to Taste: Add vinegar for extra tang or sugar to mellow out the flavor, if desired.
- Check the Consistency: Add more buttermilk a tablespoon at a time if you prefer a thinner texture for drizzling.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld. Stir before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store ranch in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days. Stir before each use.
- Texture Tip: For extra smooth consistency, use an immersion blender or food processor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories and boost protein.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo, sour cream, and plant-based milk.