When it comes to BBQ ranch dressing, the sky’s the limit in terms of pairings. You might find this dressing on your classic summer salads or drizzled over a fresh veggie platter. It shines as a marinade for grilled chicken or a dipping sauce for crispy fries.
Imagine a summer BBQ gathering where your friends dig into tangy wings dipped into this sauce or sautéed veggies tossed with a rich, creamy coating. It all comes together beautifully.
I remember the first time I had BBQ ranch dressing. It was at a little café, a warm summer day, and I had ordered a salad. As soon as I tasted that creamy, smoky concoction, I was sold. From that day on, I embraced the idea that salad could be a delightful meal, not just a side dish.
Over time, I made my own version of this dressing to suit my taste. It became a staple not just in my kitchen, but in my gatherings. If you’re looking for a sauce that combines luscious creaminess with a smoky kick, you’re in for a treat.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the art of making Panera BBQ ranch dressing, a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. We’ll explore the ingredients, learn how to whip it up, and find out what dishes it pairs with best.
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What is Panera BBQ Ranch Dressing?
Let’s get down to what truly makes this dressing special. At its core, Panera BBQ ranch dressing blends the flavors of creamy ranch dressing with the sweet and tangy notes of BBQ sauce. The combination creates a harmonious flavor profile. It’s both familiar and exciting.
Why This Recipe Works
Flavor Explosion: This dressing perfectly balances many flavors. The richness of ranch, combined with the sweet smoke from BBQ sauce, creates a delightful taste sensation. Each dollop brings something new to your tongue.
Versatility Galore: Not just a dressing. Use it as a dip or a marinade. Slather it on grilled chicken, drizzle it over salads, or toss it with roasted veggies. The possibilities are endless!
Quick and Easy: Preparing this dressing requires minimal effort. A few measurements, some stirring, and voilà! You have a homemade delight ready for any dish.
Healthy Twist: When you make this at home, you control the ingredients. Skip preservatives and excess sugars commonly found in store-bought versions. It’s just good food!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Creamy Buttermilk Herb Dressing
- ¼ cup rich mayonnaise
- ¼ cup smooth sour cream
- ⅓ cup tangy buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon aromatic dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon roasted garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sweet onion powder
- Salt to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
Sweet & Tangy Apple Cider BBQ Glaze
- ⅓ cup velvety ketchup
- ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons filtered water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon umami-rich Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard seed
- ¼ teaspoon caramelized onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon roasted garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
How to Make This BBQ Ranch Dressing
Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Herb Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Mayonnaise and sour cream
- Stir them together until smooth.
Next, add in:
- Buttermilk for tanginess
- Parsley flakes and dill for that lovely herbaceous touch
- Garlic and onion powders add depth.
Whisk until you have a creamy, herb-filled base. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and white pepper to your liking.
Step 2: Make the Sweet & Tangy BBQ Glaze
In another bowl, combine:
- Ketchup and dark brown sugar
- We’ll use apple cider vinegar next for that needed acidity.
Stir in:
- Worcestershire sauce and spices like smoked paprika and mustard seed.
- Mix until you see a harmonious blend. This glaze is the sweet and tangy component that makes the dressing shine.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Once both mixtures are ready, it’s time to bring them together. Pour the BBQ glaze into the buttermilk dressing and whisk until fully combined. The color should be beautiful, a creamy brown with occasional specks of herbs.
Tips & Tricks
- Adjust the Thickness: Want it thinner? Add a splash of more buttermilk. Prefer it thicker? A bit more mayo or sour cream will do the trick.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh chives or parsley can give an additional level of flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a hint of hot sauce for spiciness or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Serve Chilled: The flavors meld beautifully when refrigerated for at least an hour before serving.
- Batch It Up: Make extra and store it in an airtight container. It’s perfect for any BBQ or picnic.
How Do You Store the Leftovers?
If you have any dressing left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 4-5 days. Just remember to give it a good shake or stir before serving again. The flavors can separate slightly, but that’s normal.
What Sides Would Complement BBQ Ranch Dressing?
Grilled Chicken Salad:
Imagine munching on tender grilled chicken breast served on a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with BBQ ranch dressing. The fusion of flavors celebrates summer!
Roasted Veggie Platter:
Oven-roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots simply ask for this dressing. A drizzle over the top brings everything together, making each bite a delight.
Crispy Potato Wedges:
There’s nothing that pairs better than hot, crispy potato wedges with a side of BBQ ranch. The sauce complements the crunch while adding smoky depth.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?
Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream:
If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt offers a similar texture and tang. It’s a great low-calorie substitute.
Almond Milk for Buttermilk:
Mix almond milk with a splash of vinegar to mimic buttermilk. This is ideal for a non-dairy version.
Dijon Mustard for Ground Mustard Seed:
Dijon can add that mustard kick and is usually found in pantries. Use a teaspoon instead of ground mustards.
Maple Syrup for Brown Sugar:
For a unique flavor, swap dark brown sugar with maple syrup in your BBQ glaze. It adds its sweetness without being overpowering.
Equipment
- bowl
Ingredients
Creamy Buttermilk Herb Dressing
- ¼ cup rich mayonnaise
- ¼ cup smooth sour cream
- ⅓ cup tangy buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon aromatic dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon roasted garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sweet onion powder
Salt to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
Sweet & Tangy Apple Cider BBQ Glaze
- ⅓ cup velvety ketchup
- ⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons filtered water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon umami-rich Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard seed
- ¼ teaspoon caramelized onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon roasted garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Herb Dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine:
- Mayonnaise and sour cream
- Stir them together until smooth.
- Next, add in:
- Buttermilk for tanginess
- Parsley flakes and dill for that lovely herbaceous touch
- Garlic and onion powders add depth.
- Whisk until you have a creamy, herb-filled base. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and white pepper to your liking.
Step 2: Make the Sweet & Tangy BBQ Glaze
- In another bowl, combine:
- Ketchup and dark brown sugar
- We’ll use apple cider vinegar next for that needed acidity.
- Stir in:
- Worcestershire sauce and spices like smoked paprika and mustard seed.
- Mix until you see a harmonious blend. This glaze is the sweet and tangy component that makes the dressing shine.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Once both mixtures are ready, it’s time to bring them together. Pour the BBQ glaze into the buttermilk dressing and whisk until fully combined. The color should be beautiful, a creamy brown with occasional specks of herbs.
Notes
- Adjust the Thickness: Want it thinner? Add a splash of more buttermilk. Prefer it thicker? A bit more mayo or sour cream will do the trick.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh chives or parsley can give an additional level of flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a hint of hot sauce for spiciness or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Serve Chilled: The flavors meld beautifully when refrigerated for at least an hour before serving.
- Batch It Up: Make extra and store it in an airtight container. It’s perfect for any BBQ or picnic.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Absolutely! This BBQ ranch dressing works wonderfully as a marinade. Just coat your chicken or veggies and let them soak up those flavors before grilling.
How long can I keep leftover dressing?
Stored properly in the fridge, your BBQ ranch can last 4-5 days. Just remember to give it a stir before using.
Can I freeze the BBQ ranch dressing?
Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy ingredients. The texture may change once thawed, making it watery or curdled.
Conclusion
Making Panera BBQ ranch dressing at home is an exciting journey. It combines simplicity with rich flavors, creating a melody of taste that pairs beautifully with countless dishes.
Whether you’re drizzling it over salads, using it as a dip, or marinating your grilled delights, this dressing shines through.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of goodness. Your summer salads and BBQ gatherings will never be the same!