If you’re a fan of the classic Cheez-It snacks and love the tangy, creamy flavor of ranch dressing, then this Cheez-It Ranch Dressing recipe is about to become your new favorite condiment. Perfect for dipping veggies, drizzling over salads, or even as a zesty spread for sandwiches, this homemade ranch dressing infused with crushed Cheez-It crackers brings a unique twist to a beloved classic.
It’s rich, flavorful, and boasts the perfect balance of cheesy crunch and herbaceous goodness. Plus, making ranch dressing from scratch means you control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and artificial flavors found in store-bought versions.
This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, takes just a few minutes, and uses common pantry ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunches, or just craving a tasty dip, this Cheez-It Ranch Dressing will impress your friends and family.
Get ready to elevate your snacking experience with a burst of cheesy ranch flavor that’s easy to whip up anytime!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Cheez-It Ranch Dressing stand out is the way it combines the familiar cheesy crunch of Cheez-Its with the creamy, tangy goodness of ranch. Unlike traditional ranch dressings, this one has an added depth of flavor thanks to the crushed crackers, which also add a subtle texture to each bite.
This recipe is:
- Quick and easy to make – ready in under 10 minutes.
- Versatile – perfect as a dip, dressing, or spread.
- Customizable – you can tweak herbs and spices to match your taste.
- Fresh and preservative-free – made with wholesome ingredients.
If you love experimenting with dips and dressings, this recipe is a game-changer. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with snacks, salads, and even grilled dishes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise – use full-fat for creamier texture
- 1/2 cup sour cream – adds tang and richness
- 1/4 cup buttermilk – for thinning and tanginess
- 1 cup crushed original Cheez-It crackers – finely crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice – optional, for brightness
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin (for crushing Cheez-Its)
- Storage container with lid
Instructions
- Crush the Cheez-It crackers: Place the crackers in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed but not powdered. If you don’t have a processor, place crackers in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth and creamy.
- Add herbs and spices: Stir in dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Fold in crushed Cheez-Its: Gently fold the crushed crackers into the dressing mixture, ensuring they’re well combined but still retain some texture.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in fresh lemon juice to enhance brightness and balance the richness.
- Chill: Cover the bowl or transfer the dressing to a sealed container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken.
- Serve: Give the dressing a good stir before serving. Use as a dip, dressing, or spread!
Tips & Variations
For best flavor, let the dressing chill overnight.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce for a kick.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt.
- Herb swap: Use fresh herbs like chives, basil, or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Extra cheesy: Mix in some finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an even cheesier taste.
- Thicker dressing: Reduce buttermilk or add more crushed Cheez-Its for a chunkier texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 230mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
This Cheez-It Ranch Dressing is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods:
- Vegetable platter: Use as a dip for carrot sticks, celery, broccoli, and bell peppers.
- Salad dressing: Drizzle over crisp garden salads or a hearty chicken salad.
- Sandwich spread: Spread on burgers, wraps, or grilled chicken sandwiches for extra flavor.
- Snack dip: Perfect for dipping chips, pretzels, or even more Cheez-Its!
- Baked potatoes: Dollop over baked potatoes or potato wedges instead of sour cream.
Conclusion
Bringing together the beloved cheesy crunch of Cheez-Its with the creamy, tangy zest of ranch, this homemade Cheez-It Ranch Dressing recipe is a delightful addition to any kitchen repertoire. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and elevates everyday snacks and meals with its unique flavor profile.
Whether you’re looking for a new dip to impress your guests or a fresh dressing to brighten up your salads, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a fresh, preservative-free dressing that tastes far superior to store-bought alternatives. Give it a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy ranch with a cheesy twist!
For more delicious homemade dips and dressings, check out our recipes for Classic Ranch Dressing, Cheesy Buffalo Dip, and Homemade Garlic Aioli.
📖 Recipe Card: Cheez It Ranch Dressing
Description: A creamy ranch dressing infused with the cheesy flavor of Cheez Its. Perfect for salads, dips, or drizzling over your favorite snacks.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup finely crushed Cheez It crackers
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk.
- Add crushed Cheez It crackers and stir until well mixed.
- Mix in dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and black pepper.
- Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 16 g | Carbs: 6 g
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