This Buffalo Ranch Dip is a creamy and zesty treat that packs a punch! Made with ranch dressing and spicy buffalo sauce, it’s perfect for game day munching or snack time.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to dip everything in sight into this dip! It’s super easy to whip up—just mix and serve. Grab some chips or veggies and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of the dip, giving it that smooth texture. If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream cheese alternative.
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is convenient, but you can make your own with mayo, buttermilk, and ranch spices. Homemade tastes fresh!
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is popular, but any spicy hot sauce works. If you prefer milder flavors, use a barbecue sauce or a mild wing sauce instead.
Cheeses: I love the combo of mozzarella and cheddar for flavor. Use pepper jack for a spicier kick or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Green Onions: A great crunchy addition! If you don’t have them on hand, shallots or chives can be used for a different onion flavor.
How Do I Get My Dip Creamy and Smooth?
To achieve that creamy, smooth texture, it’s essential to properly mix the ingredients. Here’s how:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened. This makes it easier to blend thoroughly with the other ingredients.
- Mix the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce first until smooth before adding the cheeses and seasonings.
- Don’t skip the baking step! Baking brings everything together, making it creamy and gooey.
Keep an eye on the dip while it bakes; you want it bubbly and slightly golden, not burnt. This will give a delicious texture and flavor!
Buffalo Ranch Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, celery sticks, and cucumber slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time for this delicious dip is about 30 minutes. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and 20-25 minutes for baking. Perfect for a quick snack or to impress guests at a party!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip bakes evenly and gets bubbly and golden on top!
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo wing sauce. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything until it’s smooth. This is where the tangy flavor begins!
3. Add the Goodies:
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and garlic powder. Mix everything until it’s well combined. It should look cheesy and delicious!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Next, transfer your mixture to a small oven-safe baking dish and spread it out evenly. This will help it bake nicely.
5. Bake the Dip:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for it to be bubbly and slightly golden on top!
6. Add Garnish:
Once it’s done, carefully remove it from the oven. Sprinkle with paprika and extra chopped green onions for that added flavor and color!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, and cucumber slices for dipping. Enjoy this creamy, tangy, and spicy goodness with your friends and family!
Happy snacking with your delightful Buffalo Ranch Dip!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for This Dip?
Yes! Low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute without compromising too much on flavor. It will still create a creamy texture but might be slightly less rich.
What If I Don’t Have Buffalo Wing Sauce?
No worries! You can use any hot sauce you like, such as sriracha or a milder hot sauce, to achieve a similar spicy flavor. Just adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave. If needed, add a splash of ranch dressing or cream to bring back some creaminess.
