Homemade dips are the BEST, and this Parmesan Ranch Dip has quickly become a favorite in our home! It’s a simple, flavorful dip made with tangy sour cream and a savory, cheesy twist from freshly grated parmesan. Whether you're serving it with chicken tenders, shrimp skewers, fresh-cut veggies, sweet potato wedges, or onion rings at your next get-together, this dip is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
I stopped buying store-bought dips and dressings because of their high cost and added preservatives. Once you realize how easy it is to make this homestyle ranch at home that has great flavor, I promise you won’t want to go back to the store-bought kind! This parmesan garlic ranch dressing comes together in just minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Just mix everything in a bowl until smooth and creamy, and enjoy it with your favorite appetizers.
Want to turn this into a dressing too? Just add an extra ¼ cup of buttermilk to thin it out a bit. It makes the dip perfectly pourable and great for drizzling over salads like salmon kale salad or a classic chicken caesar salad or taco salads. One recipe, two delicious ways to enjoy!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe
- What to Serve with Homemade Parmesan Ranch Dip
- Ingredients and Substitutions for Garlic Ranch dressing
- How to make parmesan ranch dip recipe
- How to make parmesan ranch dip with ranch seasoning mix (alternative method )
- Parmesan Ranch Dip Variations
- Equipment
- Storage Tips for Homemade Parmesan Ranch Dip
- Top Tips for Parmesan Ranch Dip and dressing recipe
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Parmesan Ranch Dip Recipe (Garlic ranch dressing)
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just minutes with basic ingredients and no fancy equipment needed.
- Super Flavorful – A creamy blend of tangy sour cream, basic ranch seasoning ingredients, and rich parmesan makes this dip totally irresistible.
- Versatile – Use it as a dip for appetizers or sides or thin it out for a delicious salad dressing.
- Family Favorite – Even picky eaters love it! It’s cheesy, creamy, and always a hit at gatherings or weeknight dinners. My daughter puts this ranch dip on everything—you name it!
- Better Than Store-Bought – No preservatives added! Just simple, fresh flavors made at home with quality ingredients!
What to Serve with Homemade Parmesan Ranch Dip
- Chicken Tenders or Nuggets - Crispy, juicy, and made for dipping—this combo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Shrimp Skewers - Grilled or baked shrimp skewers in the oven pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy tang of parmesan ranch.
- Veggie Platter – Carrots, broccoli, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes all pair perfectly with this dip. It makes eating raw veggies way more fun—just like dipping into no-garlic hummus or roasted carrot hummus! This dipping sauce even pairs well with roasted carrots and cauliflower!
- Sweet Potato Wedges or Sweet potato cubes - Swap out ketchup for this rich, flavorful dip.
- Onion Rings - Crispy and golden on the outside, perfectly matched with the cool creaminess of ranch.
- Pizza or Flatbreads - Use it as a dipping sauce for pizza crusts or drizzle over cheese naan for extra flavor.
- Sandwiches or Wraps - Spread it inside wraps or sandwiches like chicken salad melts or veggie club bagel sandwiches for a creamy kick.
- Salads (as a dressing) - Thin it out with a splash of buttermilk and use it as a creamy dressing for chopped Caesar salad, or Quinoa salads. The best salad dressing ever!
Ingredients and Substitutions for Garlic Ranch dressing
I personally love creamy dips with bold flavor, this Parmesan Ranch Dip is about to become your new favorite! It’s rich, zesty, and packed with cheesy goodness—perfect as a tasty dip for everything from veggie sticks to crispy chicken tenders. The smooth, tangy base, it doubles as a flavorful parmesan ranch dressing too! Lets see the ingredients needed to make this dipping sauce recipe below!
- Sour Cream - Adds tanginess and creaminess to the dip. I have used the full fat version but you are welcome to use low-fat or light sour cream too. Plain Greek yogurt is a good option too for that extra protein and a thicker texture.
- Mayonnaise - Gives the dip a richness and a silky texture. You can substitute with light mayo too.
- Parmesan Cheese - Adds a salty, nutty, and cheesy depth of flavor to the dipping sauce. You can also use Pecorino Romano (for a sharper taste) or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, cheesy alternative.
- Salt - Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Black Pepper - Adds mild heat and a little zing to the sauce.
- Dried Parsley and Dried Dill Weed (optional) - For the herby flavor.
- Onion Powder and Garlic powder - Brings that classic ranch flavor and a little sweetness that we will get in the store bought hidden valley ranch mix.
- Garlic - Adds a bold, fresh garlic kick to the dip. Use more garlic powder if preferred, or mash into a paste for a smoother texture.
- Lemon Juice - Brightens the dip and balances the richness. You can very well substitute with White vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Buttermilk – Helps thin the dip to your desired consistency while adding a subtle tangy flavor. Don’t have buttermilk? No worries! Just make a quick DIY version by mixing 4 tablespoons of milk with ½ teaspoon of lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and your buttermilk is ready to use.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make parmesan ranch dip recipe
To make this creamy Parmesan Ranch Dip, start by mixing the base, combine sour cream and mayonnaise in a bowl until smooth. Then, add the flavor by stirring in grated parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped garlic, lemon juice, and your seasonings.
Next, adjust the texture by adding a splash or two of buttermilk until you reach your desired dip consistency. Chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add all the ingredients in a small bowl for mixing.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
One of my favorite ways to serve this dip is with fresh veggie dippers like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and even snap peas. Chopped green onions add a subtle bite and make the flavor pop even more! If you're into trendy flavors, this could easily become your next signature sauce thast is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and even drizzled over roasted potatoes. It's one of those homemade recipes you'll keep coming back to, no matter the season.
How to make parmesan ranch dip with ranch seasoning mix (alternative method )
If you are looking for a quick shortcut, this easy Parmesan Ranch Dip made with ranch seasoning mix is perfect when you're short on time but still want big flavor! Just mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, and your favorite ranch seasoning mix in a medium bowl. Stir in the grated parmesan, a bit of lemon juice, and a splash of buttermilk to get the consistency just right. Chill for about 30 minutes to let the flavors come together, and you're good to go. It’s a super simple and tasty option if you already have ranch mix in your pantry!
Parmesan Ranch Dip Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a few drops of hot sauce for a little heat to make spicy parmesan ranch dip.
- Mix in ¼ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese along with the parmesan for a bolder, more indulgent cheddar parmesan ranch dip recipe.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, dill, or basil for a fresh, for a herby note ranch dip.
- Mash half a ripe avocado and add in to create avocado ranch dip that is an ultra-creamy twist that’s perfect for tacos or grilled meats.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl – Medium-sized, for combining all your ingredients.
- Whisk or Spoon – For mixing the dip until smooth and well combined.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To measure ingredients accurately.
- Airtight Container – For storing the homemade dip in the fridge.
Storage Tips for Homemade Parmesan Ranch Dip
Refrigerator: Store the ranch dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–6 days. Stir well before each use.
Make Ahead Friendly: This parmesan dip actually tastes better after a few hours, once the flavors have had time to meld, so feel free to make it ahead of time when you host parties.
Top Tips for Parmesan Ranch Dip and dressing recipe
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese as it melts into the dip better and adds richer flavor than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce in the sauce recipe to make the ranch dip a little spicier.
- Adjust the consistency with buttermilk, start with a little and add more as needed, less for a thick ranch dip, more for a pourable dressing to make Parmesan ranch dressing for salads.
- Let the dip rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld. It gets better as it sits!
- It disappears fast, especially when served with fries, tenders, or veggie platters—so make extra if you're hosting!
FAQ
Yes Of course! The dipping sauce tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it ahead and let the flavors develop before serving.
Store the dip in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 5–6 days in the refrigerator.
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch. Just use a bit less since it's more concentrated.
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your labels, especially for mayo and parmesan.
Absolutely! Use vegan mayo, plant-based sour cream, and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a delicious dairy-free version.
Yes! Just add a few extra tablespoons of buttermilk to thin it out to your desired pourable consistency.
Serve it with veggies, chicken tenders, fries, shrimp skewers, or as a spread for wraps and sandwiches. It’s super versatile!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with parmesan ranch dip recipe:
If you tried this Parmesan Ranch Dip or any other recipe from my blog, I’d love to hear your thoughts! ⭐ Please leave a STAR rating and share your experience in the COMMENTS below. Your support means so much and helps me continue creating delicious recipes. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Parmesan Ranch Dip Recipe (Garlic ranch dressing)
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spoon or Whisk
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic clove finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2-4 tablespoons buttermilk adjust for desired consistency
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, chopped garlic, and lemon juice.
- Add buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired dip or dressing consistency.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Enjoy with veggie platters, chicken tenders, fries, shrimp skewers, or as a creamy salad dressing if thinned out further.
Notes
- For a thicker ranch dip, use less buttermilk. For a pourable ranch dressing, add more buttermilk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Letting the homestyle ranch dip rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to fully develop. It tastes even better the next day!
- Store the parmesan ranch dipping sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and use it when needed.
Eva says
I love how easy this is to make right at home; we always have these ingredients in the house so it is perfect to just whip up! Thank you so much for the great recipe.
Abi Guna says
I am so glad you loved the recipe, thank you so much!
Madhu says
Yummm, this dip sounds amazing! Perfect for snack time with the family!
Abi Guna says
Yes you can enjoy this with any of your favourite sancks and appetizers!
Abi Guna says
Homemade ranch dip from the scratch, my family's favourite recipe!