Copycat Outback Ranch Recipe {2 Steps}

A solid Copycat Outback Ranch Dressing Recipe is a must if you’re a die-hard steakhouse fan like I am.

Whether you’re dipping carrots, hot wings, or using it as salad dressing, this will be the best homemade (or restaurant style!) ranch dressing you’ve ever had.

Making Copycat Outback Ranch Dressing

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup full fat buttermilk
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Kosher salt to taste
• a squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Prep time: 2 minutes

Total time: 5 minutes

1. For your buttermilk ranch dressing, in a medium bowl combine your mayonnaise and slowly stir in your buttermilk. (If you don’t have buttermilk, see below for how to make your own!)
2. In a smaller bowl combine the cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Combine your spices and mayonnaise and buttermilk into a single bowl and mix well.
4. Chill in the refrigerator and serve.

Dos and Don’t for Best Ranch Dressing

If you’re dressing is too thick: Slowly add a bit more buttermilk

If you’re dressing is too thin: Add, by the teaspoon, more mayo

If you want to add some herbs: Mince and add chives, parsley, or dill

Outback Ranch Dressing without buttermilk?

If you forgot to grab buttermilk at the store, or couldn’t find it in your local grocery store, don’t panic. You can actually make homemade buttermilk on your own!

All you’re going to need is a tablespoon of freshly-squeezed lemon juice or a tablespoon of distilled white vinegar. Combine whole milk or 2% milk with the lemon juice or vinegar and then let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. That’s it! It will look a little curdled, but that’s fine.

One note though: Typically when you make buttermilk like this it won’t come out as thick as actual buttermilk. So take that into consideration when making this Outback Steakhouse ranch recipe. You might want to add a tad bit more mayonnaise. Or even a dab of sour cream.

Best Uses for Copycat Outback Ranch Dressing

• Use it as a dipping sauce for Crispy Green Bean Fries
• Use it in place of sour cream when having taco night or making beef fajitas
• Be super extra (and over the top) and add a drizzle to cheese fries!
• Use it as a dip for a veggies plate

How Long Does Homemade Ranch Dressing Last?

That’s a great question. If you’re storing the dressing in an airtight container such as some quality Tupperware or a simple mason jar, the ranch will last about a week. But that said, Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing (or any ranch salad dressing) freezes poorly because of the buttermilk. So we recommend making it fresh before using it.

With that said, make sure your buttermilk and mayonnaise aren’t too close to the expiration date when you’re making your dressing.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to save some time, mix your spices together and keep them in the cabinet. Then when you’re ready for some ranch dressing, you have your ranch dressing mix ready to go

Looking for more copycat recipes?

Below are a few of our readers’ favorite copycat recipes from our archives.

Auntie Anne’s Copycat Pretzel Recipe

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Steak Recipe

Copycat Cheesy Taco Bell Loaded Potato Griller Recipe

Copycat Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe

Have questions or want to say hi? Leave them in the comments below. Until next time: Stay salty, and sweet 😉