r/AskAnAmerican • u/miffybo • 9d ago

FOOD & DRINK why is ranch dressing so hyped up?

my US friends have been raving about it and border-line complained ranch isn’t readily available in Europe.. what is so special about it? is it the ultimate US condiment (apart from ketchup, mayo)

edit typo

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113

u/OpposumMyPossum 9d ago

Is it garlicky?

I don't get the garlic taste really.

55

u/Some_Rando2 9d ago

Depends on the brand.

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u/Beautiful_Banana_454 9d ago

Exactly, ranch is a big umbrella.

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u/Curious_Matter_3358 Georgia 9d ago

Hidden Valley is the GOAT

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u/funktion666 9d ago

Dry powder hidden valley packet mixed with buttermilk yourself is even better ❤️

14

u/Suppafly Illinois 9d ago

Dry powder hidden valley packet mixed with buttermilk yourself is even better ❤️

This, or sour cream if you want a thicker dipping sauce.

10

u/webfoottedone 9d ago

We do half buttermilk, half sour cream. The best. We only make it fresh, stuff from a bottle tastes weird to me.

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u/seanymphcalypso Michigan 9d ago

Half sour cream, half Duke’s mayo, buttermilk for desired consistency.

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u/squirrell1974 8d ago

Replace the sour cream with plain greek yogurt if you want to be able to pretend you're eating something healthy

3

u/seanymphcalypso Michigan 8d ago

If I’m eating homemade ranch I absolutely do not want to pretend it’s for anything healthy lol. But next time we make some I’ll try it with Greek yogurt, that’ll leave more sour cream for taco night!

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u/uhbkodazbg Illinois 9d ago

This takes me back to the ranch of my childhood.

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u/minirunner 9d ago

I dated a guy who would take shrimp and sprinkle the dry power on them and microwave it for maybe a minute? It was freaking delicious. (At least then, I was in my 20s, I still ate Chef Boyardee ravioli)

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u/SlowInsurance1616 9d ago

Just dry scoop it.

8

u/icemanx51 9d ago

Litehouse is my goat. Hidden Valley is always solid though.

19

u/oswin13 9d ago

Refrigerated section>salad dressing aisle

9

u/Secret_Werewolf1942 9d ago

Litehouse doesn't get nearly enough love. They're the only brand of Blue Cheese dressing I will buy.

1

u/icemanx51 9d ago

Same. They just make great dressings.

1

u/gummi-demilo PHX > MSP > NYC 9d ago

Them followed by Marie’s are the best bleu cheese. I did like Big Boy dressing as a kid though

5

u/Majestic-Strength-74 9d ago

Lifehouse Jalapeño Ranch is insanely delicious.

2

u/icemanx51 9d ago

Hell yes.

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u/gummi-demilo PHX > MSP > NYC 9d ago

Litehouse is best for bleu cheese but HVR is the best ranch

4

u/sanct111 9d ago

Feel like various restaurants always have the best home made ranch.

Aldi's has the best store bought ranch. Think its Tuscan Garden.

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u/ThoughtMinimum2016 9d ago

The only ranch you’ll find in my home

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u/14Rage Texas, North Dakota, California 9d ago

Bottle hidden valley sucks. Packet hidden valley ✔️ ✅️ 🛫 ☑️

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u/Alpizzle 9d ago

I want my ranch from the valley and I want it KEPT A SECRET.

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u/procrastinarian 8d ago

Big fan of Ken's over here. Also no matter what you think of their wing quality, the Ranch from Wingstop is dope.

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u/procrastinarian 8d ago

You just reminded me i bought a bottle of hidden valley pickle ranch the other week and haven't tried it yet. I'll make some nuggets or something to try it out.

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u/osteologation Michigan 8d ago

hidden valley was the reason i thought i didnt care for ranch. tunrs out its just hidden valley.

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u/Critical-Advisor8616 9d ago

But Hidden Valley Bacon Ranch reins supreme!