Buffalo Wild Wings is a popular chain of sports bars that specializes in chicken wings. They offer a variety of sauces and dry rubs to give their wings bold and unique flavors. One of their most popular side sauces is the ranch dressing that they serve with wings and other menu items.
The History of Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch
Buffalo Wild Wings first opened in 1982 in Columbus, Ohio near the campus of Ohio State University. Founders Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery wanted to create a sports bar with a fun atmosphere that served spicy chicken wings. They experimented with different wing recipes and sauces before settling on Buffalo-style chicken wings as their signature menu item.
Along with the wings, they knew they needed to provide cooling ranch dipping sauce to balance out the heat. They worked to develop their own house-made ranch recipe that had the perfect blend of cool, creamy and tangy flavors. This original ranch recipe was an immediate hit with customers and has become as iconic as the wings themselves.
The Ingredients in Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch
While the exact recipe is a secret, Buffalo Wild Wings has revealed some of the ingredients that give their ranch its unique flavor profile:
- Buttermilk – The ranch is made with real buttermilk, which gives it a cool tanginess.
- Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise provides a rich, creamy texture.
- Sour Cream – Sour cream adds even more cooling creaminess.
- Dill – Fresh dill gives the ranch a distinctive herbal flavor.
- Lemon Juice – A touch of lemon juice brightens up the ranch.
- Garlic – Minced garlic provides a subtle background flavor.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder rounds out the savory flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – Salt and pepper season the ranch.
Combining all of these ingredients results in the cool, creamy and tangy ranch that Buffalo Wild Wings is famous for.
The Making of Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch Dressing
While Buffalo Wild Wings starts with high quality ingredients, how they blend and prepare the ranch also impacts the flavor. Here are some key steps in how they make their signature ranch dressing:
- The mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice and seasonings are whisked together thoroughly so the mixture emulsifies into a smooth consistency.
- Fresh chopped dill and minced garlic are then folded into the emulsion. The dill and garlic are not blended in so they provide bursts of flavor.
- The ranch is refrigerated overnight so all the flavors can fully develop.
- Before serving, the ranch is whisked once more to re-incorporate all the ingredients.
- The ranch is portioned into serving cups and served alongside the wings and other menu items.
This careful preparation method keeps the ranch light and creamy while allowing the fresh herbs and spices to shine through.
Types of Ranch Served at Buffalo Wild Wings
While the house-made buttermilk ranch is the classic choice, Buffalo Wild Wings actually offers a few varieties of ranch dressing. The other ranch choices include:
- Peppercorn Ranch – The classic ranch with cracked black peppercorns added.
- Ranch with Bacon – Ranch with crispy chopped bacon pieces.
- Honey BBQ Ranch – Ranch mixed with honey BBQ sauce.
- Spicy Ranch – Ranch mixed with Buffalo wing sauce.
These ranch variations allow customers to choose a dipping sauce that best complements whichever style of wings they order. The peppercorn ranch pairs well with crispy dry rub wings. The honey BBQ ranch matches sweet BBQ wings. And the spicy ranch balances out intensely hot wings.
Serving Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch
Buffalo Wild Wings serves their house-made ranch dressing in a few different ways:
- Cups – Individual 2 oz cups for dipping wings and fries.
- Tubs – Larger tubs are provided for sharing at the table.
- Drizzle – Ranch can be drizzled over wings, wraps and salads.
Their ranch is made without preservatives so it has a fresh homemade taste when served. The restaurants go through a high volume of ranch every day to keep up with dipping demand from wing lovers.
Nutrition Information
Buffalo Wild Wings ranch dressing has the following nutrition information per 2 oz serving:
| Calories | Total Fat | Cholesterol |
|---|---|---|
| 180 | 20g | 15mg |
As a rich, creamy dressing, the ranch does contain high amounts of fat. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Where to Buy Buffalo Wild Wings Ranch
True Buffalo Wild Wings fans crave the ranch dressing year round, not just during restaurant visits. Luckily, there are a few ways to purchase Buffalo Wild Wings ranch dressing:
- Restaurant Locations – Available for purchase in 16 oz take home containers at Buffalo Wild Wings locations.
- Grocery Stores – Bottled versions are sold at select grocery stores in the refrigerated dressing aisle.
- Online – Can be ordered online from the Buffalo Wild Wings website and shipped nationwide.
Check with your local Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant to see if take home ranch is available. Keep the creamy, cool dipping sauce on hand for all of your snacking needs.
Copycat Recipe
Can’t find the Buffalo Wild Wings ranch dressing near you? Try making this tasty copycat recipe at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in fresh dill and minced garlic.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors blend.
- Serve chilled alongside hot wings.
This ranch can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy the Buffalo Wild Wings taste at home!
Conclusion
The cool, creamy ranch dressing at Buffalo Wild Wings has developed a legendary status over the past four decades. Made with a secret blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, herbs and spices, it’s the perfect complement to their fiery chicken wings. While the exact recipe remains a mystery, the unique tangy flavor profile keeps customers coming back. Next time you find yourself at a Buffalo Wild Wings, be sure to get an order of wings with a side of their famous house-made ranch for dipping.