Ranch and BBQ Sauce: A Southern Favorite Made for Every Meal

Ranch and BBQ sauce is one of those Southern staples that just works—creamy, tangy ranch paired with bold, smoky barbecue. It’s a simple combination, but in our kitchen, it’s one with history. I’ve been mixing these sauces since I was a teenager in St. Francisville, standing on a stool beside my grandmother. Today, I live in New Orleans, where I cook for my own family. Life’s busy, but some recipes stay. This one’s become a go-to dip, drizzle, and marinade. It’s not fancy, but it’s full of flavor—and it always brings everyone to the table.

Ranch and BBQ Sauce: A Southern Favorite Made for Every Meal

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• Author: Emily Grace
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 cup 1x

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Description

This homemade ranch and BBQ sauce is the perfect creamy, smoky blend. Made entirely from scratch using simple pantry staples, it’s ideal for dipping, drizzling, or glazing. A Southern classic with bold flavor and family warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Ranch Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)

1 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp dried dill

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

For the BBQ Sauce:

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Salt to taste

For the Final Sauce:

1/2 cup homemade ranch dressing

1/2 cup homemade BBQ sauce

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the ranch dressing until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes.

2. In a saucepan, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients. Simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Let cool.

3. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the homemade ranch and 1/2 cup of the homemade BBQ sauce.

4. Stir well until the mixture is evenly blended and smooth.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add honey, lemon juice, or hot sauce to customize.

6. Let the final sauce rest for 10 minutes before serving. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

You can make each component a day ahead and mix when ready to serve.

Try brushing this sauce over grilled chicken, using it as a dip for crispy potatoes, or spreading it in wraps.

Use thicker ranch for dipping or thin it with vinegar for drizzling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: No-Cook + Simmer
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tbsp
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: ranch and BBQ sauce, homemade ranch BBQ, dipping sauce, Southern condiment

How Ranch and BBQ Sauce Became a Family Staple

Back in my grandmother’s kitchen, the rules were simple—cook from the heart, taste as you go, and never rely on a label. Everything was made from scratch, even the sauces. One afternoon, she mixed her homemade buttermilk ranch with a few spoonfuls of her simmered BBQ sauce, just to “see what would happen.” What happened was flavor magic. The smoky sweetness from the barbecue melted into the creamy, herby tang of the ranch—and it just worked. That first blend became a keeper, and ranch and BBQ sauce earned its place at our table.

If you want something lighter but still packed with flavor, my cottage cheese ranch dip is another great choice that keeps things creamy without extra heaviness.

In St. Francisville, meals weren’t fancy, but they were full of intention. We didn’t open bottles—we stirred, tasted, and adjusted. When I started cooking for my own family, I followed that same instinct. No matter the dish—baked chicken tenders, roasted vegetables, even grilled corn—I kept reaching for that combo I grew up with. It was always quick to make, and it never let us down.

Now, raising my kids in New Orleans, I lean on those same kitchen roots. Life moves fast, but flavor matters. Homemade ranch and BBQ sauce shows up in our wraps, over grilled chicken bowls, and as a dip on busy weeknights. It’s more than just a topping here—it’s a part of our rhythm. A simple sauce made from scratch, filled with memory, flavor, and a whole lot of heart.

Simple Ingredients That Make Ranch and BBQ Sauce Work Every Time

Homemade ranch and BBQ sauce from real kitchen staples

To make about 1 cup of ranch and BBQ sauce, you’ll first prepare each component from scratch. Here’s how to make them both using simple, accessible ingredients.

For the Ranch Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp dried dill
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar

I often make the ranch from scratch using my homestyle ranch recipe, especially when I want it extra thick and herby. For the BBQ sauce, a smoky or slightly sweet base works best. Together, they create a creamy, tangy, bold sauce that works on just about anything.

For the BBQ Sauce

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1½ tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne (optional for heat)
• Salt to taste

Each recipe yields about 1 cup. Mix the ranch ingredients in a bowl until smooth and chill for 30 minutes. Simmer the BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened, then let cool.

Blend both sauces to create the perfect combo

Once both sauces are ready and cooled, combine ½ cup of each in a mixing bowl. Stir well until fully blended. Taste and adjust. Want it tangier? Add a bit of lemon juice. Prefer sweetness? A teaspoon of honey helps. For a spicy kick, mix in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.

Let it rest for 10 minutes before using. You can store the finished ranch and BBQ sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. It’s ideal for dipping, spreading, or glazing—whatever your kitchen calls for.

How to Cook with Ranch and BBQ Sauce for Real Kitchen Results

Bring flavor to life with the right techniques

Once you’ve prepared your homemade ranch and BBQ sauce, the next step is using it in ways that elevate your meals. This isn’t just a dip—it’s a tool. And how you apply it can make all the difference.

For baked or grilled chicken, brush the sauce on during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This keeps the sugars from burning while still letting it caramelize into a rich, flavorful glaze. If you’re cooking wings or skewers, toss them in the sauce after they come off the heat so the texture stays crisp.

You can also use the sauce in the pan. I often sear chicken breasts or pork chops until browned, then lower the heat and spoon in a bit of the sauce. Let it bubble gently for a few minutes—it clings to the meat and intensifies the flavor.

If you enjoy combining bold, smoky flavors with creamy textures, you’ll probably love this roasted red pepper salad dressing too—it’s a scratch-made favorite with a tangy twist that works on everything from greens to grain bowls.

Make it work across meals, not just one dish

The beauty of making the sauce yourself is that it transforms the everyday. That leftover grilled chicken? Slice it, toss it in the sauce, and stuff it into a warm tortilla. Suddenly, it’s something new—warm, flavorful, and pulled together by a sauce made with heart.

Serving Ideas for Ranch and BBQ Sauce That Feel Like Home

Turn any dish into something worth gathering around

When you’ve taken the time to make your own ranch and BBQ sauce, you deserve to serve it in a way that does it justice. I like to spoon it into small bowls or ramekins and place them right at the center of the table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, having that sauce ready turns even the simplest meal into something shareable.

If you’re making baked or grilled chicken, slice it and fan it out on a plate with the sauce drizzled across or served on the side for dipping. I love pairing it with roasted potato wedges or grilled corn. The smoky, creamy combo complements earthy and sweet vegetables beautifully.

For something lighter, use it as a drizzle over chopped salads with grilled meat, or toss it with crispy chickpeas for a bold, crunchy snack. I’ve even swirled it into deviled egg filling—unexpected, but a hit every time.

Bring warmth and flexibility to your kitchen table

This sauce fits just about every plate in our house. When we have leftovers, I heat them up, grab the sauce from the fridge, and let it do the heavy lifting. It brings dishes back to life—especially proteins that need a little moisture and flavor.

You can also pour it over baked potatoes, stir it into cooked rice, or brush it on bread before grilling. Homemade ranch and BBQ sauce adds a bold finish that tells everyone: this was made with care.

And really, that’s the magic—simple ingredients, prepared from scratch, served with intention.

FAQs About Ranch and BBQ Sauce

Conclusion

Ranch and BBQ sauce is more than just a dip—it’s a Southern tradition in a jar. It brings together comfort and flavor, simplicity and heart. From my grandmother’s kitchen in St. Francisville to busy weeknights here in New Orleans, this sauce has stood the test of time. Whether you’re brushing it on grilled chicken or using it to dip your fries, I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, too.

Food, to me, has always been about more than feeding people. It’s about the connection we create through shared bites, warm plates, and quiet kitchen moments. That’s what this blend represents: a bridge between generations, between memories and modern life. It’s easy, familiar, and always welcome at the table.

So the next time you’re planning a family meal or looking for a new go-to condiment, remember this simple mix. Ranch and BBQ sauce might seem humble, but it carries the warmth of tradition and the joy of flavor in every spoonful. Try it once, and you’ll see how something this easy can make your meals feel just a little more special.

Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinterest