Easy Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing {Delicious Copycat Recipe} with VIDEO
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Outback Steakhouse has always been one of my family’s favorite places to eat, and if you asked me what I’d order every time, it would be the house salad with that creamy ranch dressing. Years ago, I created this copycat recipe, and it’s been one of the most popular recipes on my site ever since.
Recently, a reader commented that my original recipe didn’t taste quite like Outback’s ranch anymore. Instead of guessing, I headed to Outback, ordered extra ranch dressing to bring home, and compared it side by side with my homemade version. After a few adjustments and making the recipe twice, I finally landed on what I believe is the closest match yet.
My daughter loved the updated version so much that she immediately asked me to make it again, which gave me another chance to compare it to the original. After multiple side-by-side taste tests, I honestly think this homemade ranch is every bit as good as Outback’s… maybe even better! It’s creamy, tangy, packed with flavor, and one recipe I’ll be making for years to come.
Copycat Outback Ranch Dressing Recipe
One thing I learned while recreating Outback Ranch Dressing is that the balance of ingredients really matters. The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, vinegar, and seasonings creates the creamy texture and tangy flavor that make this dressing taste so much like the original.
After updating the recipe and testing it against the restaurant version, I finally landed on the version my family keeps requesting. It’s thick enough to use as a dip for fried pickles, vegetables, and chicken tenders, but it also pours beautifully over a crisp salad.
For the closest match to Outback Ranch Dressing, make the recipe exactly as written and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. If you prefer a little extra heat, stir in the optional cayenne pepper.
How Close Is This Copycat Outback Ranch?
When I updated this recipe, I wanted to know how it really stacked up against the original. After a reader commented that my older version didn’t taste quite like Outback’s anymore, I ordered plenty of the restaurant’s ranch dressing so I could do a true side-by-side comparison at home.
After making this recipe twice with a few adjustments, I compared the color, texture, thickness, and flavor of both dressings. The Outback Ranch Dressing is on the left, and my homemade version is on the right.
I’m honestly thrilled with how close they are. In fact, after tasting them side by side, my family actually preferred the homemade version. It has the same creamy texture, tangy flavor, and peppery finish we love, and now it’s the only ranch dressing we keep in our refrigerator.
How to Make Outback Salad
One of my readers, Erica, who worked at Outback Steakhouse, shared the exact ingredients used in the restaurant’s famous House Salad. It’s one of my favorite tips ever left in the comments because it lets you recreate the entire restaurant experience at home.
According to Erica, you’ll need:
- Iceberg lettuce
- Romain letuce
- Napa cabbage
- Red onion
- Cherry tomatoes
- Croutons
- Shredded cheese
Thank you, Erica!
Melissa’s Tip For Making this Ranch Dressing
For the best flavor, refrigerate the dressing for at least an hour before serving. This gives the seasonings time to blend together and makes the dressing taste even more like the restaurant version.
The Secret Is the Seasoning Blend
The biggest difference I noticed while comparing my homemade ranch to the restaurant version wasn’t the mayonnaise or sour cream (although the sour cream is a big upgrade)—it was getting the seasoning blend just right. A little too much paprika or black pepper changes the flavor quickly, so I recommend measuring carefully the first time you make it. Once you’ve tried it, you can always adjust the pepper or cayenne to suit your family’s taste.
The simple blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, coarse black pepper, salt, and other pantry staples is what gives this homemade ranch its signature Outback-style flavor.
How long will homemade ranch dressing last?
The dressing should be stored in an airtight container and in the refrigerator. Under those circumstances, the dressing should last up to 3 weeks.
How do I know if my Ranch Dressing has gone bad?
Your best bet is to smell the dressing. If it has a foul smell, it may be bad. Looking is also a good idea. Check for mold or clumpiness. Throw it out if in doubt.
How many grams of carbs are in Ranch Dressing?
About 1 gram
What to Serve with Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Side Salad and Rolls
- Fried Pickles
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Baked Cornflake Chicken
I also think my recipe for Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza or my Garlic Seasoned Potato Wedges would be delicious with this dip.
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ⅛ cup buttermilk 2 tbsp.
- 1 tsp. white vinegar
- ¾ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. course sea salt
- ¼ tsp. ground mustard
- ½ tsp. course ground black pepper (add a little extra if you like a bolder pepper flavor)
- ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper This gives the recipe that subtle kick that Outback's ranch has. If you don't like your dressing spicy, then omit this.
Instructions
- Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and white vinegar to a medium mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, coarse sea salt, ground mustard, and black pepper and the cayenne pepper.
- Whisk until the dressing is completely smooth and all of the seasonings are evenly combined.
- After mixing, take a little taste to see if it has enough of a spicy kick. If you need a little more add a little bit more of the cayenne pepper. Not too much. A little goes a long way. Taste again and add more if necessary.
- Mix well, cover, and place into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let it chill for 2 to 4 hours so the seasonings have time to blend together.
- Stir before serving. If the dressing thickens too much after chilling, whisk in a splash of buttermilk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Notes
- Freshly cracked coarse black pepper gives this dressing its signature restaurant-style flavor.
- Letting the ranch chill before serving makes a noticeable difference in taste.
- Add an extra pinch of black pepper if you prefer a bolder, more peppery ranch like the one served at Outback Steakhouse.
Nutrition
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More Recipes to Consider
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Here’s a quick video to show you how I made this easy Copy Cat Outback Ranch Dressing.
~Melissa – KidFriendlyThingsToDo.com
I can gaurantee outback doesn’t use HVR powder in their ranch dressing.
I Guarantee guarantee isn’t spelled like that.
Super yummy but my husband says it doesn’t taste like Outback. He orders just ranch dressing from them pretty frequently lol.
I need him in my test kitchen! 🙂
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this recipe, tried others in Pinterest never happy with them. It’s simple and easy, will forever be good. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Outback so I cannot attest to similarities, who cares, this is great! Thank you.
You have HIGH standards for Outback! 😂
Jennifer. from one grammar nazi to another, LOL
Do you have to use buttermilk or if you get the non-buttermilk ranch packet and use regular milk, will it be just as good?
I’ve used both the regular ranch packet and the buttermilk ranch packet. They both tasted delicious. As far as using buttermilk vs. regular milk – I haven’t used regular milk in this particular recipe. Buttermilk, in this recipe, adds a little tang and thickness. I’d say it would be fine without it. The flavor should be about the same. If you feel like it – You can always add a squeeze of lemon for tang. If you use regular milk, use a little less than the recipe states. Cut the measurement in half. If it’s too thick, you can always add more milk. Now, if it’s just that you don’t have buttermilk…You can make your own DIY buttermilk! Just pour the milk into a cup and add lemon juice (maybe a Tablespoon). Mix and let sit for about 5 minutes. The milk will thicken up and you’ll have that tang in your recipe. I’ve substituted this DIY buttermilk in tons of recipes.
FYI: You can make buttermilk by putting 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in a measuring cup and adding whole milk to equal a cup.
Is it 1.5 tablespoons or teaspoons of ranch powder?
So sorry. That is teaspoons. Using a small t for teaspoon is an old way of writing recipes. If you ever see a capital T, it usually means a tablespoon. I thought I had updated the abbreviation. Thank you for pointing that out. I will go fix it now.
In the salad it’s Iceberg lettuce, Romaine, and Napa cabbage (for the salad mix), cucumbers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. I worked there for 4 years.
Thank you for the inside info! Yay! I’ll update the post. 🙂
Erica, would you happen to be able to share with us from your experience working at Outback..
How close is this recipe to theirs? I have wanted to know their ranch ingredients for years and would love to know if you could share it. Thanks!
is this the same ranch Outback gives with their aussie cheese fries?
I honestly don’t know. I’ve never had their cheese fries, but that sounds so good right now. I’m sorry I couldn’t answer – for certain.
I just made this Easy Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing, and it turned out amazing! The flavor is spot on and it’s so creamy. I loved the video too—it made the recipe super easy to follow. This will definitely be my go-to ranch from now on! Thank you for sharing!
This ranch dressing recipe is amazing! I tried it out last night, and it tastes just like the real thing from Outback. The video was super helpful too. Can’t wait to use it on everything! Thanks for sharing!
That’s awesome! Thank you for coming back to tell me! 🙂 Enjoy!
I just tried this Outback Steakhouse ranch dressing recipe, and it’s amazing! The flavors are spot on, and it’s super easy to make. The video was really helpful too. I can’t wait to use it for my next salad night! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy that you liked the dressing. Thank you for such an amazing comment!
I just tried this copycat recipe, and it’s amazing! The ranch dressing tastes just like the Outback version, and the video made it so easy to follow. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe! Can’t wait to use it on my salads.
This ranch dressing recipe is incredible! I’ve always loved Outback’s version, and this copycat is spot on. Thanks for the easy-to-follow video – I can’t wait to try it at home!