I have always been fascinated by the idea of creating the perfect blend of flavors that can elevate any dish to new heights. After countless trials and taste tests in my humble kitchen, I finally concocted an irresistibly delicious and fiery sauce that I’m excited to share with you all: the Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce.
This recipe combines the creamy coolness of ranch with the infamous heat of ghost peppers, resulting in a versatile sauce that can enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes while giving you that delightful tingle of spice.
Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce is a spicy, zesty ranch dressing made with ghost pepper puree. It’s a great way to add some kick to your next salad or burger without overpowering the flavor of your food.
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
1-2 dried ghost peppers, seeds removed (adjust the quantity depending on your heat tolerance)
Instructions
Rehydrate the ghost peppers: To rehydrate your dried ghost peppers, immerse them in a bowl of hot water for about 10-15 minutes until they’re soft and pliable. Once rehydrated, finely chop the peppers and set them aside.
Prepare the sauce base: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add flavoring ingredients: Stir in the lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly to ensure all flavors are well-integrated.
Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the dried dill, dried parsley, and onion powder to the sauce base. Mix well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices across the sauce.
Bring the heat: Carefully fold in the chopped ghost peppers, starting with a small amount and taste-testing as you go. Add more if desired, keeping in mind that ghost peppers pack a serious punch!
Season the sauce: Lastly, add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Give the sauce a final stir to combine everything.
Chill and serve: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. When you’re ready to serve, give the sauce a good stir and enjoy it alongside your favorite dishes!
Tips & Tricks
To maximize the flavors, let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, or even overnight, before serving.
If you’re using fresh ghost peppers instead of dried ones, reduce the quantity by half to maintain a similar heat intensity.
Make your Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce milder by using a milder pepper, like a jalapeño or a Serrano, instead of the ghost pepper.
To make a vegan version of the sauce, use vegan mayo, dairy-free sour cream, and plant-based milk for the buttermilk.
Storage: Keep the sauce stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
What to serve with
Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce is quite the bold choice! Its fiery kick pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to serve with Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce:
Chicken Wings:Â Deep-fried or baked chicken wings with a crispy exterior. The coolness of the ranch sauce complements the spiciness of the ghost pepper, creating a perfect balance.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers:Â The smokiness from the grill enhances the flavor of the shrimp, and dipping them into Ghost Pepper Ranch adds a spicy twist.
Sweet Potato Fries:Â The sweetness of the fries contrasts nicely with the heat of the sauce, providing a delightful flavor combination.
Vegetable Platter:Â Serve an array of fresh, crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers. The cool ranch sauce adds a zing to the veggies.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders:Â Create sliders with shredded buffalo chicken and a dollop of Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce. The heat and creaminess elevate the sliders to a whole new level.
Loaded Nachos: Build a mountain of nachos with layers of cheese, jalapeños, and seasoned ground meat. Drizzle Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce on top for an extra kick.
Fried Pickles:Â The tanginess of fried pickles pairs well with the heat of the ghost pepper. Dip them generously in Ghost Pepper Ranch for a spicy and crunchy treat.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeños: Wrap jalapeño halves with bacon and grill until crispy. The Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce provides a cooling element to these spicy, savory bites.
Tacos:Â Ghost Pepper Ranch is an excellent topping for tacos, especially those with grilled meats. The spiciness enhances the overall flavor profile.
Crispy Onion Rings:Â The crispy exterior of onion rings, combined with the heat of ghost pepper and the creaminess of ranch, creates a delightful snack.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches:Â Smoky pulled pork paired with Ghost Pepper Ranch is a flavor explosion. The creaminess of the sauce complements the rich, savory pork.
Potato Skins:Â Load potato skins with cheese, bacon, and a dollop of Ghost Pepper Ranch. The creaminess balances the bold flavors.
Final Thoughts
This ghost pepper ranch sauce recipe is a great way to add some heat to your favorite dishes. It’s simple, it’s spicy, and anyone in love with heat will love it.
1-2 dried ghost peppers, seeds removed (adjust the quantity depending on your heat tolerance)
Instructions
Rehydrate the ghost peppers: To rehydrate your dried ghost peppers, immerse them in a bowl of hot water for about 10-15 minutes until they're soft and pliable. Once rehydrated, finely chop the peppers and set them aside.
Prepare the sauce base: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add flavoring ingredients: Stir in the lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly to ensure all flavors are well-integrated.
Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the dried dill, dried parsley, and onion powder to the sauce base. Mix well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices across the sauce.
Bring the heat: Carefully fold in the chopped ghost peppers, starting with a small amount and taste-testing as you go. Add more if desired, keeping in mind that ghost peppers pack a serious punch!
Season the sauce: Lastly, add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Give the sauce a final stir to combine everything.
Chill and serve: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. When you're ready to serve, give the sauce a good stir and enjoy it alongside your favorite dishes!
I am a chef and recipe writer who has been passionate about food since i was a child. I grew up in a family of cooks, and i loved spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning how to make traditional dishes.
