As a longtime admirer of Jimmy John’s culinary prowess, I’ve been smitten by their incredible sandwiches, but one signature style that rises above the rest is their Kickin’ Ranch sauce. This coveted, proprietary concoction of theirs holds a unique spot in the hearts of food lovers everywhere. A delicious paradox of punchy spice and creamy solace, the Jimmy John’s Kickin Ranch is an absolute crowd-pleaser, unmatched in its charisma.
Having spent what felt like countless hours (and countless sandwiches) trying to unravel the mystery behind this culinary problem, it felt only right to share my findings with you. So buckle in, grab your aprons, and ready your taste buds for a delightful exploration into the ingredients, the method, and ultimately, the joy of recreating Jimmy John’s Kickin’ Ranch right in your kitchen.
What is jimmy john’s kickin Ranch?
Jimmy John’s Kickin Ranch is a signature sauce used as a condiment for their sandwiches and as a dipping sauce. The beloved Kickin’ Ranch is made from scratch at each Jimmy John’s location and is described as featuring hot cherry peppers and special seasonings pureed into fresh buttermilk.
What is Jimmy John’s Kickin Ranch made of?
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha, Tabasco, or your preferred hot sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
How to make jimmy john’s kickin ranch
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and buttermilk until smooth.
- Add the minced garlic, white vinegar or lemon juice, and hot sauce to the mixture. Stir until everything is incorporated.
- Incorporate the chopped parsley and dill into the mixture. These fresh herbs will add a burst of flavor to the sauce.
- Add the onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the mixture. These spices will give the sauce its kick and depth of flavor.
- Mix all the ingredients together until the sauce is well blended and has a consistent texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with hot sauce or cayenne for more spice.
- Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, transfer the kickin’ ranch sauce to a jar or airtight container.
- Before serving, refrigerate the sauce for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips:
- If you desire a smoother texture, blend the ingredients with a food processor or immersion blender.
- Feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or adding different types of chili peppers.
- You can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available, but fresh herbs generally provide a more vibrant flavor.
What to serve with
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Jimmy john’s Kickin Ranch is a classic choice for sandwiches and wraps. Spread it on your favorite deli sandwiches, subs, or wraps to add a creamy and spicy element. It pairs well with both cold and hot sandwiches, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salads: Use Jimmy john’s Kickin Ranch as a salad dressing to elevate your salads. It works particularly well with salads that have bold flavors, such as southwest salads, grilled chicken salads, or salads with spicy components.
- Chicken Wings: Serve Jimmy john’s Kickin Ranch as a dipping sauce for chicken wings. It’s creamy texture and spicy kick provide a delightful contrast to the crispy and flavorful wings.
- Chicken Tenders: Dip crispy chicken tenders or chicken strips into Kickin’ Ranch for a tasty and zesty twist.
- French Fries: jimmy john’s Kickin Ranch can be a delicious alternative to traditional ketchup or other dipping sauces for French fries. The combination of creamy and spicy complements the salty fries well.
- Vegetable Platter: Create a vegetable platter with an assortment of fresh veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Kickin’ Ranch makes a fantastic dip for a healthy and flavorful snack.
- Burgers: Add a dollop of Kickin’ Ranch to your burger as a unique and delicious sauce. It can work exceptionally well with burgers that have spicy or smoky flavors.
- Tacos and Burritos: Use Kickin’ Ranch as a topping for tacos or as a creamy element in burritos. Its tangy heat can enhance the overall taste of these Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Quesadillas: Drizzle Kickin’ Ranch over quesadillas, whether they’re filled with cheese, veggies, or meat. It can add a burst of flavor and creaminess to each bite.
- Grilled Meats: Use Kickin’ Ranch as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over grilled chicken, steak, or pork. The sauce’s richness can complement the charred flavors from the grill.
- Pizza: While unconventional, some people enjoy using Kickin’ Ranch as a pizza dipping sauce. Its spiciness can add an extra layer of excitement to your pizza experience.
- Potato Salad: Add Kickin’ Ranch to your potato salad for a zesty and creamy twist. It can be a flavorful departure from traditional mayonnaise-based dressings.
Final Thoughts
The tantalizing allure of Jimmy John’s Kickin Ranch is no longer confined to the confines of their sandwich shops. With a little culinary creativity and a dash of adventurous spirit, you can recreate a similar flavor experience right in the comfort of your kitchen. While we may not possess the secret behind Jimmy John’s signature sauce, our homemade rendition offers a delightful blend of creaminess, tanginess, and just the right kick of heat.
More Sauce Recipes:
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha, Tabasco, or your preferred hot sauce)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and buttermilk until smooth.
- Add the minced garlic, white vinegar or lemon juice, and hot sauce to the mixture. Stir until everything is incorporated.
- Incorporate the chopped parsley and dill into the mixture. These fresh herbs will add a burst of flavor to the sauce.
- Add the onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the mixture. These spices will give the sauce its kick and depth of flavor.
- Mix all the ingredients together until the sauce is well blended and has a consistent texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with hot sauce or cayenne for more spice.
- Once you're satisfied with the flavor, transfer the kickin' ranch sauce to a jar or airtight container.
- Before serving, refrigerate the sauce for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
