Thanks to this copycat recipe, you no longer have to mourn the loss of Jimmy John's Kickin Ranch sauce. Just whip up a batch of this delicious sauce at home, and you'll be able to enjoy it on sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more!
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There's nothing worse than when one of your go-to food brands changes its recipe or, worse - discontinues an item altogether. Unfortunately, that's exactly what Jimmy John's customers all over the country are going through.
Back in January 2024, they announced they were discounting the Kickin Ranch, and let me just say, I was heartbroken! (RIP Subway's Chipotle Southwest Sauce...)
It was a must-have anytime I stopped in to grab a quick sub sandwich, and I was not alone.
So, I made it my mission to find a way to make it at home. After some experimenting, I finally came up with a copycat recipe that tastes just like the original! Plus, it's super easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
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Tip: If you like this recipe, check out my Texas Roadhouse Ranch copycat recipe. It's perfect for salads and dipping, too!
Why you'll love this recipe
- It tastes just like the original Jimmy John's Kickin Ranch sauce.
- Easy to make at home with only a few ingredients.
- Perfect for adding some kick to sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more!
Key ingredients
Having a yummy sandwich sauce on hand can elevate any meal. And the best part about this recipe is that you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen! Here are some of the ingredients you'll need...
Ranch Dressing Mix: The secret to making this sauce taste just like Jimmy John's is to use the Hidden Valley Ranch Mix. This seasoning blend adds a savory and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. A former employee mentioned on a Reddit thread that this was where they got their ranch mix from.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a smooth and creamy texture to the ranch dressing while still keeping it light and not too thick. It also adds a slight tanginess that balances out the flavors. You can even read more if you're curious about what buttermilk tastes like.
Cherry Peppers: These small, bright red peppers add a sweet and tangy punch to the dressing. They are what give this ranch its "kickin" element.
Vinegar: Similar to my Wendy's Chili Sauce recipe, the vinegar here adds a little extra tang to the dish.
Heather's helpful hints
- If you want that perfect spicy-sweet kick in every bite without going overboard, use two tablespoons of chopped cherry peppers. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount or leave them out altogether.
- After you mix all the ingredients, pop the dressing in the fridge to chill for at least an hour before you serve it. This gives all the flavors time to blend together perfectly, making the taste richer.
Step-by-step instructions
Whip up a batch of this tasty ranch dressing in just 15 minutes by following these simple steps:
Step 1) Mix up the buttermilk and ranch dressing packet.
Step 2) Grab a small blender, toss in the mayo, cherry peppers, and juices, and blend until smooth.
Step 3) Now, pour that smooth blend into the buttermilk ranch. Add in garlic powder and give it a good mix.
Step 4) Taste it, and if you're feeling it, jazz it up by sprinkling in some paprika and cayenne.
Recipe Variations
- For a vegan version, substitute mayo with vegan mayonnaise and buttermilk with any non-dairy milk mixed with apple cider vinegar.
- For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and reduce the amount of ranch seasoning.
- Add in chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Make ahead and storage tips
When I make a batch of Kimmy John's Kickin Ranch, I store it in an airtight container or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you're planning to use it for a marinade, I recommend doubling the recipe and storing it in a jar for up to two weeks.
Meal ideas
Once the ranch has had time to chill, it's ready to be used in all sorts of delicious ways!
Use it as a dipping sauce for freshly cut veggies for an afternoon snack. Or, serve it as a dipping sauce with some crispy chicken wings or tenders and some hot seasoned fries.
This ranch dressing is also delicious when drizzled over your favorite salads.
You can also keep using it as a marinade for meats or veggies, adding an extra kick to your next barbecue or cookout.
And, of course, it's perfect for topping your favorite sandwiches and wraps, just like the original Jimmy John's Kickin Ranch!
FAQs
Buttermilk adds a tangy richness that regular milk can't match. You could add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk as a homemade substitute, but for the authentic taste, it's worth using buttermilk.
You can substitute mayonnaise for various ingredients, such as Greek yogurt, sour cream, or avocado. However, these substitutions may slightly alter the taste and texture of the ranch dressing.
You can also try making your own homemade mayo as a healthier alternative. Overall, feel free to experiment with different substitutes to find what works best for you!
Related recipes
If you're in the mood for more sauce recipes, check out these favorites from My Sweet Precision!
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Recipe
Jimmy John's Kickin Ranch
Ingredients
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 ounce packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons cherry peppers
- 1 tablespoon cherry pepper juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Whisk buttermilk and ranch dressing packet together.
- In a small blender, blend the mayonnaise, cherry peppers, and cherry pepper juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Pour the blended mixture into the buttermilk and ranch mixture. Add the garlic powder and mix thoroghly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning by adding paprika and cayenne if desired.
Notes and Tips
- I like to use Hidden Valley Ranch Mix packets for this recipe. An ex-employee indicated that this was the supplier for their ranch mix on a Reddit thread.
KIKI cole says
This is how to make this ranch. You whisk half the Buttermilk and all the Mayonaise together in a bowl. In a blender you finely chop the peppers, you then add pepper juice and blend again. Then you add the other half of Buttermilk, blend. While blender is on you add Uncle Dan's Ranch powder and blend well. You than take blended mixture and pour into bowl with the mixed Buttermilk and mayonnaise. Whisk well. Date it with the expiration date of
buttermik. Jimmy John's only kept batches for one week.
Heather says
Thanks for the feedback, Kiki!
Laura says
Wow. I won't go to JJ anymore because the only reason I went was the Kickin Ranch sauce. (Their replacement, Jalapeño Ranch, is bleh.) This recipe is FANTASTIC. Thank you! I followed the suggestion to double the buttermilk and regret it. It was too runny, but still tastes great. I'll make it thicker next time. Oh, and I doubled the cayenne pepper (1 tsp) which I definitely recommend. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I will be making this too many times in the future!!
Heather says
Hi Laura, thanks for the recipe feedback! I am with you 100% about the Jalapeño Ranch. So glad it's a keeper for the future and thanks for the feedback on the cayenne pepper. I know other readers will like having it spicy too!
Chelsea says
Am I using sweet cherry peppers or sweet and spicy, or hot? Walmart makes things complicated.
Heather says
Hi Chelsea, I used sweet cherry peppers in the recipe. I hadn't seen the sweet and spicy. I think you'd be safe with a little extra kick if you got the spicy or hot ones!
Josh says
Just made this today and had it as a dip, as I did from JJ's. It was delicious! The only change I made was adding another 1/2C of buttermilk to thin it out abit. Thanks!
Heather says
Hi Josh, I'm so glad this recipe worked out for you. Thanks for adding the suggestion of thinning out the sauce with additional buttermilk!
Steve says
Fantastic copycat. Simple steps to follow and just like the real thing. RIP JJ Kickin' Ranch.
Heather says
Were sad too, Steve! Hopefully this is close to the real thing for you!