Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce

Wendy’s recently launched its Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce, creating a buzz among big fans of bold flavors. Known for its intensely hot and flavorful profile, this sauce elevates nuggets, fries, burgers, and sandwiches to new heights of delicious enjoyment. Drawing inspiration from one of the hottest peppers, ghost peppers, this creamy and smooth ranch dressing packs a spicy punch that frightens the faint-hearted while thrilling adventurous eaters. My experience with its tangy and spicy everything vibe took me back to a tailgate party, where its versatility as a spicy dip shone alongside vegetable trays and chicken wings. Its ability to balance heat and flavor makes it one of the best sauces in fast food history.

For those who enjoy experimenting, you can easily recreate a homemade version of this spicy ranch dip. Using dried ghost peppers, jalapeño powder, or even Carolina Reaper Powder, you can customize the spice level to suit your taste. A basic dip recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare, blending ghost peppers, your favorite ranch dressing, and spices for varying levels of heat. Serve it in a glass jar for convenience, and pair it with onion rings, a spicy chicken sandwich, or even a spicy ranch dip flight featuring different versions. Whether you’re a chili head or sharing with friends and family, this world’s hottest dip is sure to impress. Read on for more ideas to whip up the perfect spicy dip for your next gathering!

What is Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce?

Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce is a bold and spicy twist on classic ranch dressing, originally introduced by Wendy’s in their restaurants. Known for its tangy taste and fiery kick from ghost pepper powder, this dairy-based sauce pairs perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, nuggets, and fries. Crafted with ingredients like soybean oil, cultured buttermilk, vinegar, and a blend of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley, it delivers just the right amount of heat and flavorful goodness. Whether served with meals, as a dip for vegetable platters, or drizzled on salads, it’s an easy and inexpensive way to elevate any dish. For those curious about its exact recipe, the addition of corn syrup, sugar, and egg yolks ensures the perfect creamy texture and balance of spiciness.

Ingredients in Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce

• 1 cup soybean oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cultured buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ghost pepper powder
• 2 ghost peppers, finely chopped (seeds included)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Blender – For blending all the ingredients into a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate proportions of each ingredient.
• Jar or container for storage – For keeping the sauce fresh and easily accessible.

How to Make Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce?

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather the essentials: soybean oil, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, egg yolks, corn syrup, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and ghost pepper powder. Rehydrate dried ghost peppers in warm water, then finely chop them and deseed them using gloves to protect your eyes.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl or medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Add the vinegar, corn syrup, and egg yolks, and whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add Spice and Seasonings

Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, ghost pepper powder, and the rehydrated ghost peppers. Adjust the taste with pepper powder or flakes if you like it hotter.

Step 4: Adjust the Consistency

If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little water until it reaches your desired consistency. For a faster method, use a blender or food processor to blend the mixture until smooth.

Step 5: Set and Chill

Transfer the sauce to a jar, refrigerate, and let it chill overnight to allow the flavors to set perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Use your delicious spicy and creamy sauce as a dip for vegetables, or pair it with your favorite spicy foods. Enjoy the bold flavors with every bite!

Some Tips for Making Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce

• Use ghost pepper powder sparingly: A tiny bit goes a long way! Start small to keep the sauce from becoming too spicy, and adjust to your preference as you mix the ingredients.
• Achieve a smooth texture: Blend the sauce well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to make it less spicy and creamy.
• Handle ghost peppers with care: These peppers can burn your skin, so always wear gloves while chopping or handling peppers.
• Wash hands thoroughly: After working with ghost peppers, wash your hands well and avoid rubbing your eyes or touching your face to prevent irritation.

Storing Leftover 

To keep your leftover Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce fresh, transfer it to a tightly closed container or sealed container and place it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the sauce will stay good for about a week, but in an airtight container, it can last up to three weeks. Always keep it chilled in the fridge to maintain its flavor and texture.

What to Eat with Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce?

Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce is a versatile and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Use it to drizzle over salads, top your favorite sandwich, or elevate Wendy’s-style burgers and chicken sliders. It’s an excellent dipping sauce for crispy chicken nuggets, Togarashi Fries, and baked wings, or try it as a dressing for vegetables. For a heartier option, enjoy it with chicken tenders, french fries, hamburgers, or chicken sandwiches. Whether you use it straight from the jar or as a homemade ghost pepper ranch dressing, the endless possibilities make every meal more exciting!

FAQs

Is It Okay to Use Fresh Ghost Peppers Instead of Powder?

Yes, you can use fresh ghost peppers instead of powder, but they are extremely hot, so only a small amount is needed. Always wear gloves when handling them and be very careful to avoid irritation.

Is a Blender Necessary to Make This Sauce?

No, a blender isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps to achieve a smooth and creamy texture, making the sauce easier to mix thoroughly.

What Can I Do If the Sauce Is Too Spicy?

If the sauce is too spicy, you can add more buttermilk to balance the heat and make it milder.

How Spicy is the Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce?

The Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce is a very good sauce with a bold, spicy kick, but it’s not too bad for most people who enjoy heat. It works great as a dip or to put on a sandwich, adding just the right amount of flavor to your favorite dishes.

What is in Wendy’s Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich?

Wendy’s Ghost Pepper Ranch Chicken Sandwich is a spicy and flavorful option made with a juicy, lightly-breaded chicken breast fillet topped with lettuce, tomato, crispy onion tanglers, Monterey Jack cheese, and their signature ghost pepper ranch sauce. All of this is served on a premium toasted bun for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How Hot is the Ghost Pepper Sauce?

The ghost pepper sauce gets its heat from ghost peppers, which have a Scoville rating ranging between 855,000 and 1,041,427 SHU. The final spiciness of the sauce can slightly vary due to various factors like the seed lineage, soil type, humidity levels, and the ripeness of the fruit used.

Conclusion

Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce is a flavorful addition to any meal, inspired by Wendy’s iconic sauce. Loved by people for its versatility, it pairs perfectly with burgers, serves as a delicious dip for nuggets, and can even be recreated with a simple recipe. Share it with friends and family, and explore more spicy sauce recipes like the spicy ghost pepper ranch dressing. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more ideas and tips, and keep the conversation going by commenting below!

Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce

Recipe by Emily HarperCourse: SAUCESCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

76

kcal

Total time

15

minutes

Ghost Pepper Ranch Sauce is a creamy, spicy twist on classic ranch, blending ghost pepper heat with tangy buttermilk and savory spices. Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or adding bold flavor to burgers, sandwiches, and more.

Ingredients

• 1 cup soybean oil

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup cultured buttermilk

• 2 tablespoons vinegar

• 2 egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon ghost pepper powder

• 2 ghost peppers, finely chopped (seeds included)

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

Directions

• Gather the essentials: soybean oil, buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, egg yolks, corn syrup, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and ghost pepper powder. Rehydrate dried ghost peppers in warm water, then finely chop them and deseed them using gloves to protect your eyes.
• In a large bowl or medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Add the vinegar, corn syrup, and egg yolks, and whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
• Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, ghost pepper powder, and the rehydrated ghost peppers. Adjust the taste with pepper powder or flakes if you like it hotter.
• If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little water until it reaches your desired consistency. For a faster method, use a blender or food processor to blend the mixture until smooth.
• Transfer the sauce to a jar, refrigerate, and let it chill overnight to allow the flavors to set perfectly.
• Use your delicious spicy and creamy sauce as a dip for vegetables, or pair it with your favorite spicy foods. Enjoy the bold flavors with every bite!

Notes

• Use ghost pepper powder sparingly: A tiny bit goes a long way! Start small to keep the sauce from becoming too spicy, and adjust to your preference as you mix the ingredients.
• Achieve a smooth texture: Blend the sauce well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to make it less spicy and creamy.
• Handle ghost peppers with care: These peppers can burn your skin, so always wear gloves while chopping or handling peppers.
• Wash hands thoroughly: After working with ghost peppers, wash your hands well and avoid rubbing your eyes or touching your face to prevent irritation.