
I tweaked this Taco Bell sauce clone until it became the go-to star in my home cooking. After testing for days, I nailed the perfect mix of ranch zip, spicy warmth, and subtle sweetness. These days my whole family asks for it on everything from cheese wraps to raw veggies.
Why This Sauce Stands Out
You'll dig how fast this sauce pulls together. I always have some waiting in my fridge for taco evenings, bread fillings, and it even works as dressing for greens. The smooth ranch foundation with just the right amount of spice makes any food taste awesome.
Your Ingredients
- 1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch
- ⅛ teaspoon cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon each garlic salt and onion salt
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sriracha

Cooking Instructions
- Step 1
- Empty your ranch into a mixing bowl.
- Step 2
- Mix in cumin, paprika, cocoa, sugar, cayenne, and both salts.
- Step 3
- Add your chopped jalapeño and hot sauce.
- Step 4
- Stir everything till it's completely combined.
- Step 5
- Transfer to a bottle and keep in the fridge.
Crowd-Pleasing Topping
The little ones go crazy for it on their folded cheese tortillas while grown-ups can't get enough of its zippy flavor. This sauce gets everyone excited about mealtime.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will it keep fresh?
- If you use a store-bought ranch, it stays good for up to 6 months in the fridge. Homemade ranch cuts that time down.
- → What can I pair it with?
- It’s tasty on quesadillas, tacos, chicken, or even salads. Try dipping your chips or spreading it on your sandwich!
- → Can I tone down the heat?
- Absolutely! Just scale back the jalapeños and cayenne pepper, or skip one entirely if you like it mild.
- → What kind of ranch works best?
- Hidden Valley Ranch Homestyle nails the flavor closest to the original. Other brands work too but tweak the taste a bit.
- → Can I mix it by hand?
- Sure thing! A blender makes it smooth, but finely chop the jalapeños and whisk everything together for a chunkier texture.