What’s the Deal with Pizza and Ranch?
Updated: Apr. 23, 2024
You should absolutely order pizza with a side of ranch.
I eat my pizza, pretty much all of it, with ranch. In Texas, no one feels an ounce of shame asking for ranch on the side of a slice. And now that I’m in New York, I refuse to be shamed for my choice in condiment. In fact, ranch is a better condiment for pizza than it is for a salad. It makes more sense in a world of dense carbs and rich tomato than it ever would atop bitter lettuce and crunchy carrots.
This Is Why Pizza + Ranch Is SO Good
Because what is ranch? It’s a combination of onion, herbs, spices and buttermilk (and a few other things—here’s our homemade ranch recipe).
Eating pizza (especially from a pizza chain) goes like this: warm cheese coats your palate, a touch of rich tomato is under that and then the fluffy carb-y crust is there to give you a touch of sweetness. And for some people, the bite ends there. But if you know what’s good (and I do) your next bite starts with a hit of ranch. It’s a bright herbal flavor and a slight tang to wake your palate up for the next round of glorious cheese. Essentially, the acid from the dressing cuts the grease from all that cheese and pepperoni and gets you ready for the next bite. It’s a palate cleanser of sorts.
Find more things you never knew about ranch.
How Did This Pairing Even Start?
Ranch first started being offered at pizza restaurants as a condiment for breadsticks. It wasn’t long before people got adventurous, dunking their slice in a cup of ranch.
The ranch and pizza combination is known to be most popular in the Midwest, but people have been known to dip pizza in the good stuff everywhere from Texas to California. The final frontier is the East Coast, where many pizza joints don’t carry ranch dressing, and those that stock it, do so begrudgingly.
But I believe one day everyone will come to their senses and when you leave with a to-go pizza, there will be a cup of ranch tucked in the box. For now, learn how to make ranch dressing at home and then check out some other odd food pairings we can’t help but love.
Easy Homemade Pizzas to Dip in Ranch
Deep-Dish Sausage PizzaCan't make it to Chicago for authentic deep-dish style pies? Meet the next best thing. This wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, is covered with cheese and has fragrant herbs tucked in the crust.
Steak & Blue Cheese PizzaThis one's for the meat lovers. Even steakhouse naysayers won't be able to resist the charms of this pizza layered with sliced sirloin, blue cheese crumbles and caramelized onions.
Brunch PizzaPizza works for all meals in our book—including brunch. What could be a better midmorning meal than scrambled eggs, sausage crumbles, hash browns and cheddar cheese all baked together on crescent roll squares? All you'll need to do is add mimosas!
Creole Shrimp PizzaFor a Big Easy spin on pizza night, jazz up your pies with Creole-seasoned shrimp and peppers, plus an ample douse of Louisiana-style hot sauce.
Grilled Eggplant Pita PizzasJust like naan and crescent rolls, pita bread makes an excellent vehicle for pizzas, especially when paired with smoky charred eggplant, sweet red peppers and briny olives. If don't have a grill wok or basket for this recipe, use a disposable foil pan.
Meatball PizzaWith a bag of frozen meatballs, a pre-baked crust and a can of pizza sauce, you can be digging into a hearty pie in 25 minutes. This recipe employs shredded mozzarella, cheddar and grated Parmesan, but feel free to use whatever cheese you have in the fridge.
Pepperoni Pizza LoafThis savory stromboli starts with frozen bread dough, so it comes together in practically no time. The golden loaf is then stuffed with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers and olives, but you could also add a few slices of ham or prosciutto.
Grilled Flatbread Veggie PizzaVeggie pizzas with prepared pesto, sliced tomatoes and ooey-gooey cheese is a fuss-free dinner for any day of the week. We used mushrooms, peppers and spinach for this variation, but the options are limitless.
Thanksgiving Lover’s PizzaYou weren't going to make another turkey sammie, were you? Thanksgiving leftovers deserve more love and this is one inspired way to get creative. Spread cranberry sauce around the crust; add dollops of mashed potatoes on top; drizzle with turkey gravy; sprinkle with stuffing and watch everyone reach for seconds and thirds.
Arugula PizzaAn elevated take on the salad pizza, arugula pizza with prosciutto has that sophisticated gourmet touch, and it's healthy, too! If you really want to get fancy, add a few zigzags of balsamic glaze over the top for a sweet finish.
Apple Crisp PizzaGet all the fall feels in pizza form. Cinnamon-sugar apples are baked until tender on a flat crust, then dressed with a caramel topping and ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. If you have to cut your apples ahead of time, brush them with lemon-lime soda to keep them from browning.
Pizza on a StickEverything can be skewered—including pizza. Sausage, pepperoni, veggies and pizza dough combine for deliciousness in these cute kabobs that little hands will love making and eating.
Pizza CapreseIf you love a Caprese salad with a side of bread, then this pizza Caprese with heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and high-quality extra virgin olive oil will be right up your alley. You could also swap fresh mozzarella for burrata.
Speedy Shrimp FlatbreadsAll you need to create a quick pescatarian pizza in 15 minutes is peeled, deveined and cooked shrimp; oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; garlic and herb spreadable cheese; basil and the flatbread of your choosing. You'll defintely want to serve this beauty when guests are over.
Copycat Little Caesar’s Pretzel Crust PizzaCopycat recipes have reached cult status for a reason and this pretzel crust pizza tastes just like the Little Caesar's legend that sadly is no longer available. While Little Caesar's doesn't share their recipe, we feel this dupe comes pretty close, thanks to the characteristically dark, salty exterior you look for in a delicious soft pretzel.
Grilled Tomato PizzasWhen it's summer and peak tomato season, get your big reds, striped zebras and juicy heirlooms in formation to make this grilled tomato pizza. Paired with a tangy balsamic glaze, it deserves a chef's kiss.
Baked Potato PizzaNeed a crowd-pleasing app for your game day watch parties? This baked potato pizza—loaded with sour cream, bacon, onions and cheese—is up for the challenge.
Shrimp & Crab PizzaSeafood-forward slices are piled high with shellfish, veggies, Alfredo sauce and all the cheese. You may want to fire a few of these pies because they're bound to go fast.
Grilled Greek Pita PizzasThis easy flatbread pizza captures classic Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It works equally well as a speedy main dish or an appetizer and if you have extra ingredients afterward, you can turn them into Greek-style gyro pita pockets the next day.
Sicilian Pizza (Sfincione)Sfincia, which means sponge, is one of the most popular street foods in Italy, where these Sicilian squares are covered with crispy breadcrumbs, grated cheese and fresh basil. If you're opposed to the anchovies in this recipe, feel free to leave them out.
Spicy Chicken Pumpkin PizzaThere are some amazing pumpkin recipes out there, but not a lot of them are in pizza form! Think pizza and pumpkin can't go together? This chicken pumpkin pizza will change your mind. The sweetness of the pumpkin paired with the spice of the chipotle peppers makes for a delicious, balanced sauce.
Cashew Chicken PizzaCraving Chinese takeout and pizza? Put down the takeout apps and try this quick cashew chicken pizza. Shortcut ingredients like premade pizza crust and rotisserie chicken cut down on time in the kitchen and a hoisin chili garlic sauce packs a big umami punch.
Chicken Florentine PizzaChicken Florentine is a classic French dish starring spinach and chicken—and dare we say, it's even better as a pizza! This version involves ricotta cheese instead of mornay sauce, but one taste and you won't miss the traditional sauce one bit.
Cheesy Summer Squash FlatbreadsHave a big supply of squash? Use it to make a meatless meal with Mediterranean style. These flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods.
Lunch Box PizzasWhen you have these fun-to-make mini pizzas, it's no challenge finding lunch fare that the kids enjoy. Plus they pack nicely in sandwich bags and travel well, so there's no mess.
Taco Bubble PizzaYour entire family is going to be requesting this taco bubble pizza recipe! Lucky for you, it's a cinch with tomato soup, taco seasoning and refrigerated biscuits. Set up a taco bar and let everyone add their favorite toppings.
Biscuit Pizza BakeThis recipe provides all the flavor of traditional pizza in a convenient casserole with refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. Ideal for a potluck, it's packed with ground beef, pepperoni and veggies and bakes up to bubbly golden perfection in 30 minutes.
Eggplant Flatbread PizzasEggplant plays well with pasta, paninis and pizza. If they happen to be a staple in your kitchen, saute cubed eggplant with garlic and spread the cubes over a layer of ricotta cheese and tomato sauce on a naan flatbread. Top with whole basil leaves, a sprinkle of cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
Bean & Salsa Stuffed PizzaGet the party started with this out-of-the-box appetizer idea with a refrigerated pie crust. It has all the Mexican flavors you love packed into convenient pizza slices with black beans, chiles, salsa and cheese sandwiched in between.
Chocolate Peanut Butter PizzaKids will go crazy for this gooey dessert pizza, although you'll find the adults snapping up slices too. Everyone loves the chewy crust and the amazingly delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
Italian-Style PizzasWith mini prebaked crusts and a jar of prepared pesto, everyone can have their own personal pie in a flash. Peppers, onions and mushrooms work well here, although you could also add some chopped broccoli, squash or eggplant for an extra serving of veggies.
Mini Mediterranean PizzaThese individual pita pizzas will instantly transport you to a seaside escape. A medley of tomatoes, onions, spinach and rosemary-scented beef are nestled around crumbled feta and melted mozz. Once the beef browns and simmers, the pizzas will bake up in five minutes.
Bubble PizzaThis recipe has a no-fuss crust made from refrigerated biscuits. Though it only takes five ingredients to come together, add your favorite pizza toppings and an ample amount of cheese for a jazzed-up version. That's the secret to the bubbly top after all...so the cheesier, the better.
Make-a-Monster PizzaCreepy creatures have completely taken over this Halloween meal! Since you can create a different design for each spooky square, it's easy to cater to every diner's individual preferences with toppings like ham, pepperoni, chicken and a bounty of veggies (think asparagus, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and red onion). And, of course, you can always get creative with different shapes for different holidays.
Bacon and Spinach PizzaFile this one under Pinterest-worthy pizza. With a packaged pizza crust and ready-to-serve bacon, the kids won't even mind the spinach on top!
Originally Published: April 08, 2020
