Hidden Valley Ranch Squares

Introduction

History

Hidden Valley Ranch Squares have been a popular party dish for many years. The recipe originated from the Hidden Valley Ranch brand, known for their delicious ranch dressing mix. This recipe puts a fun twist on the classic ranch flavor by incorporating it into a savory and satisfying appetizer.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to press the crescent roll dough firmly into the pan to create a solid crust.

- Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the cream cheese mixture to prevent it from becoming soggy.

- Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add visual appeal to the dish.

- Chill the squares before cutting them to ensure clean and neat slices.

Serving Suggestions

Hidden Valley Ranch Squares can be served as an appetizer at parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings. They can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or snack.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing the crescent roll dough firmly into the pan ensures a solid crust.

- Chilling the squares before cutting them helps to set the cream cheese mixture and makes for easier slicing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought ranch dressing instead of the Hidden Valley mix.

- Substitute store-bought vegetable dip for the cream cheese and mayo mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

Hidden Valley Ranch Squares can be assembled ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the squares on a platter with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a decorative touch. Serve with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Hidden Valley Ranch Squares pair well with a variety of beverages such as iced tea, lemonade, or beer. They also go well with other appetizers like cheese and crackers or fruit skewers.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Hidden Valley Ranch Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hidden Valley Ranch Squares contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hidden Valley Ranch Squares contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hidden Valley Ranch Squares contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hidden Valley Ranch Squares contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hidden Valley Ranch Squares are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium due to the assortment of fresh vegetables used in the recipe.

Alergens

Hidden Valley Ranch Squares contain dairy (cream cheese) and eggs (mayonnaise). They may also contain gluten due to the use of crescent roll dough.

Summary

Hidden Valley Ranch Squares are a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables used in the recipe.

Summary

Hidden Valley Ranch Squares are a tasty and colorful appetizer that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a creamy ranch dressing mixture, flaky crescent roll crust, and fresh vegetables, these squares are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy them at your next gathering and watch them disappear!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Hidden Valley Ranch Squares. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt in the countryside. My aunt was known for her delicious and inventive recipes, and she always had something new and exciting cooking in her kitchen.

One day, as I wandered into the kitchen, I saw my aunt carefully measuring out the ingredients for what looked like a savory snack. She explained to me that she was making Hidden Valley Ranch Squares, a recipe she had learned from a friend many years ago. Intrigued by the name and the delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen, I asked if I could help.

My aunt gladly accepted my offer, and together we mixed together the ingredients for the crust - crushed crackers, melted butter, and a sprinkle of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix. As we pressed the mixture into a baking pan, my aunt shared with me the story of how she had first learned to make this recipe.

She told me that many years ago, when she was a young newlywed, she had attended a potluck dinner with her husband. One of the dishes that stood out to her was a tray of savory squares that were bursting with flavor. She asked the host for the recipe, and was delighted to discover that it was a simple and easy dish to make.

My aunt began making Hidden Valley Ranch Squares for every family gathering and party, and it quickly became a favorite amongst her friends and relatives. She would often experiment with different variations, adding in extra ingredients like bacon, cheese, or vegetables to customize the recipe to her liking.

As we popped the crust into the oven to bake, my aunt began preparing the filling - a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, and eggs. She explained to me that the key to a successful batch of Hidden Valley Ranch Squares was to make sure that the filling was smooth and well mixed, so that it would set properly in the oven.

Once the crust had baked to a golden brown perfection, we poured the filling over the top and smoothed it out evenly. We sprinkled a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top, and then popped the pan back into the oven to bake until the cheese was melted and bubbly.

As the squares cooled on the counter, my aunt cut them into neat little squares and offered me a taste. The savory, tangy flavor of the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mixed with the creamy cheese filling was absolutely divine. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so delicious.

From that day on, Hidden Valley Ranch Squares became a staple in my own recipe repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to create new and exciting variations. But no matter how many different versions I try, the original Hidden Valley Ranch Squares will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I look back on that day in my aunt's kitchen, I am grateful for the memories and the delicious recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Cooking is more than just a hobby for me - it is a way to connect with my loved ones and share a piece of myself with others.

And so, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a tasty and simple recipe to whip up, I urge you to give Hidden Valley Ranch Squares a try. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Categories

| American Recipes | Appetizer Recipes | Cream Cheese Recipes | Mayonnaise Recipes | Vegetable Recipes | Vegetarian Appetizer Recipes | World Recipes |

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