Nick Higgins, a ranch lover and executive at Clorox, the parent company of Hidden Valley Ranch, has discovered a unique way to enjoy ranch dip beyond the traditional options like celery, wings, and chips. As the vice president and general manager of the food business unit for Clorox, Higgins has experimented with over a dozen ranch flavors and combinations, discovering that ranch pairs surprisingly well with scrambled eggs. This unconventional combination was a happy accident for Higgins, who always tries to season his eggs to jazz up the breakfast staple. Higgins believes that ranch can enhance the flavor of any dish and is a versatile seasoning that can be used in various ways.
Higgins believes that ranch has the power to make bad food taste good and good food taste great. He encourages people to think of ranch as a seasoning that can be used in different ways to enhance the flavor of a variety of dishes. Despite the initial skepticism of pairing ranch with breakfast foods like eggs, Higgins has found that people are pleasantly surprised when they try his unconventional pairings. He urges people to think outside the box and experiment with using ranch in different dishes to discover its versatility.
Although classic pairings like hot wings and veggies are hard to beat, Higgins’ personal favorite is dipping pizza in ranch, especially the new garlic ranch flavor option. He also enjoys using ranch to dress up a charcuterie board by adding ranch-seasoned cashews to the mix. Growing up in Kentucky, ranch was always a staple in Higgins’ household, and he believes that it provides a comfortable flavor that people enjoy. While ranch is typically associated with savory snacks, Higgins believes it can be used to enhance the flavor of a wide range of dishes and encourage people to experiment with using ranch in unexpected ways.
Higgins acknowledges that ranch has a devoted following among consumers, citing examples like Melissa McCarthy’s iconic “Saturday Night Live” skit from 2011 where she enthusiastically promoted Hidden Valley Ranch. He mentions that people’s love for ranch goes beyond just using it as a condiment, with some going to extremes like having ranch fountains at weddings or getting ranch-themed tattoos. Despite the brand’s humor, Higgins recognizes the genuine enthusiasm that people have for ranch and is humbled by the widespread love and appreciation for the condiment.
In addition to being a popular dip for snacks, Higgins believes that ranch can elevate the flavor of breakfast foods like potatoes, hash browns, home fries, and breakfast potatoes. He encourages people to break free from the notion that ranch is only suitable for certain types of foods or occasions and experiment with incorporating it into different dishes. By providing people with new ideas for using ranch, Higgins hopes to inspire them to think creatively and reimagine how they can enjoy the condiment in unexpected ways.
Overall, Higgins’ passion for ranch and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of how the condiment can be used showcase his creative approach to seasoning and flavor pairing. His belief in the versatility of ranch as a seasoning and his willingness to experiment with unconventional pairings reflect a desire to inspire others to think outside the box and discover new ways to enjoy their favorite foods. As a lifelong fan of Hidden Valley Ranch, Higgins is committed to sharing his love for the condiment with others and encouraging them to embrace the unexpected delights of incorporating ranch into their culinary adventures.
