This Ranch Chex Mix is a crunchy and tasty snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with Chex cereal, nuts, and delicious ranch seasoning, it’s super easy to whip up!
You can’t go wrong with this mix! I always end up munching on it while watching my favorite show. Just be careful—not to eat it all in one sitting! 😄
Making this mix is a breeze. Just toss everything together, bake, and you’ve got a great snack for sharing—or for keeping all to yourself. Enjoy it with friends or during a movie night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex & Corn Chex: These are the base of your Chex Mix, giving it that iconic crunch. You can swap them for other Chex flavors or even make a gluten-free mix using puffed rice or corn cereal if needed.
Mini Pretzels: Great for adding saltiness and crunch. If you don’t have pretzels, try using peanuts or mixed nuts for a different texture and flavor. Just remember, adjust the salt accordingly!
Cheese Crackers: Cheez-Its pack a cheesy punch in the mix. If those aren’t available, goldfish crackers or any cheese-flavored snack will work. You could even use vegan cheese crackers for a dairy-free option.
Bagel Chips or Breadsticks: These add another layer of crunch. If you’re out, you can replace them with tortilla chips or even popcorn for a lighter twist.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is where the flavor shines! If you don’t have the packet, homemade ranch seasoning can work well. Just mix equal amounts of dried dill, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s super easy!
How Do I Ensure Even Coating with the Butter Mix?
Coating the cereal and snacks evenly with the butter mixture is important for flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start by pouring the butter mixture over the dry ingredients in portions, not all at once. This helps in even distribution.
- Use a large spatula or spoon and gently fold the mix. Be careful not to crush the pieces!
- After mixing, take a moment to look for uncoated areas. A good tip is to lift and separate the mix to ensure all bits get a taste of that tasty seasoning.
By taking your time with this step, you’ll have each piece bursting with ranch flavor!
How to Make Ranch Chex Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Snack Ingredients:
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup cheese crackers (such as Cheez-Its)
- 1 cup bite-sized bagel chips or broken breadsticks
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (dry packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, crushed
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ranch Chex Mix recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 45 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll spend about 55 minutes from start to finish, and then you can enjoy a delicious homemade snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is perfect for slowly toasting the mix and bringing out all the flavors.
2. Combine the Snacks:
In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, mini pretzels, cheese crackers, and broken bagel chips or breadsticks. Give it a gentle mix to combine them well.
3. Mix the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and cayenne pepper if you want a little kick. Make sure everything is blended nice and smooth!
4. Coat the Snacks:
Carefully pour the butter mixture evenly over your combined cereals and snacks. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir gently, making sure that each piece gets coated in that delicious seasoned butter.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Spread the mixture out in an even layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. This helps everything bake evenly and makes sure each piece gets crispy.
6. Bake and Stir:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, take it out and stir the mix so all parts cook evenly and nothing burns. You want a nice golden color!
7. Cool it Down:
Once baking is done, remove the Chex Mix from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it’ll become even crispier!
8. Taste and Serve:
Before serving, give your Ranch Chex Mix a taste. Add salt if you think it needs a little more flavor. Then transfer it to a lovely serving bowl. Ready to munch!
9. Store Any Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (if you can resist!), store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, although they might not last that long!
Enjoy your homemade Ranch Chex Mix as a tasty, crunchy snack anytime!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex and Corn Chex are traditional choices, you can mix and match any type of Chex or even use other cereals like puffed rice or cornflakes. Just keep an eye on the flavors to ensure a good balance!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’re looking for a milder flavor, simply omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, feel free to add a bit more cayenne or even some hot sauce to the butter mixture before coating the snacks. Adjust it to your taste!
What if I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning Mix?
No problem! You can easily make your own ranch seasoning by mixing equal parts of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of salt. This way, you control the ingredients and flavor!
How Should I Store the Chex Mix?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep the mix fresh and crispy. If it starts to lose its crunch, you can re-bake it briefly at 250°F to revive that texture!
