Ranch Chex Mix Snack Recipe

Introduction

This Ranch Chex Mix Snack is a crunchy, savory treat perfect for parties, movie nights, or anytime you want a flavorful bite. Combining a variety of crunchy snacks with a tangy ranch seasoning makes this mix irresistibly addictive and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 5 cups rice cereal such as Rice Chex cereal
• 2 cups cashews or cocktail mix peanuts
• 5 cups pretzels
• 3 cups cheese crackers
• 2 cups oyster crackers
• 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ounce ranch seasoning dry powder
• 2 teaspoons mustard powder
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F and line a large rimmed jelly roll sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In an extra large mixing bowl, combine the rice cereal, cashews or peanuts, pretzels, cheese crackers, and oyster crackers. Gently toss using large slotted spoons to mix.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter in the microwave, then pour it over the snack mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning powder, mustard powder, grated parmesan, and dried parsley flakes. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the snack mix and toss gently to distribute the flavors.
5. Step 5: Spread the seasoned mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, stirring or tossing the mixture halfway through baking to ensure even coating and crispness.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storage.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add some lightly toasted almonds or sunflower seeds to the mix.
• Use flavored pretzels like garlic or honey mustard for a different twist.
• Adjust the seasoning powders to taste, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Use melted olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Storage

Store the cooled Ranch Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To refresh the crunchiness, warm the mix in a 250-degree F oven for about 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cashews or peanuts with almonds, pecans, or walnuts depending on your preference. Just be mindful of roasting times if using raw nuts.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Rice Chex cereal and many pretzels contain gluten, so for a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free cereals, pretzels, and crackers. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.

Ranch Chex Mix Snack Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

This Ranch Chex Mix Snack is a savory, crunchy blend of rice cereal, nuts, pretzels, and crackers coated with a flavorful ranch seasoning mix. Perfect as a party snack or casual nibble, it’s baked to perfection for a crispy texture and zesty taste.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Snack Mix

• 5 cups rice cereal (such as Rice Chex cereal)
• 2 cups cashews or cocktail mix peanuts
• 5 cups pretzels
• 3 cups cheese crackers
• 2 cups oyster crackers

Seasoning

• 4 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ounce ranch seasoning dry powder
• 2 teaspoons mustard powder
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large rimmed jelly roll sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In an extra-large mixing bowl, add the rice cereal, cashews or cocktail peanuts, pretzels, cheese crackers, and oyster crackers. Gently toss them together using large slotted spoons to evenly distribute the ingredients without breaking them.
3. Add Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave until fully liquid. Pour the melted butter over the cereal and nut mixture, then toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning powder, mustard powder, grated parmesan cheese, and dried parsley flakes. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the coated cereal mixture. Toss gently once more to ensure every piece is covered.
5. Bake the Mix: Spread the seasoned mix evenly over the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring and tossing the mix halfway through baking to ensure even crisping and flavor distribution.
6. Cool and Store: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the Ranch Chex Mix to cool completely on the pan. Once cooled, transfer the mix into an airtight container to maintain crispness and freshness until ready to serve.

Notes

• You can substitute cashews with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for variety.
• Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning and parmesan according to your taste preferences.
• Make sure to toss the mixture halfway through baking to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• To make the mix gluten-free, ensure all ingredients (cereal, pretzels, crackers) are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: Ranch Chex Mix, snack mix, party snack, savory snack, baked snack, crunchy snack