Ranch Chex Mix Snack is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines crunchy cereal, seasoned pretzels, nuts, and crackers all tossed in buttery ranch seasoning and baked until golden brown. This bold and savory Ranch Chex Mix Snack delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for parties, road trips, school lunches, or movie nights.
Unlike store-bought snack mixes, this homemade Ranch Chex Mix Snack gives you full control over the ingredients and seasoning level. You can adjust the spice, swap in your favorite crackers, and even add extra cheese for a richer flavor. Once baked, every bite delivers buttery crunch with zesty ranch seasoning that keeps everyone coming back for more.
I started making this Ranch Chex Mix Snack years ago for family gatherings. At first, it was just a simple mix tossed together before guests arrived. However, once I added ranch seasoning and mustard powder to the classic cereal blend, it instantly became a requested favorite. Now, whenever there's a party, someone always asks if I'm bringing "that ranch snack mix."
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine cereal, pretzels, crackers, and nuts in a large bowl.
- Pour melted butter over mixture and toss to coat.
- Mix ranch seasoning, mustard powder, parmesan, and parsley. Sprinkle over mixture and toss evenly.
- Spread onto baking sheet and bake 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway. Cool completely before storing.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You'll Love Ranch Chex Mix Snack
Bold Ranch Flavor in Every Bite
The secret to irresistible Ranch Chex Mix Snack lies in the seasoning blend. Ranch powder brings tangy herbs and spices, while mustard powder adds subtle sharpness. Grated parmesan enhances the savory depth, and dried parsley adds a fresh finish.
Because the butter evenly coats every piece before baking, the seasoning sticks beautifully. As a result, each handful tastes perfectly balanced and flavorful.
If you prefer stronger flavor, you can easily add extra ranch seasoning before baking.
Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
This Ranch Chex Mix Snack recipe yields about 20 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings. Whether you're hosting game day, a holiday party, or packing snacks for a long drive, this mix travels well and stores easily.
Additionally, it stays fresh in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Therefore, you can make it ahead of time without worrying about last-minute prep.
Ingredients for Ranch Chex Mix Snack
Main Mix Ingredients
To make Ranch Chex Mix Snack, you'll need:
- 5 cups rice cereal (such as Rice Chex)
- 5 cups pretzels
- 3 cups cheese crackers
- 2 cups oyster crackers
- 2 cups cashews or cocktail peanuts
This combination creates the perfect balance of texture-light cereal crunch, hearty pretzels, and cheesy crackers.
Seasoning Blend
- 4½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½ tablespoon dried parsley flakes
Together, these ingredients create the signature zesty coating.
How to Make Ranch Chex Mix Snack
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine rice cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers, oyster crackers, and nuts. Gently toss to distribute evenly.
Step 3: Add Butter and Seasoning
Pour melted butter over the mixture and toss thoroughly.
In a small bowl, mix ranch seasoning, mustard powder, parmesan, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over the snack mix. Toss again until well coated.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning.
Once baked, allow to cool completely before storing.
Customizing Your Ranch Chex Mix Snack
Swap the Ingredients
You can customize Ranch Chex Mix Snack with:
- Pecans, almonds, or walnuts
- Fritos or Bugles
- Gluten-free crackers and pretzels
- Spicy cheese crackers
Because the base is versatile, you can tailor it to your taste preferences.
Add Sweet Contrast
For a sweet and savory twist, stir in chocolate candies after baking and cooling.
Storage Tips
Store Ranch Chex Mix Snack in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
Make sure it cools completely before sealing to preserve crispness.
For longer freshness, keep it in a cool, dry pantry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, but use a lower temperature and shorter cook time. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Why did my mix burn?
Oven temperatures vary. Try baking at 275°F and stirring every 10 minutes.
How strong is the ranch flavor?
It's moderately bold. Add extra seasoning if you prefer stronger flavor.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute gluten-free cereal, crackers, and pretzels.
How many servings does this make?
Approximately 20 servings.
Conclusion
Ranch Chex Mix Snack delivers irresistible crunch and bold ranch flavor in every bite. Because it's simple to prepare and easy to customize, it quickly becomes a go-to recipe for gatherings, lunchboxes, and road trips.
Once you make this homemade Ranch Chex Mix Snack, you may never reach for the store-bought version again. It's zesty, buttery, perfectly seasoned, and always a hit.
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