This Ranch Chex Mix is a fun and crunchy snack perfect for parties or movie nights! With a mix of Chex cereals, pretzels, and nuts, it’s full of flavor.
I love how easy it is to whip up, just toss everything together with some Ranch seasoning. It’s a snack you can munch on while pretending to be healthy—who could resist? 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cereal Mix: The Corn, Rice, and Wheat Chex are the backbone of this snack. They provide a lovely crunch! If you can’t find one type, you can use additional amounts of the other types or even use other puffed cereals.
Pretzels: I love the saltiness of small pretzels in the mix. You can switch them out for Bugles or even mini bagel chips for a different crunch!
Cheese Crackers: Bite-sized cheese crackers add a cheesy flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using whole grain crackers or even cheese-flavored popcorn.
Peanuts: These add protein and crunch, but feel free to swap them for almonds, cashews, or leave them out entirely if nuts aren’t your thing.
Ranch Seasoning: For a homemade touch, mix your own seasoning using dried herbs like parsley, dill, and garlic powder. It’s customizable!
How Do You Get a Perfectly Coated Chex Mix?
The coating is key to making this Ranch Chex Mix truly tasty! Here are some tips:
- Make sure to use melted butter so it can evenly coat the mix. Cold butter won’t blend well.
- Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece gets the flavor. Use a large bowl and even your hands to mix.
- Baking at a low temperature allows the Chex Mix to become crunchy without burning. Stir it every 15 minutes for even roasting.
- Let it cool completely before storing to keep it crispy. If you’re impatient, it’s also great warm!
Ranch Chex Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup small pretzels
- 1 cup bite-sized cheese crackers
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts (optional)
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ranch Chex Mix takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then 1 hour to bake. After baking, let it cool completely for the best texture. So, in total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 10 minutes to enjoy this crunchy delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). While it’s heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this makes cleanup so much easier later!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a very large bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Wheat Chex cereals. Then, add the small pretzels, bite-sized cheese crackers, and any roasted peanuts if you’re including them. Give everything a good stir to mix it all well together.
3. Make the Seasoning Mixture:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Coat the Cereal Mix:
Now, pour the flavorful butter mixture over the cereal blend. Toss everything carefully, but make sure every piece gets coated nicely. You can use a spatula or your hands for this part—just be gentle!
5. Bake the Chex Mix:
Spread the coated mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Set a timer and stir the mix gently every 15 minutes so it roasts evenly and doesn’t burn.
6. Cool and Store:
After an hour, take your delicious Ranch Chex Mix out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This is important to get that crunch! Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or serve it right away in a bowl. Enjoy munching on your tasty snack!
This seasoned snack mix is perfect for munching any time and will keep well for several days.
Can I Use Other Chex Varieties?
Absolutely! You can mix and match different types of Chex cereals like Chocolate Chex or Cinnamon Chex for a fun twist. Just maintain the overall volume.
How Can I Make This Snack Healthier?
For a healthier version, consider using whole grain Chex cereals, substitute the pretzels with air-popped popcorn, and reduce the amount of butter to fit your preferences.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing to avoid humidity.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
If you don’t have Ranch seasoning on hand, you can make a homemade version by mixing dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder to your taste!