This Ranch Chex Mix is a crunchy snack full of flavor! With bits of cereal, pretzels, and nuts tossed in a tasty ranch seasoning, it’s perfect for munching anytime.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cereals: The mix of Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex provides great texture. If you have other cereals at home, feel free to experiment! Cheerios or Crispix could be tasty alternatives.
Pretzels: Mini pretzels add crunch, but you could swap them for regular pretzels or even tortilla chips if you prefer. Just keep the bite-sized shape in mind.
Cheese Crackers: Cheez-Its work great, but any cheese-flavored crackers will do. You could also try adding some popcorn for a fun twist.
Nuts: Mixed nuts are optional, but they add flavor and protein. Use your favorite nuts or skip them altogether if needed. Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds work too!
Ranch Seasoning: If you don’t have ranch seasoning, a blend of dill, garlic powder, and onion powder can replicate that delicious herb flavor. Homemade ranch mix is also an option!
How Do I Ensure the Perfect Coating on My Chex Mix?
Tossing the mixture well is key to getting that delicious ranch flavor evenly distributed. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a large mixing bowl, so there’s plenty of space for tossing.
- Pour the butter and ranch mixture slowly over the cereal mix—this helps coat every piece.
- Gently fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon. Aim to be thorough but careful not to crush the cereals.
Taking the time to mix well at this step makes a big difference in flavor, so don’t rush it!
How to Make Ranch Chex Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup cheese crackers (such as Cheez-Its)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (optional, such as pecans or peanuts)
For the Seasoning:
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (dry packet)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky kick)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ranch Chex Mix takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 45 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour for a tasty snack mix that is perfect for sharing (or not!).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature helps to crisp up the Chex Mix without burning it.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, mini pretzels, cheese crackers, and mixed nuts if you’re using them. Make sure everything is well mixed so that the flavors combine as you add the seasonings.
3. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are blended well.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the butter and seasoning mixture over the Chex mix base. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is coated nicely with the ranch flavor.
5. Bake the Mixture:
Spread the mixture out evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake it in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remember to stir the mix every 15 minutes to ensure it toasts evenly.
6. Cool and Store:
Once the mix is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up even more as it cools down. Once cool, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your Ranch Chex Mix within two weeks for the best flavor!
This crunchy, flavorful snack is perfect for parties, movie nights, or just whenever you’re in the mood for something tasty. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Chex Cereals in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix and match different Chex varieties based on your preference. Just ensure you’re using a total of 9 cups of cereal in any combination.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can create a blend using dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of salt. This will mimic the ranch flavor nicely!
Can I Make This Chex Mix Spicier?
Yes! To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of your favorite hot seasoning. You could also include spicy peanuts or pretzels for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store your Ranch Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to two weeks, making it a convenient snack for on-the-go munching!
