This Ranch Chex Mix is a fun and crunchy snack! It’s packed with tasty cereal, nuts, pretzels, and a zesty ranch flavor that makes every bite yummy and exciting.
Perfect for movie nights or parties, I love how easy it is to make—just mix everything together and bake! You might find it hard to stop munching on it. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chex Cereals: Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex are the heart of this mix, providing a nice crunch. If you don’t have one, feel free to use more of the others or swap in other cereals like Cheerios or even granola for a different flavor.
Pretzels: Mini pretzels add saltiness and shape. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try rice crackers or even roasted chickpeas to maintain the crunchy texture.
Cheese Crackers: Bite-sized cheese crackers are always a hit. If you’re avoiding dairy, look for vegan cheese crackers or omit them entirely—there will still be plenty of flavor!
Seasonings: The ranch dressing mix is key for flavor. If you can’t find it, mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, and your herbs can also create a ranch-like taste. Dried dill and parsley are optional, but they add a fresh herb note.
How Do You Get the Mix Evenly Coated Without Breaking It?
Coating the mix thoroughly can be tricky without damaging your ingredients. Here are some tips to keep everything intact:
- Always start mixing in a large bowl to give room for stirring without squashing the snacks.
- Pour the butter mixture slowly over the mix, pouring it in different areas to coat evenly.
- Gently fold with a spatula; this helps lift and turn the mix without crushing it.
These steps ensure each piece is coated in flavor without damaging that delightful crunch! Enjoy making your Ranch Chex Mix!
How to Make Ranch Chex Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mix:
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup bite-sized cheese crackers
- 1 cup bite-sized breadsticks or bugles
For the Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour for baking. After that, you’ll need to let the mix cool completely for a few minutes before serving. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make your crunchy, tangy, Ranch Chex Mix!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will help the mix get nice and crispy without burning.
2. Mix the Snack Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex cereals. Add in the mini pretzels, cheese crackers, and breadsticks or bugles. Gently toss everything together until it’s mixed well, but be careful not to crush the snacks!
3. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and if you want, the dried dill and parsley. Mix until everything is nicely combined.
4. Coat the Snack Mix:
Pour the butter and seasoning mixture over the snack mix. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure all pieces are evenly coated with that delicious ranch flavor.
5. Spread and Bake:
Spread the mixture evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent sticking.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Make sure to stir the mix every 15 minutes to ensure it toasts evenly and doesn’t burn.
7. Cool and Store:
Once the hour is up, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crispier as it cools, so give it a bit of time!
8. Enjoy!
After it’s cooled, transfer your Ranch Chex Mix to an airtight container for storage, or dig in right away! Enjoy your crunchy, tangy, flavorful treat anytime!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Absolutely! You can mix and match cereals based on what you have. Feel free to substitute Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex with other cereals like Cheerios or even granola for a unique twist on flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Ranch Chex Mix?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks, depending on humidity. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free options for cereals and snacks. Many brands offer rice and corn Chex that are gluten-free, and you can replace the pretzels and crackers with gluten-free alternatives. Just double-check the labels!
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing Mix?
If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can make your own! Combine equal parts mayo, sour cream, and a bit of buttermilk with seasoning like garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs to achieve a similar flavor. Just be sure to adjust to your taste!
