There is something so satisfying about a crunchy snack mix you can grab by the handful. This Ranch Chex Mix snack is bold, savory, and packed with that classic ranch flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
It's buttery, herby, and perfectly seasoned with a tangy ranch coating that clings to every piece of cereal and pretzel. Whether you are preparing a movie night snack, a party appetizer, or something to pack for road trips, this Ranch Chex Mix snack always disappears quickly. Let's get started.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This homemade snack mix is simple to make and full of flavor.
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Crispy, buttery, and full of ranch seasoning
- Perfect for parties, game nights, or lunchbox snacks
- Easy to customize with your favorite crunchy ingredients
- Much fresher than store-bought snack mixes
- Great for gifting during holidays
I have made this mix many times for family gatherings, and every single time someone asks for the recipe before the bowl is empty.
Ingredients
For the Snack Mix
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzel sticks or pretzel twists
- 1 cup bagel chips
- 1 cup mini crackers or oyster crackers
For the Ranch Seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (optional)
This combination creates that classic ranch flavor that coats every crunchy bite.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chex cereals
Using both rice and corn varieties gives the snack mix different textures. You can also add wheat Chex if you like a heartier crunch.
Pretzels
Pretzels add a salty contrast to the buttery ranch coating.
Bagel chips
They bring extra crunch and a toasted flavor that works beautifully with ranch seasoning.
Ranch seasoning mix
This ingredient is what gives the snack mix its bold flavor. Store-bought packets work perfectly.
Butter
Butter helps the seasoning stick and gives the mix its rich flavor.
Instructions
1. Prepare the snack base
Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, bagel chips, and mini crackers.
Gently toss everything together.
2. Make the ranch butter
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- melted butter
- ranch seasoning packet
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- dried dill
The mixture should smell wonderfully herby and buttery.
3. Coat the snack mix
Drizzle the ranch butter mixture over the cereal mixture.
Slowly toss the mix so every piece becomes evenly coated.
4. Bake the Chex mix
Spread the mixture evenly across a large baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through so everything toasts evenly.
The snack mix should come out crisp, golden, and incredibly fragrant.
5. Cool and serve
Allow the mix to cool completely before serving.
As it cools, the coating sets and the texture becomes perfectly crunchy.
Pro Tips for Success
- Stir halfway through baking
This keeps the mix evenly toasted. - Use a large baking sheet
Spreading the mix out helps it crisp instead of steaming. - Let it cool completely
The texture becomes crunchier once cooled. - Add extra seasoning if desired
Taste the mix after baking and sprinkle more ranch seasoning if you want a stronger flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store Ranch Chex Mix snack in an airtight container at room temperature.
It stays fresh for up to 1 week.
If it softens slightly, you can re-crisp it in the oven at 250°F for about 5 minutes.
Make Ahead & Freezing
This snack mix is perfect for preparing in advance.
- Make it 2-3 days before parties and store in an airtight container.
- Portion it into small snack bags for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Freezing is not recommended because it can affect the crunchy texture.
Tips and Variations
Add nuts
Almonds, peanuts, or cashews add extra protein and crunch.
Make it spicy
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Add cheese crackers
Cheddar crackers add a rich cheesy flavor.
Make a sweet and savory version
Add a handful of honey-roasted peanuts.
Try different cereals
Wheat Chex or Crispix work well in this recipe.
FAQs
Yes. Microwave it in 1-minute intervals for about 5-6 minutes, stirring between each interval.
When stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about one week.
Yes. Replace the butter with melted dairy-free butter or olive oil.
📖 Recipe
Ranch Chex Mix Snack
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ranch Chex Mix made for a crowd. My favorite snack mix is loaded with peanuts, cheese crackers, pretzels, and rice cereal. This easy zesty Ranch Chex Mix is perfect for parties and school lunches.
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 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning dry powder
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½ tablespoon dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rice cereal, peanuts or cashews, pretzels, cheese crackers, and oyster crackers.
- Gently toss the mixture together with large spoons.
- Melt butter in the microwave and pour over the snack mix.
- In a small bowl, combine ranch seasoning powder, mustard powder, grated parmesan, and dried parsley.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the snack mix.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through baking.
- Allow the snack mix to cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
Notes
This Ranch Chex Mix is perfect for parties, game day, or school lunches. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for several days to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Serving Suggestions
This Ranch Chex Mix snack is perfect for casual gatherings and holiday parties.
Serve it in bowls for movie nights, pack it for road trips, or add it to snack boards with popcorn, nuts, and crackers.
It also makes a wonderful homemade gift when packed into jars or festive bags.
Nutrition & Notes
- Servings: about 10 cups
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
Author: Lily, Let's Fly Tasty
I have tested this snack mix with different seasoning blends, and ranch remains my favorite. It gives the mix a bright, herby flavor that makes it almost impossible to stop snacking.
Reader Reviews
"This was the perfect snack for our movie night. Everyone kept reaching for more." - Jenna
"Better than store-bought Chex mix. The ranch flavor is amazing." - Mark
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