Ranch Chex Mix is a fun and tasty snack that’s perfect for munching! It’s made with crunchy Chex cereal, nuts, pretzels, and coated in a zesty ranch seasoning.
This mix is my go-to for parties or movie nights. It always disappears quickly, and who can resist those crunchy pieces? Just a heads up, you might want to save some for yourself! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cereals: The mix includes Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex for a nice crunch and texture. If any of these aren’t available, you can use similar cereals like Crispix or even a combination of your favorite snacks like popcorn or puffed rice.
Pretzels: Pretzels add a salty bite. You can substitute with bugles, crackers, or even roasted nuts if you prefer a nutty flavor.
Butter: While I really enjoy the richness butter adds, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based spread if you’re trying to make it dairy-free.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This gives the mix its iconic flavor. In a pinch, you can blend equal parts of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder to mimic its taste if you don’t have the packet handy.
Dried Dill: It’s optional, but I think it adds a nice touch. If you don’t have it, you can skip it, or use another herb like thyme for a different twist!
How Do I Ensure My Chex Mix is Crispy and Flavorful?
The key to a crispy Ranch Chex Mix is even heat and mixing! Make sure to stir the mix every 15 minutes while it bakes. This prevents any pieces from clumping together and ensures every bite is seasoned and crunchy.
- Start by mixing the dry ingredients well before adding the butter mixture.
- Space out the mix evenly on the baking sheet for better heat distribution.
- Let it cool completely after baking. It will crisp more as it cools!
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
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup bite-size cheese crackers
For the Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix (dry)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried dill (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ranch Chex Mix will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake, making a total time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes before it’s ready to munch on! Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature helps the mix become nice and crispy without burning any of the ingredients.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, and cheese crackers. Mix them together gently so they’re evenly distributed.
3. Melt the Butter:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir it occasionally until it’s completely melted, being careful not to let it brown.
4. Mix the Seasoning:
Once the butter is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined into a smooth butter mixture for seasoning.
5. Coat the Cereal Mixture:
Pour the seasoned butter over the cereal mixture in the bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the delicious seasoning.
6. Spread on Baking Sheet:
Once the mixture is coated, spread it evenly on a large baking sheet. It’s important to distribute it well so it bakes evenly.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Stir the mix every 15 minutes to make sure it crisps up nicely and doesn’t stick together.
8. Cool It Down:
Once the baking time is up, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the Ranch Chex Mix cool completely on the sheet. As it cools, it will become even more crispy!
9. Store and Enjoy:
After it has cooled, store your Ranch Chex Mix in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for up to a week, making it a perfect snack for movies or parties! Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex with any other similar cereals like Crispix or even cornflakes. Just keep the texture and crunch in mind for the best results!
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing Mix?
No worries! You can create a homemade version with a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for flavor. Aim for about 1 tablespoon in total to match the seasoning from the store-bought packet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store your Ranch Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. It’ll stay crispy and delicious if stored correctly!
Can I Adjust the Seasoning to My Taste?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the salt, garlic powder, and other spices to suit your preferences. Just remember to taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
