This Ranch Chex Mix has a zesty Parmesan, ranch, and herb seasoning that gives this classic snack a fun and cheesy twist. It’s loaded with Chex, pretzels, peanuts, and a variety of other crispy crackers—perfect for serving at parties, game day get-togethers, or for an after school snack.
If you’re looking for more easy snack mix recipes, you can also try this Fall Party Mix or our classic Chex Party Mix recipe.
Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix
Whether you are craving a salty snack, or need something quick and easy to throw together for a party, this zesty Ranch snack mix is something that everyone will love. Similar to our classic Chex Party Mix, this version adds extra crackers like Cheez Its and Goldfish crackers, and covers them in a ranch seasoning mixture.
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Actually combining the ranch dressing mix and the cereal mixture takes about 10 minutes. The rest of the time is spent baking them so that the flavoring sticks and everything gets nice and toasty.
This is the perfect snack mix for game day, class parties, or even homemade gifts. Feel free to get creative and swap out some of the seasoning ingredients as well as the cracker options.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Rice Chex – My preference is rice chex because it is super crisp and light. A combination of rice, corn, and wheat works if you like the flavor and texture of those better.
- Crispix – Crispix are similar in flavor and texture to Rice Chex but have a different shape which gives the snack mix a little more variety.
- Bugles – these crispy little snacks are another fun shape to add and they hold the ranch seasoning flavor super well.
- Mini Pretzels – any bite sized pretzel sticks, twists, and squares will all work great.
- Crackers – for this recipe, I used a combination of both Cheez Its and Goldfish crackers. Oyster cracks are another favorite cracker to use, as are bagel chips.
- Peanuts – lightly salted and roasted are my favorite. Or, substitute cashews if you prefer. If you have a peanut or nut allergy, you can also leave them out completely.
- Butter – butter adds flavor, but just as importantly it keeps the Chex Mix nice and crisp while it bakes. It also helps the seasoning stick to the cereal.
- Parmesan Cheese – use finely grated Parmesan cheese so that it spreads out well over the snacks and actually sticks to them.
- Ranch Powder – you can find ranch seasoning mix powder in the salad dressing section at the grocery store. It’s such an easy way to sprinkle in loads of flavor so I recommend buying more than you need so that you have extra on hand!
- Other seasoning – a combination of mustard powder, garlic powder, and dried parsley flakes makes for a flavor-filled seasoning mix that takes amazing on crispy, crunchy snacks. You can get creative here and use all sorts of flavors from something more basic like Italian seasoning to something a little more bold like Cajun seasoning.
How to Make Ranch Chex Mix
- Combine the cereals in a bowl. In a large mixing bowl, add the Chex, Crispix, Bugles, pretzels, crackers, and peanuts. Set aside.
- Make the seasoning. To make the topping, add the melted butter and mix with the cereal mixture. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, ranch powder, mustard powder, garlic powder, and parsley flakes.
- Combine. Mix until combined, then pour the mixture over the cereal and stir gently. Transfer the Ranch Chex Mix onto a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake. Bake in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes, stirring half-way through, or until fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Cool and serve. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Serve in a large serving bowl, or individual serving cups. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for 3-5 days. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
While it tastes best fresh, you can store this Chex Mix in freezer bags or another airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Once thawed, it won’t be quite as crisp as it was before freezing, but it’s a good way to extend the life if you have a large amount leftover.
As long as you store it in an airtight container in a cool dry place, your Ranch Chex Mix should stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Since all of the ingredients in Chex Mix are already baked or ready to eat individually, it can be a little confusing to know when it has finished baking. The best way to know is if the buttery seasoning looks dry rather than wet, and the snacks are lightly toasted. The entire thing should also be super fragrant.
Storing Instructions
- Room Temperature: store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3-5 days at room temperature.
- Freezer: if you have a large amount leftover, you can store in freezer bags for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Ranch Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
Chex Cereal Mix
- 3 cups (80 g) Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups (120 g) Crispix cereal
- 2 cups Bugles
- 2 cups (160 g) mini pretzels
- 2 cups (100 cups) cheese crackers, or oyster crackers
- 1 cup (50 g) Goldfish crackers
- 1 cup (150 g) salted peanuts
Ranch Seasoning
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) butter, melted
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) ranch powder
- 1½ teaspoons (1½ teaspoons) dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon (1/2 tablespoon) parsley flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the Chex, Crispix, Bugles, pretzels, crackers, and peanuts. Set aside.
- To make the topping, add the melted butter and mix with the cereal mixture. In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, ranch powder, mustard powder, garlic powder, and parsley flakes. Mix until combined, then pour the mixture over the cereal and stir gently.
- Transfer the ranch Chex Mix onto a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring half-way through, until crispy and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Serve in a large serving bowl or individual serving cups. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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