Crispy Savory Ranch Chex Mix: Easy 5-Ingredient Party Snack
A simple, precise, and crispy savory ranch Chex mix made with just five ingredients. This homemade snack offers a tangy, herby kick and stays crunchy for hours, making it perfect for game days and parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups Chex Cereal Mix (rice, wheat, and corn varieties)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Croutons
- 1 cup Pretzel Twists
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 oz Ranch Seasoning Packet (dry mix)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan until fully liquid but not boiling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 cups Chex cereal, 1 cup cheddar cheese croutons, and 1 cup pretzel twists.
- Whisk the ranch seasoning packet into the melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mix and toss thoroughly with a silicone spatula until every piece is coated.
- Divide the mixture evenly between two large baking sheets, spreading it into a single thin layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning. Rotate pans at the 10-minute mark.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the pans for at least 30 minutes before storing or serving to allow it to crisp up.
Notes
Do not skip stirring; it prevents burning and ensures even flavor distribution. The mix will feel soft when hot but will crisp up as it cools. Do not store while warm, as trapped steam will make it soggy. For a gluten-free version, use rice Chex and gluten-free pretzels. For dairy-free, use olive oil and skip cheese croutons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Chex Mix, Ranch Snack, Party Snack, Game Day Food, Easy Recipe, Homemade Snack, Savory Mix, Crispy Snack