The Zesty Ranch Trail Mix: A Crunchy Homemade Recipe

Whipping up a delectable ranch trail mix brings excitement to snack time like nothing else.

Savory seasonings blend perfectly with crunchy nuts and crispy cereal pieces.

Families adore this quick and easy treat that satisfies unexpected hunger pangs.

Our simple recipe combines zesty spices with classic ingredients you already have in your pantry.

Clusters of roasted nuts, pretzels, and cheesy crackers create an irresistible munching experience.

Salty and tangy flavors dance together, promising a crowd-pleasing snack that disappears faster than you can mix it.

Ready to become the snack hero at your next gathering?

Ingredients for Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix

• Rice Chex: A light, crispy cereal that provides a delicate crunch to the snack mix.
• Corn Chex: Another crunchy cereal that adds texture and complements the other ingredients.
• Pretzels: Salty snacks that bring a classic snack mix element to the recipe.
• Cheddar Crackers: Cheesy crackers that enhance the overall flavor profile of the mix.

• Peanuts: Optional nuts that add extra protein and a satisfying crunch to the trail mix.

• Butter, Melted: Creates a rich base for coating the mix and helps the seasonings stick to the ingredients.
• Ranch Seasoning Packet: Provides the signature tangy and herbal ranch flavor to the entire snack mix.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that boost the savory flavor and complement the ranch seasoning.

Preparing Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 250°F. Grab a large baking sheet and blanket it with parchment paper to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Toss the Dry Goodies

• Rice Chex
• Corn Chex
• Pretzels
• Cheddar crackers
• Peanuts

Give everything a quick swirl so they’re mingling nicely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

• Melted butter
• Ranch seasoning packet
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Stir until the seasonings dance smoothly into the butter.

Step 4: Create the Magical Coating

Drizzle the seasoned butter over your dry ingredients. Use a spatula or get hands-on to massage every single morsel until it’s completely drenched in ranch goodness.

Step 5: Spread the Love

Scatter the coated mix across your prepped baking sheet. Aim for an even layer so each bite gets equal crunch and flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for one hour, giving the mix a gentle stir every 15 minutes.

This ensures maximum crunchiness and flavor distribution.

Step 7: Chill and Crunch

Pull the mix from the oven and let it cool completely.

As it rests, it’ll transform into a crispy, irresistible snack that’ll disappear faster than you can say “ranch”!

Tips to Perfect Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix

• Add an extra ranch seasoning packet for a more intense, zesty taste that'll make your snack mix irresistibly tangy.
• Stir the mix every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even browning and avoid any burnt pieces that could ruin the overall flavor.
• Replace regular pretzels and crackers with gluten-free alternatives to make this snack mix suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Keep the cooled snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining its crispiness and delicious ranch flavor.
• Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne powder for an extra kick that'll give the ranch mix a subtle heat and exciting flavor profile.

Variations of Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix

• Spicy Southwest Blend: Replace ranch seasoning with taco or chili powder, add dried jalapeños, and include corn nuts for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Herb Garden Mix: Swap ranch seasoning for Italian herb blend, incorporate dried basil and oregano, use whole wheat crackers instead of cheddar for a more earthy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use gluten-free Chex cereals, replace pretzels with rice crackers, select gluten-free ranch seasoning packet, and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Choose reduced-sodium crackers, use a homemade ranch seasoning with less salt, select unsalted nuts, and minimize added butter for a healthier snacking option.

Pairing Ideas for Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix

• Select crisp lager or hoppy IPA to complement the tangy ranch seasoning, cutting through the buttery richness and refreshing your palate between bites.
• Create cool blue cheese or ranch dressing as a side dip, enhancing the snack's ranch flavor profile and providing a smooth contrast to the crunchy texture.
• Grab fizzy ginger ale or citrus soda to balance the savory mix, offering a light, bubbly counterpoint that cleanses your taste buds after each handful.

Storing Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix

• Store the cooled ranch trail mix in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain crispness and prevent moisture.
• Portion the mix into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Transfer the completely cooled mix to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Store at room temperature in a dry, cool place for 3-4 days. Avoid humid areas to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this ranch trail mix its unique flavor?

The ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, and onion powder create the bold, tangy ranch taste that makes this snack mix irresistible and different from traditional trail mixes.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular pretzels and crackers with gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free pretzels and cheese crackers to make the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How do I prevent the mix from getting soggy during baking?

Stir the mix every 15 minutes while baking and spread it in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. This ensures even heat distribution and helps each ingredient crisp up perfectly.

Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix Details

• Customize Your Crunch: Mix and match your favorite cereals, crackers, and nuts to create a personalized snack that suits your taste buds and pantry.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game days, movie nights, or spontaneous gatherings where you need a delicious snack that everyone will love.
• No-Fuss Flavor Explosion: Combines the tangy ranch seasoning with a satisfying mix of textures, delivering a mouthwatering treat that's impossible to resist.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills and simple ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for beginners or busy home cooks looking for a tasty snack solution.

Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crunchy ranch trail mix brings zesty southwestern flair to snack time with its bold seasoning blend. Salty pretzels, nuts, and crackers mingle under a tangy ranch coating, creating an irresistible munchable treat you can’t stop enjoying.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 3 cups rice chex cereal
• 3 cups corn chex cereal
• 2 cups pretzels
• 1 cup cheddar crackers

Protein/Nuts:

• 1 cup peanuts

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack to center position and heat to 250°F. Cover large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
2. Collect all dry ingredients in spacious mixing vessel: cereals, pretzels, crackers, and nuts. Gently tumble components to distribute evenly.
3. Create seasoning blend by whisking melted butter with ranch powder, garlic, and onion seasonings until fully integrated and smooth.
4. Drizzle seasoned butter over dry ingredients, using silicone spatula to thoroughly coat each morsel, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
5. Transfer mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading into uniform layer to guarantee consistent toasting and crunchiness.
6. Slide tray into preheated oven. Rotate and stir mixture every quarter-hour during 60-minute roasting cycle to promote even browning and crisp texture.
7. Extract from oven and allow trail mix to rest at room temperature. Snack will continue transforming and developing crispier consistency while cooling completely.

Notes

• Swap out ingredients to create gluten-free versions by using gluten-free Chex cereal and pretzels for individuals with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium ranch seasoning packets and using unsalted butter to control salt levels for health-conscious snackers.
• Customize mix by adding dried herbs like dill or chives for extra ranch flavor complexity and depth without overwhelming the original recipe profile.
• Store in airtight container at room temperature for maximum crunchiness, keeping mix fresh up to one week and maintaining its signature zesty ranch taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg