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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Arrange oven rack to center position and heat to 250°F. Cover large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
- Collect all dry ingredients in spacious mixing vessel: cereals, pretzels, crackers, and nuts. Gently tumble components to distribute evenly.
- Create seasoning blend by whisking melted butter with ranch powder, garlic, and onion seasonings until fully integrated and smooth.
- Drizzle seasoned butter over dry ingredients, using silicone spatula to thoroughly coat each morsel, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
- Transfer mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading into uniform layer to guarantee consistent toasting and crunchiness.
- Slide tray into preheated oven. Rotate and stir mixture every quarter-hour during 60-minute roasting cycle to promote even browning and crisp texture.
- 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