Crunchy Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix Recipe: Addictive Homemade Joy

Munching on a classic ranch trail mix can spark unexpected culinary adventures at home.

Crisp, zesty seasonings dance across perfectly roasted nuts and crunchy seeds in this irresistible blend.

Pantry staples come together with minimal effort to create a seriously addictive snack.

Weekend movie nights or afternoon energy boosts suddenly feel more exciting with these bold flavors.

Mixing the ingredients takes just minutes, promising maximum satisfaction for minimal kitchen time.

Salt, herbs, and that signature tangy ranch essence make each handful impossible to resist.

I dare you to stop at just one handful of this seriously crave-worthy treat.

Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix That’s Crunchy and Addictive

• Swap ingredients based on personal preference or pantry availability, making this recipe incredibly flexible for any taste or dietary need.
• Whips up in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous gatherings, game nights, or unexpected snack cravings.
• Delivers bold ranch flavor with a satisfying crunch that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming ordinary ingredients into an addictive treat.
• Requires simple mixing and basic kitchen tools, ensuring even novice cooks can create a delicious homemade snack without complicated techniques.

Ingredients That Go into This Savory Ranch Snack Mix

• Pretzels: Crunchy base with classic salty flavor, look for thin or small twisty varieties.
• Cheese Crackers: Adds cheesy richness, select square or round varieties.
• Nuts, Rice Cereal Squares, Bagel Chips: Provides extra crunch and texture variety, mix different types for interesting profile.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Core flavor base with classic herb blend, choose pre-made or homemade mix.
• Butter: Helps distribute seasoning and creates golden color, unsalted recommended.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhances savory ranch flavor, use fresh and high-quality spices.
• Dried Dill: Optional herb that boosts ranch authenticity, adds subtle green herb note.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides subtle smoky background flavor, choose mild or hot versions.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps even baking, ensures easy cleanup.

Mix and Bake Your Ranch Trail Mix in Minutes

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300F (150C). Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Build the Base Blend

• Pretzels
• Cheese crackers
• Mixed nuts
• Rice cereal squares
• Bagel chips

Mix everything until it looks well combined.

Step 3: Create Ranch Magic Sauce

• Melted butter
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried dill
• Smoked paprika

Blend until smooth and fragrant.

Step 4: Coat and Massage

Pour the ranch magic sauce over your base blend. Use a spatula or your hands to gently massage and coat every single morsel. Make sure no piece gets left behind.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Spread the coated mix across the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give the mix a quick stir to ensure even golden crispiness.

Step 6: Cool and Crunch

Remove from oven and let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container or dive right in for an instant snack attack.

Tips to Keep Ranch Snack Mix From Getting Soggy

• Customize Your Crunch: Swap out any nuts or crackers based on personal preference or dietary needs for a personalized snack mix.
• Prevent Burning Tricks: Stir the mix halfway through baking to ensure even toasting and prevent any pieces from getting too dark or burnt.
• Storage Savvy: Keep the ranch trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining its crispy texture and zesty flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the ranch seasoning quantity to make the mix more or less intense, catering to different taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the snack mix in advance for parties, road trips, or quick grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.

Best Storage for Crunchy Trail Mix

• Store leftover ranch trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep away from humidity and direct sunlight to maintain crispness.
• Transfer cooled snack mix to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Restore crunchiness by spreading mix on a baking sheet and warming in a 300F oven for 5-7 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Discard if mix develops an off smell, looks moldy, or tastes stale. Always inspect before consuming stored snacks.

What to Serve Alongside Ranch Snack Mix

• Crack open a crisp, light lager or pale ale that cuts through the ranch's tangy flavor, refreshing your palate between crunchy bites.
• Serve alongside a cool sour cream and chive dip that echoes the ranch seasoning's herbal notes, creating a complementary taste experience.
• Pour a zesty citrus-flavored sparkling water or ginger ale to cleanse the palate and contrast the savory, salty snack mix.
• Pair with a light green salad featuring cucumber and lettuce to provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the rich, seasoned mix.

Ways to Customize Ranch Snack Mix for Every Crowd

• Gluten-Free Friendly Mix: Replace wheat-based pretzels and crackers with gluten-free alternatives like rice crackers, corn-based chips, and certified gluten-free cereal squares. Choose gluten-free ranch seasoning mix to maintain the classic flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Ranch Variation: Use reduced-sodium ranch seasoning packet or create homemade seasoning with less salt. Select unsalted nuts and low-sodium crackers to control overall sodium content while preserving tangy ranch taste.
• Spicy Ranch Kick: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, or hot sauce to the butter mixture for extra heat. Include spicy nuts like chili-roasted almonds to amplify the zesty ranch experience with a fiery undertone.
• Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate roasted chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and additional mixed nuts to boost protein content. Select high-protein cereal squares and include dried edamame for enhanced nutritional value.

Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Delightful ranch trail mix combines zesty seasoning with crunchy nuts and savory pretzels for an irresistible snacking experience. Munching on this blend delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture that keeps fingers reaching back to the bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Snack Mix Base:

• 3 cups pretzels (twists or sticks)
• 2 cups cheese crackers (like Cheez-Its)
• 1 cup roasted peanuts or cashews
• 1 cup rice cereal squares (like Rice Chex)
• 1 cup bagel chips or pita chips, broken into smaller pieces

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)

Spices and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried dill (optional)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 300F (150C) and line a spacious baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Gather all dry components – pretzels, cheese crackers, mixed nuts, rice cereal squares, and bagel chips – into a generously sized mixing vessel, ensuring an even distribution through gentle tossing.
3. Create the flavor profile by whisking together melted butter with ranch seasoning mix, incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and smoked paprika in a compact mixing bowl.
4. Drizzle the seasoned butter mixture over the dry snack ingredients, using a careful folding technique to guarantee comprehensive coating of each morsel.
5. Distribute the seasoned mixture across the prepared baking sheet in a uniform layer, maintaining consistent thickness to promote even roasting.
6. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven, allowing the mixture to transform for approximately 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan midway to ensure balanced golden crispiness.
7. Remove from the oven and permit the trail mix to cool completely at room temperature, which will help solidify the seasoning and enhance the overall crunch.
8. Once thoroughly cooled, transfer the ranch-infused snack mix to an airtight container for preservation or serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the mix by swapping out ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry.
• Use gluten-free pretzels and crackers to make this snack mix celiac-friendly and accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Toast nuts separately before adding to enhance their natural flavors and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Reduce butter content by using cooking spray for a lighter version of the snack mix, which cuts down on calories without sacrificing flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg