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Ranch Chex Mix

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Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite snack mix: Ranch Chex Mix. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly addictive – perfect for movie nights, game days, or anytime you’re craving a savory treat. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious snack that’s sure to impress. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe together!

Ranch-Chex-Mix

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • KID FRIENDLY – Ranch Chex Mix is a hit with kids of all ages! Its crunchy texture and savory flavor make it a snack that children love to munch on. Plus, you can involve the little ones in the kitchen by letting them help mix the ingredients – it’s a fun and interactive way to bond while cooking.
  • HEALTHY – Compared to store-bought snacks that are often loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients, homemade Ranch Chex Mix can be a healthier alternative. By controlling the ingredients, you can use whole grains, nuts, and seeds to add fiber and nutrients to your snack. Plus, you can adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste preferences, reducing the sodium content compared to pre-packaged options. It’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your cravings!
  • INEXPENSIVE – One of the best things about Ranch Chex Mix is that it’s budget-friendly. You can easily customize the recipe based on what you have on hand, and the ingredients are typically inexpensive and easy to find at any grocery store. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick snack for yourself, Ranch Chex Mix won’t break the bank.

Ranch Chex Mix Ingredients

  • 1 cup Bugles
  • 1 cup Cheez-Its 
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • 1 cup oyster crackers
  • 1 cup wheat Chex
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning Or Homemade Ranch Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan 

Ranch Chex Mix Recipe

Air Fryer Directions:

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (if applicable for your appliance).
  2. Prepare Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine Bugles, Cheez-Its, pretzels, oyster crackers, and Chex cereal.
  3. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
  4. Coat with Butter: Pour the melted butter over the Chex mix in the bowl. Use a spatula or large spoon to carefully stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated with butter.
  5. Prepare Seasoning: In a separate small bowl, mix together the Ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
  6. Season Chex Mix: Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the Chex mix and gently stir to distribute. Then, add the remaining half of the seasoning mixture and stir until the Chex mixture is evenly coated.
  7. Air Fry Chex: Pour half of the coated Chex mix into the air fryer basket in an even layer. Air fry for about 3-6 minutes until the ranch seasoning is baked into the Chex mix and the tops turn golden brown. Check occasionally to avoid burning.
  8. Repeat for Remaining Mix: Repeat the air frying process with the second half of the Chex mix.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the Ranch Chex Mix to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving bowl. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Oven:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Bake in Oven: Spread half of the coated Chex mix onto a large baking sheet in an even layer. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Chex mix is crispy and the seasoning is baked in.
  3. Repeat for Remaining Mix: Repeat the process with the second half of the Chex mix, spreading it onto another baking sheet and baking it in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
  4. Cool and Serve: Allow the Ranch Chex Mix to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring it to a serving bowl. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
Air-Fryer-Chex-Mix-in-basket

Tips & Tricks

  • Mix Up the Ingredients: Feel free to customize your Chex Mix by adding your favorite snacks or swapping out ingredients. You can try adding nuts, crackers, or different types of cereal to change up the flavors.
  • Even Coating: Make sure to thoroughly coat the Chex mix with the melted butter and seasoning mixture. This will ensure that every piece is flavorful and crispy.
  • Low and Slow: When baking in the oven, use a lower temperature and longer baking time to prevent the Chex mix from burning. This allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to crisp up evenly.
  • Stirring: Whether you’re baking in the oven or air frying, be sure to stir the Chex mix halfway through the cooking process. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents any pieces from getting overly browned.
  • Cool Completely: Let the Ranch Chex Mix cool completely before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the mix to become crispy.
  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it starts to lose its crispiness, you can refresh it in the oven for a few minutes.
  • Double Batch: If you’re making Chex Mix for a party or gathering, consider doubling the recipe. It’s always a hit, and you’ll be glad to have extra on hand.
  • Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning blends to create unique flavors. You can try adding spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or onion powder for an extra kick.
Ranch-Chex-Mix-in-a-bowl.

FAQs about Ranch Chex Mix

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cereal to customize your Mix. You can try using rice cereal, corn cereal, or even a combination of different cereals to add variety to the snack.

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to maintain its crispiness.

Yes, you can definitely make Ranch Chex Mix ahead of time. It’s a great snack to prepare in advance for parties, movie nights, or anytime you need a quick treat. Just store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to enjoy it.

  1. Allow the Mix to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
  2. Transfer the cooled mix to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
  3. Seal the container or bag tightly to prevent air from getting in, which can cause the mix to become stale.
  4. Store the container or bag at room temperature in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
  5. Avoid storing the mix in areas with high humidity, as moisture can make it soggy.
  6. Enjoy the snack within a week for the best flavor and texture. If it starts to lose its crispiness, you can refresh it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
  1. Nuts: Peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts add extra crunch and flavor.
  2. Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame seeds can provide additional texture and nutrition.
  3. Dried Fruit: Add a touch of sweetness with dried cranberries, raisins, cherries, apricots, or banana chips.
  4. Spices: Experiment with different spices to create unique flavor profiles. Consider adding cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, curry powder, or taco seasoning for a spicy kick.
  5. Cheese: Add extra cheesy goodness with cheese crackers, cheese-flavored popcorn, or cheese puffs.
  6. Savory Additions: Mix in crispy bacon bits, mini pretzel rods, bagel chips, or garlic chips for extra savory flavor.
  7. Sweet Additions: For a sweet and salty combination, mix in chocolate chips, M&M’s, pretzel M&M’s, or caramel bits.
  8. Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or basil can add depth of flavor to your Chex Mix.
  9. Sauces: Drizzle with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, soy sauce, or honey for added flavor and moisture.
  10. Cereal Variations: Experiment with different varieties of Chex cereal, such as wheat Chex, corn Chex, or honey nut Chex, to change up the texture and flavor profile.
Ranch-Chex-Mix

More Snack Recipes

Ranch-Chex-Mix

Ranch Chex Mix

Yield: 6 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite snack mix: Ranch Chex Mix. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly addictive – perfect for movie nights, game days, or anytime you’re craving a savory treat. 

Ingredients

Instructions

    Air Fryer Directions:

    1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 325°F (if applicable for your appliance).
    2. Prepare Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine Bugles, Cheez-Its, pretzels, oyster crackers, and Chex cereal.
    3. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
    4. Coat with Butter: Pour the melted butter over the Chex mix in the bowl. Use a spatula or large spoon to carefully stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly coated with butter.
    5. Prepare Seasoning: In a separate small bowl, mix together the Ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
    6. Season Chex Mix: Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the Chex mix and gently stir to distribute. Then, add the remaining half of the seasoning mixture and stir until the Chex mixture is evenly coated.
    7. Air Fry Chex: Pour half of the coated Chex mix into the air fryer basket in an even layer. Air fry for about 3-6 minutes until the ranch seasoning is baked into the Chex mix and the tops turn golden brown. Check occasionally to avoid burning.
    8. Repeat for Remaining Mix: Repeat the air frying process with the second half of the Chex mix.
    9. Cool and Serve: Allow the Ranch Chex Mix to cool slightly before transferring it to a serving bowl. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

    Oven Directions

    1. Bake in Oven: Spread half of the coated Chex mix onto a large baking sheet in an even layer. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Chex mix is crispy and the seasoning is baked in.
    2. Repeat for Remaining Mix: Repeat the process with the second half of the Chex mix, spreading it onto another baking sheet and baking it in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
    3. Cool and Serve: Allow the Ranch Chex Mix to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring it to a serving bowl. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 234Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 582mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 7g

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