Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix

Introduction

When it comes to easy and delicious snacks, few can beat the addictive, savory flavor of Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix. This recipe quickly became a favorite in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too! The combination of crunchy cereals, pretzels, crackers, and peanuts, all tossed in a zesty ranch seasoning mix, creates the perfect snack for movie nights, road trips, or just an afternoon munch. My family couldn’t get enough of it! The crunchy, seasoned mix is loaded with flavors that will make you reach for handful after handful. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that’s both tasty and versatile, which makes it the perfect go-to for any occasion.

This snack mix is incredibly easy to make, and the best part is that you can customize it to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making a big batch to serve at a party or a smaller portion for the kids’ lunch boxes, Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
2 cups pretzels
1 cup cheddar crackers
1 cup peanuts (optional)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the snack mix from sticking while baking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, cheddar crackers, and peanuts (if using). Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed in the bowl.
Make the Seasoning: In a separate small bowl, mix the melted butter with the ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until the seasoning is thoroughly dissolved into the butter.
Coat the Snack Mix: Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands to toss everything together, ensuring that each piece of cereal, cracker, and pretzel is coated with the buttery ranch seasoning.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Once everything is coated, spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. This helps ensure that the snack mix bakes evenly and crisps up nicely.
Bake the Trail Mix: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring the mix every 15 minutes. This will help the snack mix bake evenly and give all the ingredients a nice crunch.
Cool and Serve: After baking, remove the snack mix from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. The mixture will continue to crisp up as it cools, giving you the perfect crunchy snack.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and calories per serving):

Serving Size: 1/12 of the recipe
Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 210mg

Preparation Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve:

Movie Nights: Serve this Ranch Trail Mix in individual bowls or a large family-sized bowl for everyone to enjoy while watching a movie.
Lunch Boxes: Pack this snack mix in small containers or bags for a quick and tasty addition to kids’ lunches.
Parties: Make a big batch for parties or gatherings, and serve in large bowls for easy snacking.
Picnics: This snack mix is perfect for outdoor adventures, road trips, or picnics.
Snack Breaks: Grab a handful whenever you need a quick and satisfying snack.

Additional Tips:

Customize Your Ingredients: If you’re not a fan of peanuts, feel free to swap them out for other nuts, such as almonds or cashews. You can also add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: If you like a little more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for some heat. You can also experiment with adding a little smoked paprika or dill to enhance the flavor.
Use Different Cereals: While Rice Chex and Corn Chex are classic choices, feel free to mix in other cereals like Wheat Chex or even Cheerios for added variety.
Make It Gluten-Free: To make this snack mix gluten-free, simply swap out the pretzels and crackers for gluten-free versions. There are plenty of gluten-free pretzel and cracker options available that taste just as good!
Storage Tip: Store the snack mix in an airtight container for up to two weeks. It will stay fresh and crunchy, making it the perfect make-ahead snack.

Recipe Variations:

Sweet & Savory Combo: For a sweet twist on this savory snack, add some chocolate chips, M&Ms, or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins. The mix of salty and sweet flavors will satisfy all cravings.
Spicy Ranch: If you prefer a spicier version of this trail mix, add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture before tossing with the dry ingredients.
Cheese Lovers’ Mix: Add some shredded cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the mix for a cheesy kick. You can also toss in cheese crackers for even more cheesy flavor.
Nut-Free Version: If you need to make a nut-free version, simply omit the peanuts and use extra pretzels and crackers for crunch. You can also add crispy chickpeas or roasted edamame for a bit of protein.
Herb-Infused Ranch: For a more herbaceous flavor, try adding some dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the ranch seasoning for a herby twist.

Serving Suggestions:

Snack Time: This Ranch Trail Mix is perfect for serving on its own as a crunchy, flavorful snack. It’s easy to make in large batches and keeps well, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
Charcuterie Boards: Serve this snack mix alongside cheese, deli meats, and crackers on a charcuterie board for a fun and festive appetizer spread.
Game Day: Bring this snack mix to your next game day party for a crunchy and crowd-pleasing snack that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Movie Night: Keep a big bowl of this Ranch Trail Mix on hand for your next movie marathon. It’s the perfect snack to munch on during those long hours of screen time.

Freezing and Storage:

Storage: Store your Ranch Trail Mix in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crispy, making it the perfect snack to keep on hand.
Freezing: While you can freeze the trail mix, it’s best to enjoy it fresh. If you do choose to freeze it, place the mix in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer, though the texture may be slightly different once thawed.

FAQ Section:

Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes! You can swap out the Rice Chex and Corn Chex for any other cereal of your choice, such as Cheerios or Wheat Chex.
Can I make this mix ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
How long should I bake the snack mix?
Bake the mix for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure an even crunch.
Can I make this mix without pretzels?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the pretzels with additional crackers or nuts.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by swapping out the pretzels and crackers for gluten-free alternatives.
Can I add other seasonings?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonings, such as smoked paprika or chili powder, to add variety.
Can I add dried fruit to this mix?
Yes, adding dried fruit like cranberries or raisins adds a nice sweet contrast to the salty mix.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter, but butter provides a richer flavor.
Is this mix kid-friendly?
Yes, this snack mix is perfect for kids and can be adjusted to suit any dietary restrictions or preferences.
Can I use flavored ranch seasoning?
Yes, flavored ranch seasoning such as spicy ranch or buttermilk ranch can be used for a unique twist.

Conclusion:

Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix is a deliciously simple and versatile snack that’s perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing school lunches, or simply craving a savory treat, this snack mix is sure to be a hit with everyone. With just

a few ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a tasty, crunchy snack ready to enjoy. So, the next time you’re in need of a quick and easy snack, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!