Spicy Ranch Chex Mix

$To make Spicy Ranch Chex Mix, gather these items: - 3 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice, or a mix) - 2 cups mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and peanuts) - 1 cup pretzel sticks - 1 cup cheese crackers - 1/2 cup butter, melted - 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste) - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for added spice) The recipe calls for specific amounts, but you can adjust these. For a crunchier mix, add more nuts or pretzels. You can swap in different flavors of cheese crackers. If you want a milder snack, reduce the cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Always taste as you go! If you don’t have all the items, don’t worry! You can use: - Other cereals like Cheerios or Kix instead of Chex. - Different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans. - Popcorn instead of pretzel sticks for a lighter crunch. - Different seasoning blends if you don’t have ranch seasoning. These swaps keep the snack fun and tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need Chex cereal, mixed nuts, pretzel sticks, and cheese crackers. Measure out these ingredients. Use 3 cups of Chex cereal, 2 cups of mixed nuts, 1 cup of pretzel sticks, and 1 cup of cheese crackers. Place them in a large mixing bowl. Stir them gently to mix them well. Next, prepare your seasoning mix. In a separate bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce if you like more heat. Mix this until it is well combined. Now, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Spread your cereal mix evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pour the butter mixture over the snack mix. Stir gently to coat everything. Make sure every piece gets some seasoning. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake it for 30 to 35 minutes. Stir the mix every 10 to 15 minutes. This helps all the pieces toast evenly. When it turns golden and smells great, it is done. Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the mix cool completely on the sheet. Once cool, you can serve it in a colorful bowl or mason jar. For a fun touch, sprinkle some extra ranch seasoning on top. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This snack will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Enjoy your Spicy Ranch Chex Mix! To make your Spicy Ranch Chex Mix shine, use fresh spices. Fresh spices have a stronger taste. Adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you like it milder, cut the cayenne pepper. For a deeper flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the butter mix. This adds a unique twist that everyone will love. Keep your Chex Mix fresh by storing it in an airtight container. This will help it stay crisp. If you want it to last longer, use a vacuum-sealed bag. You can store it at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage, like a stale smell or soft texture. Serve your Spicy Ranch Chex Mix in a colorful bowl. A mason jar adds a fun touch too. For a nice presentation, sprinkle extra ranch seasoning on top. Pair it with your favorite dip or drink for a tasty snack combo. This mix is perfect for game days, parties, or movie nights. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder snack, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit the hot sauce. You can always add more spice later! Mix Up the Nuts: Feel free to use any combination of nuts you like! Pecans or walnuts can add a unique flavor and crunch. Even Coating: Make sure to stir the mixture thoroughly after adding the butter mixture to ensure every piece is evenly coated with flavor. Storage Tips: For maximum freshness, allow the Chex Mix to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. This prevents it from becoming soggy. {{image_2}} You can change the snacks in your mix. Use popcorn instead of pretzel sticks. Swap cheese crackers for tortilla chips for a new crunch. Add some dried fruits for sweetness. Think raisins, cranberries, or banana chips. You can also try using other nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add great flavor and texture. Want it milder? Skip the cayenne pepper. You can also reduce the hot sauce if you like. For more heat, add more cayenne or hot sauce. Try adding a bit of chili powder too. It gives a nice kick without being too hot. Remember to taste as you mix to find your perfect spice level. Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free Chex and snacks. Many brands offer gluten-free pretzels and crackers. For nut-free, just leave out the nuts. You can add extra Chex or seeds instead. Sunflower seeds work well. Always check labels to keep allergies in mind. Enjoy your mix without worry! To keep Spicy Ranch Chex Mix fresh, use an airtight container. This helps keep out moisture. Always let the mix cool completely before storing. Warm snacks can create steam, making them soggy. For the best crunch, store in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and heat. Use glass jars or plastic containers with tight lids. Mason jars work great for a fun look. They also seal well and keep snacks fresh. If you have a large batch, divide it into smaller containers. This way, you can enjoy them over time without losing freshness. Spicy Ranch Chex Mix lasts up to two weeks in storage. After this time, it may lose its crunch. Look for signs like soft texture or strange smells. If you see any mold or discoloration, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses; they help you keep snacks safe to eat. To make Spicy Ranch Chex Mix, gather your ingredients first. You need Chex cereal, mixed nuts, pretzel sticks, and cheese crackers. Here’s a quick guide: - 3 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice, or a mix) - 2 cups mixed nuts - 1 cup pretzel sticks - 1 cup cheese crackers - 1/2 cup melted butter - Seasonings: ranch mix, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Start by preheating your oven to 275°F. In a bowl, mix the Chex cereal, nuts, pretzels, and cheese crackers. In another bowl, whisk the melted butter with the seasonings. Pour this mix over the dry ingredients and stir well. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes. Let it cool and enjoy! Yes, you can change up the seasonings! Try using taco seasoning for a zesty kick. You might also add some ranch dip mix for extra flavor. If you like things spicy, increase the cayenne pepper. Play around with your favorite spices. Just remember to balance the flavors so it stays tasty. Absolutely! You can make Spicy Ranch Chex Mix fit many diets. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free Chex cereal and gluten-free pretzels. If you want to skip nuts, just leave them out or replace them with seeds. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and omit cheese crackers. This recipe is flexible and fun to customize! In this guide, we explored how to make the perfect Spicy Ranch Chex Mix. We covered ingredients and their measurements, along with helpful substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor perfection, and storage advice. You can also try various adjustments for spice and dietary needs. Remember, your mix can change based on your taste. Enjoy experimenting and make it your own!$

A deliciously spicy and crunchy snack mix perfect for parties or movie nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

3 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice, or a mix)
2 cups mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and peanuts)
1 cup pretzel sticks
1 cup cheese crackers
1 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for added spice)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal, mixed nuts, pretzel sticks, and cheese crackers. Stir to mix evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and hot sauce (if using) until well combined.
Pour the butter mixture over the cereal and snack mix, stirring gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Spread the mixture out in an even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
Once golden and fragrant, remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Notes

Serve in a colorful bowl or mason jar for a fun snack presentation. You can also sprinkle some extra ranch seasoning on top before serving for a nice finishing touch!

Keyword party mix, snack, spicy