If you adore snack mixes that bring a perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and downright addictive flavors, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Ranch Trail Mix Recipe. It’s a fantastic twist on classic trail mix with a punch of bold ranch seasoning combined with the satisfying crunch of cereals, pretzels, and cheddar crackers. Whether you’re gearing up for a road trip, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving a snack that hits all the right notes, this recipe is incredibly easy to whip up and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this Ranch Trail Mix Recipe shine. Each component plays a unique role, from the crispy cereals adding lightness, to the peanuts contributing a hearty crunch, and the ranch seasoning bringing that beloved zesty flavor.
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal: Light and crispy, these provide a perfect crunchy base.
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal: Adds a slightly sweet corn flavor and complements the Rice Chex.
- 2 cups pretzels: Brings a salty crunch and distinctive shape to the mix.
- 1 cup cheddar crackers: Adds a cheesy punch and vibrant orange color.
- 1 cup peanuts (optional): For extra protein and a rich, nutty flavor—feel free to skip or swap if you prefer!
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Acts as the perfect coating base for the spices, adding richness.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: The star of the show, packing in that tangy, herby zest.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth with gentle garlic notes.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic and ranch seasoning for full flavor coverage.
How to Make Ranch Trail Mix Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your trail mix bakes evenly and won’t stick—this simple prep step saves cleanup time and keeps the mix intact.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, cheddar crackers, and peanuts if you’re including them. This variety of shapes, textures, and flavors is what makes every handful exciting.
Step 3: Mix the Seasoned Butter
In a smaller bowl, whisk the melted butter with the ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well blended. This seasoned butter is essential because it evenly coats the mix and infuses every crunch with bold flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Mix
Pour the seasoned butter over the cereal and snack combo, then toss everything gently but thoroughly until every piece is drenched in that herby goodness. Make sure no small nook is left uncoated—it’s all about flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Lay out the coated mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. This ensures everything bakes consistently, turning perfectly crisp instead of soggy or overdone in spots.
Step 6: Bake Low and Slow
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Remember to stir the mix every 15 minutes to guarantee that heat reaches all pieces evenly and the seasoning settles just right. Patience here pays off with that ultimate crunch and flavor meld.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Enjoying
Once your baked mix is beautifully golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step sets the texture, making it crisp and snack-ready.
How to Serve Ranch Trail Mix Recipe
Garnishes
While the Ranch Trail Mix Recipe stands perfectly on its own, sprinkling a pinch of freshly chopped chives or a light dusting of paprika just before serving can add a burst of color and a fresh hint of flavor.
Side Dishes
This trail mix pairs wonderfully alongside light, refreshing beverages like iced tea or sparkling lemonade. It also complements picnic fare such as sandwiches or crisp salads, making it ideal for casual lunches or outdoor gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this mix in individual mason jars or festive paper cones amps up the fun factor for parties or road trips. For a cozy movie night, place it in a large bowl with a small scoop so everyone can dig in easily. You can even layer it with other snack nibbles in a large charcuterie board to surprise guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—and trust me, you might—they keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This way, the mix remains crisp and flavorful, ready to be grabbed for an instant snack.
Freezing
Freezing Ranch Trail Mix Recipe isn’t usually necessary, but if you want to store it longer, just place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to restore crunch.
Reheating
If the trail mix loses a bit of its crispness, you can freshen it up in a warm oven at 225°F (110°C) for 5-10 minutes. Just make sure to stir gently and watch it closely to prevent burning.
FAQs
Can I make the Ranch Trail Mix Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the Rice Chex and Corn Chex for certified gluten-free cereals and make sure your pretzels and crackers are gluten-free varieties. The seasoning and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I substitute for the cheddar crackers?
If you can’t find cheddar crackers, try using cheese-flavored pita chips, cheese crackers from a different brand, or even crunchy cheese crisps for a similar cheesy punch.
Is it necessary to bake the mix for a full hour?
Baking low and slow for an hour ensures the mix crisps up evenly and the seasoning really melds in. If you’re short on time, you can bake for 40-50 minutes, but stirring regularly is key to prevent burning.
Can I use a different seasoning mix instead of ranch?
Of course! While the Ranch Trail Mix Recipe shines with ranch seasoning, you could experiment with taco seasoning, barbecue spice, or even a spicy Cajun blend to switch things up.
Does the butter make the mix soggy?
Not at all! The butter helps the seasoning stick and creates a delicious coating. Baking the mix at a low temperature ensures it crisps up nicely without any sogginess.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Ranch Trail Mix Recipe enough if you’re looking for a snack that’s effortlessly flavorful, crunchy, and perfect for sharing or solo enjoyment. It’s simple to prep, filled with familiar ingredients, and totally addictive. Give it a try at your next snack attack—you might just find your new go-to treat!
Print
Ranch Trail Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Ranch Trail Mix is a savory, crunchy snack blend perfect for parties, road trips, or anytime snacking. Combining Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, cheddar crackers, and optional peanuts, it is coated in a flavorful ranch seasoning mix and baked low and slow to ensure crispiness and maximum flavor absorption.
Ingredients
Snack Mix
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels
- 1 cup cheddar crackers
- 1 cup peanuts (optional)
Seasoning
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (approximately 1 ounce)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, cheddar crackers, and peanuts if using. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined and smooth.
- Coat the mixture: Pour the seasoned butter evenly over the cereal mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with the ranch butter mixture.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the coated mix in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even baking and crisping.
- Bake and stir: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Every 15 minutes, remove from oven and stir the mix to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cool completely: After baking, let the trail mix cool completely on the baking sheet. This will allow it to crisp up further before serving.
Notes
- Ensure to stir every 15 minutes during baking to avoid burning and ensure even crisping.
- You can omit peanuts for a nut-free version or substitute with your favorite nuts.
- This trail mix stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- If you prefer, you can double or halve the recipe according to your needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
