What better way to upgrade your favorite snack mix than to add RANCH? This easy Ranch Chex Mix is addictive and delicious!
If you’re looking for a scrumptious snack that is easy to make, look no further than this zesty Ranch Chex Mix! With only three ingredients, it simply can’t be beat!
Chex mix has got to be one of my favorite snacks. Similar to trail mix, it’s perfectly salty, and crunchy and always has an awesome flavor.
But let’s be honest, my favorite part of any Chex Mix is the actual Chex pieces. Crispy and crunchy, they are the perfect vehicle for whatever seasoning blend they are carrying.
Why You’ll Love Ranch Chex Mix
If you haven’t noticed lately, ranch mix has kind of been my thing. Is there anything that doesn’t taste delicious with ranch seasoning on it? This iteration is no exception.
- Snacky Treat – The things that I find the most tasty and satisfying when I am in need of a snack are those that have a touch of sweetness and some good salt. This falls into that exact category. Perfect for parties, get-togethers, or something to keep next to you while you work.
- Portable – Silly? Yes and no. This tasty treat is not relegated to the kitchen. Pop it in a bag and take it wherever you are going.
- 3-ingredients – Not many recipes can boast such a simple ingredient list. Yes, we know other “mixes” have pretzels, bagel chips and more, our favorite part are the Chex cereal pieces, so that’s what we went with.
- Choose your own adventure – You get to choose your favorite Chex cereal or you can mix them up. Totally up to you. And don’t get me started on what you can mix in!
What is Ranch Chex Mix?
Ranch mix is so versatile and I’ve been adding it to almost anything. From side dishes to main entrees, and even snacks! I started with my Ranch Oyster Crackers and knew I couldn’t stop there.
This recipe features two of your favorite things: Chex mix and the flavor of Ranch dry mix dressing. Tangy, creamy, herbaceous, crunchy, salty, and just a hint of sweetness.
What’s In Ranch Chex Mix?
I kept this one super simple for ease, but you can doctor it up as much or as little you would like to.
- Chex Cereal – This breakfast cereal found a whole new life when people decided to start making Chex mix. Chex has a very versatile lineup of cereal flavors. My personal favorite is made with corn, but rice or wheat varieties would also work here.
- Unsalted Butter – You want unsalted here because the ranch dressing mix will have plenty of salt on its own. Think of the butter as the glue in this recipe. It will help the dressing mix adhere to the Chex pieces.
- Dry Ranch Mix – The dehydrated version of ranch dressing. It typically consists of buttermilk, spices, and herbs as well as salt and pepper.
How to Make Ranch Chex Mix
You are going to love how easy it is to make this delicious snack mix.
- Preheat the oven. It goes without saying that you want to get this process started so the oven is ready to go when you are ready to use it.
- Coat the Chex cereal with butter. Add cereal to a large bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove and drizzle it over the Chex mix. Use a spatula to gently coat the cereal. Make sure things are coated evenly. No butter equals no ranch mix will stick.
- Season! Sprinkle the cereal with the dry mix. I like to sprinkle half, mix, and then sprinkle the second half for an even mix.
- Pop it in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes – this will depend on your oven so keep an eye on it. Turning it halfway through ensures that it bakes evenly. Little known fact, your oven does not hold heat evenly. The front of the oven may be warmer than the back of the oven.
- Cool. Allowing it to cool slightly before serving will not only save you or your guests from burning their mouths, it will allow the butter to really set up on the Ranch Chex Mix. This step almost seals in that ranch flavor.
- Serve – you can either set it out in a serving bowl for folks to dig in or store it in air tight containers to enjoy later or take on the go. Be sure if you are putting it away that it is at room temp or the heat will steam the mix and you will lose that glorious crunch!
Make Ranch Chex Mix in the Microwave
Don’t feel like turning on the oven? No problem. You can easily make this in the microwave.
- To start making this easy Ranch Chex Mix, melt your unsalted butter. Then in a large microwave-safe bowl, toss the Chex cereal with the butter until all pieces are coated evenly.
- Next, sprinkle and toss the cereal with the dry ranch seasoning. Make sure to get that goodness on each and every piece of cereal!
- Then microwave the entire mixture for 2 minutes on high. At the halfway point, stop the microwave and stir the contents of the bowl. You can also make it in the oven to get a nice toasty brown.
- And that’s it! Can you think of an easier snack than that? Just make sure the Ranch Chex Mix is cooled before serving.
- The same storage notes apply as the oven-baked version.
Variations
I am calling this recipe “Chex Mix” but you will notice it only has Chex in it. It was just that good. If you want to vary it up, feel free to add in any of the following:
- Bite-size pretzels – Any type of mini pretzels (even gluten-free pretzels) would work well with this perfect party snack recipe.
- Cheese crackers – Goldfish crackers or cheez-its would turn this into a cheesy ranch chex mix and totally take this easy recipe to a new level.
- Oyster crackers – One of my personal favorite snacks, this is also a great optinon to change up this simple recipe.
- Nuts – Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews ore really any honey
- Corn nuts – Snack mixes like this one are so versatile, so try using corn nuts, corn chips or any other kind of hearty snack you can think of.
- Rice, whole wheat, or nut Chex Cereals – Different cereals have different textures so experiment with rice chex, corn chex, or any other cereal mixture that tickles your fancy.
- Flavor – Try adding worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, buffalo sauce or any other seasoning mix that complements the flavors of ranch.
If you do like other add-ins, feel free to use them just as long as the total volume before baking equals 4 cups. Or double the butter and ranch mix, your choice.
Storing & Freezing
Make-ahead: You can easily make this recipe a week or two, a few days, or just a few hours before you plan to serve it. It should stay fresh in an airtight container for a few weeks.
Storage: Just like any cereal, Ranch Chex Mix is at risk of becoming stale. Be sure to store in an airtight container or in gallon ziploc bags with the air removed for up to a few weeks.
Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
My Favorite Ranch Recipes
Ranch Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex cereal
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
- 2 tablespoons dry Ranch mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and get out a large rimmed baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the Chex cereal with the melted butter to coat.
- Evenly sprinkle and toss the cereal with the dry Ranch seasoning. Transfer the cereal mix to the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway.
- Allow the mix to cool slightly before serving.
- Store in airtight containers or bags at room temperature.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
What a great snack option for the week! I love the flavors! So glad I found this!
Such a delicious snack! My kids enjoy munching on them!
This sounds like a delicious and flavourful snack mix! Love the addition of ranch!
This is the only chow mix we eat now!! Love the ranch flavoring!!
This Chex mix is the perfect snack! My kids love it too.