Description
This spicy ranch Chex Mix is a game day favorite, featuring a double-coating technique that ensures every piece is perfectly seasoned with buttery, tangy ranch and a subtle cayenne kick. It’s quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and stays crispy for up to two weeks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 2 cups cheese crackers (Goldfish or Cheez-Its)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (salted peanuts, cashews, almonds)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, if using unsalted butter and unsalted nuts)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 9 cups Rice Chex, 2 cups mini pretzels, 2 cups cheese crackers, and 1 cup mixed nuts. Toss gently to distribute.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt (if using). Whisk until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle the warm butter-seasoning mixture over the dry mix while tossing with a spatula or your hands. Continue tossing for 2 to 3 minutes until every piece is evenly coated and slightly glossy.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared baking sheets, spreading into a single, even layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir gently, and rotate the sheets (top to bottom, bottom to top).
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the mixture is dry, fragrant, and slightly deepened in color. Watch closely in the last 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheets for at least 30 minutes. Do not transfer while warm.
- Once cool, break apart any clumps that stuck together during baking.
Notes
For best results, use low heat (250°F) to avoid burning the butter. Let the mix cool completely before tasting to ensure proper crispness. The mix tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Chex and certified gluten-free pretzels and Worcestershire sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Chex Mix, spicy ranch, game day snack, party snack, easy appetizer, ranch seasoning, Chex cereal