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Easy Smoky Ranch Chex Mix: Best Family Snack Recipe

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This easy smoky ranch Chex mix is a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing snack that comes together in under 30 minutes. With a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, it’s ideal for movie nights, road trips, or any time you crave something crunchy and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Chex cereal (mix of Rice Chex and Corn Chex)
  • 2 cups pretzel sticks
  • 1 cup salted peanuts
  • 1 cup cheese crackers (like Goldfish or Cheez-Its)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, peanuts, and cheese crackers. Toss gently to distribute.
  3. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 20-second intervals. Whisk in ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
  4. Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients and toss with a spatula or your hands until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, then stir the mixture. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
  7. Cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes before serving or storing.

Notes

For best crunch, let the mix cool completely before storing. The flavors improve after a day or two. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free Chex and check ranch seasoning and pretzels for gluten-free certification. For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter or coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chex mix, smoky ranch, snack mix, party snack, easy snack, baked snack, ranch seasoning, smoked paprika

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/easy-smoky-ranch-chex-mix-best-family-snack-recipe/