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Quick Smoky Ranch Chex Mix: Easy 10-Minute Snack

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This Quick Smoky Ranch Chex Mix is a smoky, tangy, buttery, and perfectly crunchy snack that takes just 10 minutes to make. It’s a weeknight win and a potluck hero that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
  • 2 cups mini pretzels
  • 1 cup roasted salted peanuts
  • 1 cup cheese crackers (like Goldfish or Cheese Nips)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients: In your largest mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, mini pretzels, peanuts, and cheese crackers. Give them a gentle toss with your hands so everything is evenly distributed.
  2. Make the seasoning butter: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 20-second intervals until fully liquid (about 40-60 seconds total). Add the Worcestershire sauce, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and black pepper. Whisk until everything is fully combined.
  3. Coat the mix: Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the dry ingredients in a slow, steady stream while simultaneously tossing the mix with your other hand. Use a rubber spatula to scrape every drop of the butter mixture out of the bowl. Then, using a gentle folding motion, toss the mix until every piece looks evenly coated. Don’t stir too aggressively or you’ll crush the cereal.
  4. Spread and cool: Immediately spread the coated mix in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Use the spatula to spread it out evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes.
  5. Break apart and serve: Once cooled, break up any large clumps with your fingers (they should separate easily). Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Notes

For the best texture, make sure your butter is fully melted but not hot. Let the mix cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. This mix tastes even better on day two as the flavors meld. If it loses crunch, re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chex mix, smoky ranch, snack mix, easy snack, 10-minute recipe, game day snack, party snack, homemade snack mix

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/quick-smoky-ranch-chex-mix-easy-10-minute-snack/