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This homemade ranch Chex mix is a simple recipe for a hearty snack with lots of savory flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion from a holiday party to movie night, road trips, or game-day snacking. 

Looking for more snack mixes? Try chocolate peanut butter protein puppy chowpuppy chow with cookie butter, or caramel Crispix mix next!

freshly baked homemade ranch chex mix on a baking sheet

This easy snack recipe is made in the oven and bakes to perfection! It’s a deliciously golden brown, cheesy medley of all your favorite hearty snack ingredients coated in a zesty ranch seasoning. Once you take a bite of this mix, you won’t be able to stop.

Did I mention it’s the easiest thing ever to make? I needed a recipe I could take tailgating that was easy to munch on, easy to make, and easy to transport. Because I love Cheese Itz, I wanted a snack mix recipe where they were the star.

My only suggestion is to make a big batch so you have plenty on hand as a crunchy snack for the family or bring it to your next party.

a mini pretzel covered in toasted cheese, butter, and ranch seasoning

How to Make Ranch Chex Mix

Here are the basic steps, with images, for this ranch party mix. Skip down to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe.

Step 1. Mix the Snack Ingredients 

Combine the cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers, and oyster crackers in a very large bowl. Set aside.

pretzels, chex, cheez itz, and oyster crackers in a large bowl

Step 2. Brown the Butter

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently, for 5-6 minutes until the butter bubbles then foams, and eventually browns. You will start to see the solid bits turn an amber brown color and smell distinctly nutty. Immediately remove from the heat.

brown butter in a glass bowl

Step 3. Stir in the Seasonings

Pour browned butter into a small bowl, and stir in the dry ranch seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. 

melted butter and ranch seasoning in a bowl

Step 4. Coat the Snack Mix

Pour the melted butter mixture over the cereal mixture and gently toss to coat. 

unbaked chex mix covered in butter and ranch seasoning

Step 5. Sprinkle with Parmesan

Transfer to the prepared sheet pan and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.

unbaked ranch chex mix on a cookie sheet

Step 6. Bake

Bake on the lowest rack position at 300°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature before serving. 

baked ranch chex mix with Cheez itz, oyster crackers, chex cereal, and pretzels

Recipe Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can add your favorite snack mix ingredients. Here are some ideas for switching up your own homemade Chex mix:

  • Bagel chips
  • Peanuts
  • Cashews
  • Sesame sticks
  • Mini breadsticks
  • M&Ms
  • Different cereals like Cheerios or other Chex flavors

Freezing and Storing Tips

Allow the snack mix to come to room temperature, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

eating homemade ranch chex mix out of a serving bowl

If you make this zesty ranch chex mix recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

More Easy Appetizer Recipes

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4.24 from 21 votes

Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Cool Time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

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Servings: 14 cups

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (1/2 box) Rice Chex cereal
  • 3 cups pretzel sticks or mini pretzels (I used both)
  • 3 cups cheddar crackers (I used Cheez Itz)
  • 2 cups oyster crackers
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks; 170g) unsalted butter cut into cubes
  • 1 (1-ounce) package ranch dressing mix (dry) (Note 2 Homemade)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F and arrange the oven rack to the lowest position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Combine the chex cereal, pretzels, Cheez Itz, oyster crackers in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-6 minutes until the butter bubbles then foams, and eventually browns. You will start to see the solid bits turn an amber brown color and smell distinctly nutty. Immediately remove from the heat, pour into a small bowl, and stir in the dry ranch seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Alternately, microwave the butter to melt and skip browning (but I recommend it!).
  • Pour the melted butter mixture over the cereal mixture and gently toss to coat, being careful not to break the Chex cereal. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Note 1. Chex. I prefer rice Chex, but you could use wheat Chex, corn Chex, or a mix of each.
Note 2. Homemade Ranch Seasoning. Mix together 1 Tablespoon EACH of dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder with 3 teaspoons of dried dill, 2 of teaspoons chives, , and a pinch of salt. Use the entire batch for this ranch snack mix.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 685kcal | Carbohydrates: 111g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 1134mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1600IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 358mg | Iron: 23mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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3 Comments

  1. cbd for chrobic muscle tension says:

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  2. Deep Web says:

    5 stars
    I made this yesterday and it was a hit. I will definitely make again and again.

    1. Molly Leonard says:

      Hey!! So glad you liked it:)