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 chow, puppy chow with cookie butter, or caramel Crispix mix next!
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.
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.
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.
Step 3. Stir in the Seasonings
Pour browned butter into a small bowl, and stir in the dry ranch seasonings.
Step 4. Coat the Snack Mix
Pour the melted butter mixture over the cereal mixture and gently toss to coat.
Step 5. Sprinkle with Parmesan
Transfer to the prepared sheet pan and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.
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.
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.
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
- Puppy chow with peanut butter is a sweet snack mix to bring out at your next party.
- Black bean and corn dip is the perfect party snack.
- Whipped goat cheese is one of my favorite snacks when I need something quick. Serve with bite-size pretzels..
- Rosemary spiced nuts are an easy recipe for gifting!
- Candied pecans are a great option if you need a finger food that’s salty and sweet.
Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix
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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.4 cups (1/2 box) Rice Chex cereal, 3 cups pretzel sticks or mini pretzels, 3 cups cheddar crackers, 2 cups oyster crackers
- 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. Alternately, microwave the butter to melt and skip browning (but I recommend it!).3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks; 170g) unsalted butter, 1 (1-ounce) package ranch dressing mix (dry)
- 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.1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Making now.
Worcestershire sauce in the instructions but not in the ingredient list
Hey Kim! Thanks for calling that out, it’s a typo. I updated the recipe to remove it. Hope you loved it!
Hi! I randomly found your recipe and want to make it for an upcoming girls trip! Instructions say to add Worchestershire sauce but the ingredients list does not include it. How much do you typically add to the butter mixture? Thanks!
Hey Erika! Good catch! I recently updated this recipe and removed the worchestershire but forgot to remove it from the instructions. Doing that now!
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I made this yesterday and it was a hit. I will definitely make again and again.
Hey!! So glad you liked it:)