Chex Mix with a twist! This Ranch Chex Mix mixes Chex, crackers, and pretzels with Ranch seasoning – and the result is absolutely delicious!

ranch Chex mix in a white bowl with a wooden spoon

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

Do you ever just find yourself massively influenced by a short little video you caught on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok? That happened to me last year when Lindsay of Pinch of Yum shared her recipe for Ranch Crackers, which are essentially oyster crackers tossed with oil and ranch seasoning, then baked until golden and delicious. They were a huge hit with my family, and so easy to make that I probably made three different batches over the course of the season.

A couple of months ago, I was trying to dream up some snacky recipes for Kitchen Treaty, and my mind wandered to those ranch crackers. So good! I found myself wondering what it would be like to marry those ranch oyster crackers with a simple traditional Chex Mix, and before I knew it, was at the grocery store, wandering the aisles for everything I needed for such a concoction.

ranch Chex mix with cheez its in the background

I knew I wanted the typical mix of Chex cereal – corn, rice, and wheat. Pretzels seemed like a good addition, oyster crackers were a no-brainer. I laid my eyes on the Cheez-Its and they felt like a must-have (I do love a good Cheez-It presence in my Chex Mix!)

I mashed up the traditional Chex mix sauce ingredients with these goodies and a packet of Ranch mix, baked it up, and passed it along to the family for testing.

They’ve basically been begging for it ever since.

Ranch Chex Mix on a baking sheet

Why You’ll Love This Chex Mix

  • Super easy – Could not be simpler.
  • Crowd pleaser – Everyone who has tried this Chex Mix loves it!
  • Perfect for the holidays – Though when I was testing this recipe, I put it in my kid’s lunch for several days in a row in September, by request.
ingredients for Ranch Chex Mix

Ranch Chex Mix Recipe Ingredients

  • Chex cereal – It’s not Chex Mix without Chex cereal! This Ranch Chex Mix calls for two cups each of corn Chex, rice Chex, and wheat Chex.
  • Cheese crackers – I’m partial to classic Cheez-Its for this Chex mix. White cheddar flavor are also delicious. Goldfish might be a fun swap, too!
  • Oyster crackers – Your typical round crackers are the perfect neutral flavor and round shape for Ranch Chex Mix.
  • Mini pretzels – Go for your standard mini pretzels, or pretzel sticks are great too.
  • Butter – One whole cube of unsalted butter. It seems like a lot, but use it all – trust me.
  • Ranch seasoning – The key to that delicious ranch flavor! I use a packet of Hidden Valley ranch.
  • Garlic powder & onion powder – They add another element of flavor; highly recommend including both! You’ll find them in the spices/baking section of your local grocery store.
Ranch Chex Mix in a white bowl with a wooden spoon

Adaptations/Variations

  • Like any Chex Mix, you can mix this up however you like. Use different crackers, add nuts, sesame sticks, rye or bagel chips … sky’s the limit.
  • Add a teaspoon or two of dried dill to amp up the dilly-Ranch flavor.

How to Make Ranch Chex Mix

  1. Add the cereal, crackers, and pretzels to a large bowl and mix it all up.
  2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then stir in the Ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mix. Use a spatula to scrap it all out.
  4. Use the spatula to gently toss the cereal with the butter until distributed evenly.
  5. Spread on a large baking sheet.
  6. Bake, stirring once, until toasty and a little golden..
  7. Let cool and enjoy!
butter mixture for ranch Chex mix
mixing the butter mixture into the Ranch Chex Mix

I hope this Ranch Chex Mix “chex” all the boxes for you and your family! It’s hugely popular in our house and I anticipate making it every holiday season from here on out!

5 from 1 vote

Ranch Chex Mix

Author: Kare
Yield: 9 cups
Everyone's favorite Chex Mix, but ranchified! Tangy ranch seasoning elevates Chex Mix – our family loves it!
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups rice Chex
  • 2 cups corn Chex
  • 2 cups wheat Chex
  • 1 cup cheese crackers (like Cheez-Its)
  • 1 cup oyster crackers
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (one stick)
  • 1 ounce Ranch seasoning mix (I use the Hidden Valley 1-oz package)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 300°F.
  • Add the Chex cereal, cheese crackers, oyster crackers, and pretzels to a large bowl.
  • Place the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. When melted, remove from the heat and stir in the Ranch seasoning mix along with the garlic powder and onion powder.
  • Pour the butter over the cereal/cracker mix.
  • Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the mix together gently until well combined.
  • Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or so, until slightly golden and toasty. Give it a quick stir at the 20-minute mark.
  • Let cool then serve.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 505kcal, Carbohydrates: 85g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 36mg, Sodium: 1014mg, Potassium: 249mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 1208IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 198mg, Iron: 21mg

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