Zesty Ranch Chex Party Mix
Elevate your snack game with this Zesty Ranch Chex Party Mix! Perfect for game day gatherings, family movie nights, or anytime you crave a crunchy, savory treat. This easy-to-make mix combines the bold flavors of ranch seasoning with the satisfying crunch of Chex cereal, pretzels, and cheese crackers. Whip up a big batch and share with friends, or keep it all to yourself—either way, it's a snack that everyone will love. The vibrant mix of textures and flavors makes it an irresistible munchie that will have you coming back for seconds!
26
Servings
54
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chex cereal
9 cups (Any kind, any combination)
Small pretzels
2 cups (None)
Bite-size cheese crackers
2 cups (None)
Margarine or butter
3 tablespoons (Melted (do not use spread or tub products))
Dry ranch dressing mix
1 (1 ounce) package (None)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) if you plan to bake the mix for extra crunch.
2
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the Chex cereal, small pretzels, cheese crackers, and dry ranch dressing mix. Seal the bag and shake to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
3
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the margarine or butter. Pour it into the bag with the dry ingredients along with the grated parmesan cheese.
4
Seal the bag again, and shake vigorously until all ingredients are coated evenly with the butter and seasonings.
5
For extra crunch, spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet in an even layer, and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. If you prefer it without baking, you can serve it straight from the bag.
6
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Nutrition Information
2.7g
Fat
6.4g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Ranch Chex Party Mix?
It is a crunchy, savory snack mix made with Chex cereal, pretzels, and cheese crackers seasoned with ranch and parmesan.
What kind of Chex cereal should I use?
You can use any kind of Chex cereal, such as corn, rice, or wheat, or a combination of several varieties.
Can I use different types of pretzels?
Yes, while small pretzels are recommended, any bite-sized pretzel shape will work well in this mix.
What type of cheese crackers are best?
Bite-size cheese crackers like Cheez-Its or similar store brands are perfect for this recipe.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use butter or margarine, but the recipe specifies not to use spread or tub products.
Why shouldn't I use tub margarine or spreads?
Tub products often have higher water content which can result in a soggy snack mix rather than a crunchy one.
Do I need to bake the party mix?
Baking is optional for extra crunch; however, you can also serve it straight from the bag after mixing.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
If you choose to bake the mix, preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
How long does the mix need to bake?
The mix should be baked for about 1 hour for maximum crunch.
How often should I stir the mix while it is baking?
You should stir the mixture every 15 minutes during the baking process to ensure even cooking.
What is the easiest way to combine the ingredients?
The recipe suggests using a large resealable plastic bag to shake and coat the ingredients evenly.
How much ranch dressing mix is required?
You will need one 1-ounce package of dry ranch dressing mix.
Is the parmesan cheese necessary?
The grated parmesan cheese adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 26 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
There are approximately 54 calories in a single serving of this party mix.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2.7 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 6.4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does one serving provide?
Each serving provides about 1 gram of protein.
How should I store the leftover mix?
Store the cooled mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunch.
Can I add nuts to this mix?
Yes, you can add nuts like peanuts or cashews, though this will change the nutritional information.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, its savory flavor and crunchy texture make it an ideal snack for game day gatherings and parties.
Does the mix need to cool before serving?
If you bake the mix, let it cool completely before serving to ensure the texture is perfectly crunchy.
Can I use a different seasoning?
While this recipe is designed for ranch, you could experiment with other dry seasoning packets for different flavors.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly snack?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients used to create this zesty mix.
Can I make this in the microwave?
The recipe uses the microwave only for melting butter; the crunch is achieved via oven baking or eating it raw.
What makes the mix 'zesty'?
The combination of the dry ranch dressing mix and the grated parmesan cheese creates the signature zesty flavor.
How much butter or margarine is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of melted margarine or butter.
What size bag should I use for mixing?
A large resealable plastic bag is recommended to allow enough room for the ingredients to be shaken and coated.
Can children help make this?
Yes, children can easily help with measuring ingredients and shaking the bag, making it a fun family activity.