Zesty Ranch Trail Mix: A Tangy Homemade Snack Recipe

Crunch meets flavor in this addictive ranch trail mix that turns ordinary snacking into an adventure.

Packed with zesty ranch seasoning, this trail mix recipe delivers an irresistible blend of salty and tangy notes.

Crisp nuts, crunchy cereal, and perfectly seasoned crackers create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Each handful promises a burst of bold, ranch-inspired excitement that keeps you reaching for more.

Pretzels, nuts, and crispy bits mingle together in a delightful party of crunch and seasoning.

Whip up this simple snack for movie nights, road trips, or anytime you need a quick flavor boost.

You’ll find yourself unable to stop munching once you start this delectable trail mix journey.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 232 kcal

Servings: 10

Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix Ingredient List

• Pretzels: Crunchy foundation that adds a salty kick and satisfying texture to the snack mix.
• Cheese Crackers: Provides a rich, cheesy flavor and extra crunch for snack lovers.
• Nuts: Delivers protein, healthy fats, and a robust nutty undertone to the mix.
• Rice Cereal Squares: Offers light, crispy element that helps absorb seasoning perfectly.
• Bagel Chips: Brings a distinctive tangy flavor and hearty crunch to the mix.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Ultimate flavor booster that gives the classic ranch taste.
• Butter: Helps bind seasonings and creates a rich, golden coating for ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep, savory undertones that complement ranch flavor profile.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the seasoning.
• Dried Dill: Optional herb that enhances traditional ranch flavor with fresh herbaceous notes.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish color to the mix.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents mix from sticking during baking.

Tools to Blend Ranch Trail Mix That’s Bold and Crunchy

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all dry ingredients and tossing the snack mix.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking ranch seasoning mixture.
• Whisk: Helps blend seasoning ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Provides even surface for baking the snack mix.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients during baking.

Toss Together Ranch Trail Mix in Minutes

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 300F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Create the Crunchy Base

Toss pretzels, cheese crackers, nuts, rice cereal, and bagel chips into a big mixing bowl. Give everything a good tumble so it’s well mixed.

• Whip Up Ranch

In a separate bowl, blend melted butter with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and smoked paprika. This is where the flavor explosion happens.

• Drench and Coat

Pour your zesty ranch mixture over the snack ingredients. Use a spatula to make sure every single morsel gets a flavor bath.

• Bake to Perfection

Spread the coated mix onto your prepared baking sheet. Slide it into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even golden crispiness.

• Chill and Munch

Let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet. Once it’s at room temperature, dive in or store in an airtight container for later snacking.

Tips That Add Flavor to Your Trail Snack Combo

• Experiment with different ranch seasoning brands to find your ultimate taste profile.
• Prepare the snack mix up to a week in advance and store in an airtight container for convenient snacking.
• Swap regular pretzels and crackers with gluten-free alternatives to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat or reduce ranch seasoning for a milder flavor.
• Include roasted chickpeas or additional nuts to increase protein content and provide extra crunch.

Serve Ranch Snack Mix for Parties or Road Trips

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the ranch trail mix on a large wooden board with small cheese cubes, sliced salami, and pickles for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Movie Night Munchies: Pack the mix into individual paper cones or small mason jars for easy snacking during film marathons or game nights with friends.
• Lunch Box Surprise: Portion the mix into small resealable bags for a crunchy, flavorful addition to school or work lunch containers that breaks up midday monotony.
• Tailgate Champion: Fill a large clear container with the mix and bring to outdoor sporting events or backyard gatherings as a crowd-pleasing, shareable snack that travels well.

Store Trail Mix for Quick Bites on Busy Days

• Create single-serve snack bags using small resealable bags or containers for quick grab-and-go options during busy days or work weeks.
• Store the ranch trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum crunchiness, keeping it away from humidity and direct sunlight to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Consume within 57 days for best taste and quality, checking for any signs of staleness or moisture buildup before enjoying the snack mix.
• Keep the snack mix in a cool, dry pantry or kitchen cabinet, avoiding warm spots that could compromise the crispy texture and potentially make ingredients become soft or soggy.

FAQs

• Can I customize the ingredients in this ranch trail mix?

Yes, you can easily swap out nuts, crackers, or cereals based on your preferences or what you have available. Just keep the total volume of dry ingredients consistent.

• Is ranch seasoning mix the same as ranch dressing?

No, ranch seasoning mix is a dry powder blend of herbs and spices, while ranch dressing is a creamy liquid. For this recipe, use the dry seasoning packet.

• How do I prevent the snack mix from getting soggy?

Ensure you evenly coat the mix with the seasoning and spread it in a single layer on the baking sheet. Stirring halfway through baking helps maintain crispiness.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pretzels, crackers, and cereal. Check that your ranch seasoning mix is also gluten-free to make the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Savory Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Ranch Trail Mix delivers a zesty flavor explosion that combines savory seasonings with crunchy nuts and seeds. Salty, tangy, and perfectly spiced, this addictive snack will keep you munching through any adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup rice cereal squares (like Rice Chex)
• 2 cups cheese crackers (like Cheez-Its)
• 3 cups pretzels (twists or sticks)
• 1 cup roasted peanuts or cashews
• 1 cup bagel chips or pita chips, broken into smaller pieces
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried dill (optional)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 300F (150C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal roasting surface.
2. Mixing Base: Combine pretzels, cheese crackers, mixed nuts, rice cereal squares, and bagel chips in a large mixing bowl, tossing gently to create an even distribution of ingredients.
3. Flavor Infusion: Whisk melted butter with ranch seasoning mix, blending garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and smoked paprika into a rich, aromatic coating mixture.
4. Coating Process: Pour the seasoned butter over the dry ingredients, using a folding technique to ensure each component is thoroughly and evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
5. Baking Technique: Spread the seasoned mixture across the prepared baking sheet in a uniform layer, creating an even thickness for consistent roasting and maximum crispiness.
6. Roasting Stage: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to achieve a perfectly golden and crunchy texture throughout the entire mix.
7. Cooling and Storage: Allow the trail mix to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container to preserve its crisp texture and vibrant ranch-inspired flavor profile.

Notes

• Adjust Seasoning Sensitivity: Customize ranch mix intensity by gradually adding seasoning, tasting as you go to prevent overwhelming saltiness or spice.
• Prevent Burning Technique: Stir the mix every 10 minutes during baking to ensure uniform golden color and prevent potential scorching of smaller ingredients.
• Storage Temperature Control: Keep snack mix in cool, dry environment to maintain crispness; consume within 5-7 days for optimal texture and flavor preservation.
• Dietary Modification Option: Substitute regular ingredients with gluten-free pretzels, low-sodium crackers, or nut-free alternatives for accommodating specific dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg