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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 300F (150C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal roasting surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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