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Cozy Smoky Ranch Chex Mix: Best Easy Snack Recipe

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This smoky, savory Chex Mix with ranch tang is the ultimate comfort snack—easy to make, perfect for parties or cozy nights, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Chex cereal (mix of Corn, Rice, and Wheat Chex)
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (lightly salted peanuts, cashews, or honey-roasted peanuts)
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • 1 cup cheese crackers (Goldfish or Cheez-Its)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine Chex cereals, nuts, pretzels, and cheese crackers. Stir gently.
  4. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in 20-second intervals until fully melted.
  5. Add Worcestershire sauce, ranch dressing mix, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt to the melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Pour butter-seasoning mixture over the cereal mixture. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
  7. Divide mixture evenly between the two prepared baking sheets. Spread in a single layer.
  8. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Rotate pans between racks when stirring.
  9. Check for doneness: mix should look dry and feel crunchy. If still soft, bake 5-10 more minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool completely on baking sheets (at least 30 minutes).
  11. Break up any large clumps and transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Don’t skip the smoked paprika—it’s the star. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent burning. Let cool completely before storing for maximum crunch. The mix gets better after a day or two as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chex Mix, smoky ranch, snack mix, party snack, easy snack, holiday snack, game day snack

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/cozy-smoky-ranch-chex-mix-best-easy-snack-recipe/