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Kid-Approved Savory Ranch Chex Mix with Pretzels

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A simple, budget-friendly snack mix made with Chex cereal and pretzels, coated in a buttery ranch seasoning using a fun bag-shaking method inspired by a seven-year-old. Perfect for family movie nights, school lunches, and road trips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (240g) Rice Chex cereal
  • 3 cups (240g) Corn Chex cereal
  • 2 cups (about 120g) mini pretzel twists
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 packet (about 1 ounce or 28g) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (only if using unsalted butter)
  • Optional: 1 cup cheese crackers (like Goldfish), 1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts, or 1 cup bagel chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Combine the dry ingredients in the bag: Open a gallon-sized ziplock bag and pour in the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and mini pretzel twists. Add any optional mix-ins if desired. Seal the bag and shake gently to distribute.
  3. Melt the butter: Place 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 20-second intervals until fully melted (about 40 seconds total). Let cool slightly.
  4. Make the ranch seasoning mixture: In the same bowl with the melted butter, add the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, dried parsley flakes, and salt (if using). Whisk with a fork until fully incorporated into a thick, herby paste.
  5. Pour and shake: Open the ziplock bag and pour the butter-seasoning mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Seal the bag tightly, pressing out as much air as possible. Shake vigorously for a full 60 seconds to coat evenly.
  6. Spread on baking sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pour the coated mixture onto the sheet and spread into a single, even layer.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes with a spatula to ensure even baking.
  8. Cool completely: Remove from oven and let the Chex mix cool on the pan for at least 30 minutes. It will continue to crisp up as it cools.

Notes

For best results, stir every 15 minutes during baking. Let cool completely before storing to ensure maximum crunch. The flavors develop and deepen over the first day or two. For a dairy-free version, substitute melted coconut oil or plant-based butter. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free Chex and pretzels.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chex mix, ranch, pretzels, snack mix, kid-friendly, easy, budget-friendly, party snack

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/kid-approved-savory-ranch-chex-mix-with-pretzels/