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Game-day snacking is made better with this Spicy Ranch Chex Mix. Think of your favorite bowl of homemade Chex Mix. Now swap the traditional seasoning blend, add homemade ranch seasoning, and just a touch of heat. OH. SO. GOOD! Each bite of this mix is perfectly seasoned, buttery, crunchy, and even a touch cheesy thanks to the addition of parmesan crisps. It’s seriously better than the original…and highly addicting.
This post is sponsored by Chex Cereal.
I didn’t think it was possible, but I’ve created a Chex™ Mix that’s better than my mom’s. Truly.
That is so dramatic, but I really didn’t think I could love a Chex Mix recipe more than my Mom’s Secret Christmas Eve Chex Mix. I’ve been eating and loving the original since I was a kid. But I’m saying it, this recipe is better…and even she agrees.
It’s all about the mix of Chex cereals, homemade ranch seasoning blend, a touch of spice, and those parmesan crisps. Delicious.
Here are the details.
This Chex mix starts out with your classic Chex Party Mix ingredients…Chex cereal, mixed nuts, and pretzels. Super simple, very classic, and such a great combo.
But here’s where I start to mix things up.
First, the parmesan crisps. These came into play simply because I had no bagel chips on hand. I also really wanted to add a cheesy element to this ranch Chex Mix. I’ve become a bit obsessed with parmesan crisps, which have just one ingredient, parmesan. You can fi
nd them in pretty much every grocery store these days. And let me just say, they add such a deliciously crunchy, salty flavor to this mix.
Second, the spicy ranch seasoning blend. This is KEY. I took the classic herbs used in ranch dressing…parsley, dill, garlic, onion, and chives, and added heat with the addition of cayenne pepper. Seems so simple, but I really cannot tell you how good this blend is when mixed with butter and baked into the Chex Mix.
Third, the Chex cereal. Chex has such a unique flavor and texture—and all flavors, but Wheat (obviously) are gluten free! There really isn’t a substitute. And for most people, Chex is more than just a regular box of cereal. Some of my favorite memories are of eating handful after handful of homemade Chex Party Mix with my brothers.
Serve this Chex mix…
On game-day, at gatherings with friends, and more importantly (to me)…at all upcoming holiday parties.
And a quick suggestion – double the recipe! This stuff gets eaten faster than you could ever plan on. Everyone loves this Chex Mix, so trust me, just double it.
Another suggestion…if there will be kids at your gathering, make this version for adults, and my mom’s version for the kids. No one wants to have kids complaining of burning mouths (hey, they’re sensitive!)
Whether it’s game-day snacking (hello Monday/Thursday/Sunday night football) or a holiday party, this is our go to. It’s easy to throw together and a total crowd pleaser.
When I shared this mix with my family a couple weeks ago everyone agreed that this needs to be our new Christmas Eve mix. I can’t deny, I’m a little sad to be breaking away from a Gerard family classic recipe. But sometimes you just have to put a new twist on an old favorite, you know?
Cannot wait to make this again soon. Like tonight, for Thursday night football!
If you make this spicy ranch Chex mix, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Spicy Ranch Chex Mix
Servings: 10
Calories Per Serving: 887 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Corn Chex Cereal
- 3 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- 2 cups Whole Wheat Chex Cereal
- 2 cups mixed nuts
- 2 cups mixed salted bite-size pretzels and pretzel thins
- 1 (3 ounce) container parmesan crisps
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried chives
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, use more or less to your taste
- 1-2 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. 2. In a large bowl, toss together the Chex Cereals, mixed nuts, pretzels and parmesan crisp. 3. In a small bowl, combine the butter, Worcestershire, parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. Pour the butter over the cereal mixture, tossing well for 3-5 minutes or until the cereal mixture is evenly coated. Spread the Chex mix evenly over 2 rimmed baking sheets.4. Transfer to the oven and bake 40-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Serve, or store-in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
{This post is sponsored by Chex Cereal. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Half Baked Harvest cooking!}
This recipe is tasty, spicy spin on a old favorite. I totally agree with the cayenne pepper measurement. Keep to the recipe if serving to a mixed crowd with delicate palettes. This is a keeper! Thank you!!
Thank you Brenda! I am so glad you enjoyed this! xTieghan
made this a couple of weeks ago for thanksgiving and cooked for the suggested time but unfortunately it came out burnt (I stirred every 15 min). When it came out much of the mix was Dark and Bc it was My first time making I wasn’t sure but unfortunately it was cooked very well done. The guys still ate it and complimented it but I was disappointed in myself for having not caught this earlier! I just made again tonight and watched the oven like a hawk. 35 min was perfectly warm and toasted and no burnt bits! Serving tomorrow for a girls holiday happy hour! The mix has wonderful flavor (both overdone and cooked correctly) . The kick of cayenne is perfect and it’s a nice cocktail munchie to have in bowls around house for entertaining!
Hi Stevie! I am really glad this turned out better the second time! It must be different for all, because my family made it and it was the perfect time for them! Anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy this recipe! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan – love your recipes (have both your cookbooks!) so was stoked to try this Chex Mix. I really like the way the flavors turned out. I’m in Denver so maybe it was the altitude but at 300 degrees F I found this was good and toasty after 30 mins – I worried if I baked it for 10-15 more mins it would’ve gotten too burnt. Just wanted to share for others.
Thx!
Thank you so much Lori! I am so glad you loved this recipe! xTieghan
I made this today, just terrific! I noticed you said its only good for three days, wondering why? If its in an airtight container will it last longer?
Hi Maria!! That’s just my safe answer. This should last up to a week in a sealed container. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xTieghan
I made this last night to have on hand for Thanksgiving guests who will be staying with us for a few days, and the flavors are delicious! I love the addition of Parmesan crisps!
Awh that is so sweet! I hope everyone enjoyed this Grace! xTieghan
What’s a substitute for worcestershire sauce? Vegetarian!
Hey Lauren! I would use an equal soy sauce or tamari. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Tieghan,
I usually LOVE your recipes and was so excited to see this one. However, the flavors just weren’t there and the Chex mix even burnt a little. I ended up throwing it out, disappointingly.
Hi Julie! I am really sorry to hear that! Is there anything I could help you with? Please let me know! xTieghan
What flavor of the flat pretzel crisps did you use? I see them in the photo but not in the recipe.
p.s. I have made a ton of your recipes and every one is amazing!! nice work!!
Hey Mary! Those are just salted pretzel thins. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe and so glad you are loving others!!! Thank you! xTieghan
Did you add everything bagel pretzel thins?? It looks like it in the pictures?
Hi Paige, no those are just regular salted pretzels thins. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Made the Chex mix this afternoon and it is delicious!! I like how it is so flavorful without being very greasy like homemade Chex mix usually is! The addition of Parmesan crisps is genius too!!
Love every one of your recipes I’ve tried!
Emma
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Emma! xTieghan
I’ve always wondered how you adjust the cooking time/temperature for the altitude. Your recipes work great here (Missouri). But we have a condo in Keystone and I need to make the adjustments there. To be honest, I don’t cook there often, but i plan to this Christmas!
Cyndi Gamble
Hi Cyndi! The recipes should work great up there as well, since that is about the same elevation as me! I would maybe try them beforehand and let me know if you have any questions!! xTieghan
I’m going to make this! If I have someone who hates Parmesan (I know crazy!) can I just use bagel chips instead?
Hey Jen! Yes! Regular bagel chips will be just as delicious I am sure! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ??
The picture looks like you added pretzel thins too – what flavor do you recommend??
Hi Teresa! I just used a mix of mini pretzels twist and pretzels thins, no flavors, just salted! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ??
Perfect post for today as i am craving some chex mix! Can’t wait to make it this weekend.
i will add some goldfish crackers too 🙂
i am so looking forward to you new book arriving next week too.
Thanks for all you do!
Allison Miller
So amazing!! I hope you love this recipe, Allison! Thank you! xTieghan
Sounds delicious! I want to make this ahead of time for Thanksgiving. Do you think I could freeze a batch in freezer ziplock bags?
Thanks Tieghan!
Kristen Berry
Hey Kristen!! Hmm, I have never frozen Chex mix before. Honestly, I am not sure. Have you frozen other Chex mix with success? I worry that it might be soggy once thawed. If you do give try it, I would recommend warming it in the oven before serving to give it some crispness again. Please let me know if you have any other questions and how it goes as well! I am curious! I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ??