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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.
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.
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!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
{This post is sponsored by Chex Cereal. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Half Baked Harvest cooking!}