Everything Ranch Cheese Pretzel Mix

I was elbow deep in snack prep for my nephew's birthday when I realized I'd grabbed the wrong chips. No tortilla chips meant my usual party mix was out, but I had pretzels, a forgotten bag of rye chips, and cheese crackers stashed in the pantry. I tossed them all in a bowl, dumped some ranch seasoning over melted butter, and threw in the everything bagel mix I'd been hoarding. Twenty minutes later, that accidental batch disappeared faster than anything I'd ever planned.

My coworker once called this mix dangerously good after I brought a tin to the office potluck. She stood by the break room table for ten minutes, pretending to refill her coffee while sneaking handful after handful. By noon, the tin was empty and three people had asked for the recipe. I started doubling the batch after that because I learned the hard way that one tray never lasts.

Ingredients

• Mini pretzels: They bring that classic salty crunch and hold onto the seasoning without getting soggy, plus their twisted shape catches all the buttery bits.
• Cheddar cheese crackers: These add a sharp cheesy punch that balances the tang from the ranch and keeps every bite interesting.
• Roasted salted cashews: Their creamy richness mellows out the boldness of the seasonings, and they toast up beautifully in the oven.
• Bite sized rye chips: They give the mix a hearty, almost earthy backbone and their sturdy texture means they stay crunchy longer than regular chips.
• Melted unsalted butter: This is the glue that makes everything stick together, and using unsalted lets you control the salt level since the crackers and pretzels are already salty.
• Ranch seasoning powder: It delivers that tangy, herby flavor everyone loves without any moisture that would make things soggy.
• Everything bagel seasoning: The sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion flakes add layers of flavor and a little crunch of their own.
• Garlic powder: A little extra garlic never hurt anyone, and it deepens the savory notes without overpowering the mix.
• Onion powder: It rounds out the seasoning blend and adds a subtle sweetness that ties everything together.

Instructions

Get the oven ready:

Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks. This low and slow temperature lets everything toast evenly without burning the edges.

Toss the snacks together:

In a big mixing bowl, combine the pretzels, cheese crackers, cashews, and rye chips. Give it a gentle stir so you can see what you're working with.

Mix the magic seasoning:

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ranch seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until it looks smooth and fragrant. The butter should be warm enough to blend easily but not so hot it sizzles.

Coat everything evenly:

Pour that buttery seasoning all over your snack mix and toss gently with a spatula or your hands until every piece is lightly coated. You want coverage, not a puddle at the bottom of the bowl.

Spread it out:

Dump the whole mix onto your lined baking sheet and spread it into a single layer. Crowding the pan will steam the snacks instead of crisping them up.

Bake and stir:

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring everything around at the halfway mark so it toasts evenly. You'll know it's done when it smells nutty and looks golden.

Cool completely:

Let the mix cool on the pan until it's room temperature before you touch it. It crisps up even more as it cools, and if you bag it while warm, it'll get chewy.

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My friend brought this mix on a road trip last summer, and we tore through two batches before we even hit the state line. Between bites, we debated whether the everything seasoning or the ranch was the real star, and we never did agree. What we did agree on was that it's impossible to eat just one handful, especially when you're stuck in a car with nothing else to do.

How to Store Your Snack Mix

Once it's completely cool, transfer the mix into an airtight container or a big glass jar with a tight lid. It'll stay crispy and fresh for up to a week, though in my house it's usually gone in two days. If you live somewhere humid, toss in a silica gel packet or store it in the fridge to keep moisture out, but let it come back to room temperature before serving so the flavors wake up again.

Swaps and Variations

If you're not a cashew fan, swap them out for almonds, peanuts, or even pecans for a different kind of richness. You can also switch the cheddar crackers for Parmesan crisps or even Goldfish crackers if that's what you've got. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix, and if you want it cheesier, toss in a handful of grated Parmesan right after it comes out of the oven while it's still warm.

Serving Suggestions

This mix is perfect for game day, movie nights, or just keeping in a jar on the counter when you need something salty to munch on. I like to portion it into small bags for lunchboxes or to toss in my bag for long days at work. It also makes a great homemade gift if you pack it in a mason jar with a ribbon and a handwritten label.

• Serve it alongside cold beer or sparkling water with lime for an easy appetizer spread.
• Pack it in individual portions for road trips or hikes when you need a savory snack that won't get crushed.
• Pair it with a cheese board and some pickles for a casual snack table that feels more thoughtful than it actually was.

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Once you make this, you'll start seeing snack mix possibilities everywhere in your pantry. It's one of those recipes that's more about the method than the exact ingredients, and that's what makes it so easy to love.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?

Yes, this snack mix can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. It's an excellent make-ahead option for parties and gatherings.

→ What can I substitute for cashews?

You can easily substitute cashews with almonds, peanuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Any roasted, salted nut or seed will work well in this mix.

→ How do I prevent the mix from getting soggy?

Make sure to let the snack mix cool completely before storing, and always use an airtight container. Avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can make the pretzels and crackers lose their crunch.

→ Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the ranch and everything bagel seasonings based on your preference. Add cayenne pepper for heat, or extra garlic powder for a more robust flavor.

→ Is this snack mix suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this snack mix is vegetarian-friendly. However, always check the labels of your ranch seasoning and everything bagel seasoning to ensure they don't contain any non-vegetarian ingredients.

→ Can I bake this at a higher temperature to save time?

It's best to stick with the low temperature of 300°F to ensure even toasting without burning. Higher temperatures may cause the butter and seasonings to burn before the mix gets properly crispy.