This EASY ranch chex mix recipe can be made with just 5 minutes to prep and is a flavorful mashup of (yummy) ranch dressing with (elevated) dill flavor. Just like my sweet and salty chex mix, you’ll need just 8 ingredients and I’ll share plenty of customization idea plus instructions for both microwave and oven options.
Chex Mix and cookies were what I requested my mom make after having my first daughter. I wanted, or needed, maybe something comforting, satisfying, delicious – and easy to shove in my mouth while nursing a new baby. And it totally hit the spot – it always does. It’s the salty, savory, crunchy, cereal-meets-snacks SNACK, doused with a flavorful buttery mixture, and baked until crisp. And now we’ve turned it into chex mix recipe with ranch seasoning and dill which both elevates…and adds ranch to this classic. YUM!
If you love snacky appetizers, be sure to try my chili cheese dip, chipotle corn salsa, or charcuterie boards (I have Trader Joe’s cheese board and Costco cheese board options) next for easy, delicious snacking.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Table of Contents
What You’ll Love About Ranch Chex Mix
- Savory, ranch flavors
- Crunchy texture
- 5 minute prep time
- Easy to make-ahead
- Easy to customize snack mix
Homemade Chex Mix Ingredients
This homemade ranch Chex Mix comes together with simplit’s ae ingredients:
- Chex cereal – Traditionally, it’s an even mixture of corn, rice, and wheat Chex, but I say use what you like best.
- Pretzels – Use your favorite pretzel variety. (I like pretzel thins because there is more surface area for the seasoning.)
- Crackers – I’ve used melba crackers, but you can use anything.
- Nuts – You can use any nuts you like, see below for more ideas.
- Butter – Use unsalted butter.
- Worcestershire sauce – This is a must for homemade Chex Mix.
- Ranch seasoning – The dry kind that comes in a packet that is used to mix ranch dressing.
- Dried dill – Dill is a classic ranch seasoning, but the extra bit also helps elevate the Chex Mix a bit.
How to Make Homemade Ranch Chex Mix
I love how easy dry ranch dressing chex mix is to make – simply mix together the melted butter and seasonings and toss with the cereal and extras:
- Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together chex cereals, crackers, and nuts.
- Mix seasonings. In a smaller bowl, stir together melted butter (microwave butter just until melted), Worcestershire sauce, ranch dressing mix, and dried dill.
- Bake ranch Chex Mix. Pour ranch seasoned melted butter over the dry cereal mixture. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Spread out on baking sheets and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Finish Chex Mix. Dust Chex Mix with a sprinkle of ranch seasoning and dill.
How to Microwave Chex Mix
Even though I was really skeptical of the microwave version, it actually works pretty well but there’s just something so comforting and mouth-watering about a kitchen and house that smells of chex mix.
If you’d like to microwave instead, microwave on high for 5-6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towel to cool.
Customize Your Chex Mix
I also love how easy this ranch chex mix is to customize. Not a fan of wheat Chex? Use a different combo. Prefer peanuts to mixed nuts? Use what you like and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:
- Chex – The most important amount of the cereal component is using 9 cups, it can really be any blend of cereal. I would recommend at least 2 cereals so that you have some different flavors and colors.
- Extras – I love using pretzel crisps so there’s more surface area to soak up the seasonings and melba toasts or bagel toasts are great “extra” cracker options.
- Nuts – Almonds are my favorite nut, so that’s what I’ve used in this ranch chex mix recipe, but you can use mixed nuts, cashews, peanuts, etc.
Chex Mix Mix-In Ideas
As long as you use roughly the same amount of ingredients, you can really use almost anything! Here are some more mix-in ideas:
- Bagel crackers
- Sourdough pretzels
- Goldfish pretzels
- Goldfish crackers
- Mini Triscuit crackers
- Wheat thins
- Cheese crackers (cheez its)
- Oyster crackers
- Rye crisps
- Sesame sticks
- Broken Ritz crackers
- Broken tortilla chips
- Popcorn
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are in Chex Mix?
The original Chex Mix is made up of:
Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, mixed nuts, bite-size pretzels, bite-size garlic bagel chips, butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder. (source)
What is the best part of Chex Mix?
Hmmm, why are you asking me?! Just kidding, but not really. The best part of Chex mix will depend on YOU! Personally, my ultimate Chex Mix bite includes corn Chex, bagel chips, and an almond.
What is in traditional Chex Mix?
Traditional chex mix has a savory and salty flavor. It’s seasoned with butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
How long does Chex Mix last?
Chex mix will last about 10-14 days in an airtight container.
What are the dark pieces in Chex Mix?
The dark pieces in packaged Chex Mix are rye crisps.
Can you overcook Chex Mix?
Yes, you can overcook Chex Mix, but because we’re cooking it at such a low temperature, this isn’t easy to do. Be sure to check it every 15 minutes.
How do I make my Chex Mix crispy?
There are a few steps to ensure that your Chex Mix will be crispy and not end up soggy.
- Bake it for the whole time – yes, this seems like a long time, but it’s important to dry out the butter and seasonings.
- Let it cool completely before packing it away so there isn’t any steam or condensation in your container.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover dill ranch chex mix recipe in an airtight container for up to two weeks. I like using a stasher bag or glass storage containers.
Do you have to refrigerate homemade Chex Mix?
No, Chex Mix should not be refrigerated or it will get soggy.
More Snack and Appetizer Recipes
If you like this chex mix recipe with dry ranch dressing, you might also like some of these other snack recipes:
- Healthy Kid Snacks from Costco
- Trader Joe’s Cheeseboard
- Costco Cheeseboard
- Greek Mezze Platter
- Healthy Dill Veggie Yogurt Dip
- Whipped Lemon Feta Dip
- Chili Cheese Dip
- Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
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Helpful Tools to Make Ranch Chex Mix
- Glass Bowls – This nesting set is very reasonably priced and I use at least one on a daily basis.
- Extra Large Sheet Pan – Call me old-school, but I always bake my ranch chex mix. 🙂
- Stasher Bags – Store any leftovers in these reusable, silicone bags. No more plastic baggies!
Ranch Chex Mix Recipe with Dill
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Bake
Description
This EASY ranch chex mix recipe comes together in just 5 minutes prep + 8 everyday ingredients. It’s got both classic + elevated flavors.
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal (I used 3 cups corn, 3 cups rice and 3 cups wheat)
- 1 cup pretzel thins
- 1 cup melba crackers or bagel crackers
- 1 cup nuts (I used almonds)
- 8 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp ranch seasoning
- 2 tsp dried dill
- extra ranch and dill for dusting
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.
- Stir together all cereal, pretzels, crackers and nuts.
- Stir seasonings into melted butter and pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Dust with additional 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning and 1 tsp dill.
- Spread on paper towels to cool and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Serving size: 1 cup
- If you’d like to microwave instead, microwave on high for 5-6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on paper towel to cool.
- 1 oz. packet of ranch seasoning is about 3 tablespoons, so it’s the perfect amount for one batch.
Keywords: ranch chex mix recipe
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Jen @ Pretty Little Grub
I love this stuff, especially when it’s dill! I’ll be making a batch for sure.
Emily
Beware, it’s addicting! 😉 Let me know what you think if you try it!
sarah k @ the pajama chef
chex mix is the best! i love seeing all the spins people put on it. 🙂
Mercedes
I wish I had a huge bowl of this perfectly addictive snack in front of me right now!
Rosemary
Cheez Its make a great cheesy crunch in this. Love the dill/ranch version. My fave!
Emily
So happy to hear this! Love the cheez it addition!
Karen
We make this on a regular basis!
★★★★★
Emily
Soooo good. I just made a big batch. 🙂
Katy
This looks amazing! I make my own ranch mix and I think it’ll work well here. Definitely a holiday gift!!
Emily
For sure! It makes a great holiday gift. (And I think it’s nice to have a salty option among all the sweets!) 🙂
Sara Johnson
The dill and ranch seasoning was SO good! Not overpowering but a nice upgrade to the original recipe!
★★★★★
Arianne Gravunder
so good.
★★★★★
Emily
YAY! Thanks, Arianne!
Sasha
That sounds great! Thinking of giving it as holiday gifts. How long will this keep?
Emily
Fun and yummy gift! It’s best in the first 2-3 days, but you can store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.