Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix
Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix
Fancy a nibble that's a bit special? Have you ever wondered about making Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix at home? Honestly, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday.
Plus, it's packed with that tangy ranch flavor we all secretly love.
What's the Story with This Snack Mix?
This isn't just any snack mix. Think of this as a savoury, baked Ranch Chex Mix that's perfect for any occasion.
It's also a Trail Mix Snack with a tangy kick. Though Puppy Chow Snack Mix is tasty, this recipe has more protein and less sugar.
While the Ranch dressing has its roots in the U.S. dude ranches of the 1950s, this mix is ready for the 21st century.
It's a no-fuss recipe, only taking about 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish, and will feed about 10 peckish people.
Why You'll Love This Ranch Snack Recipe
Okay, so it tastes amazing, but there's more. This Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix is great because it's super customizable.
Swap out the nuts or cereal. Use gluten-free options, you name it! It's a brilliant Road Snacks choice for long car rides, movie nights, or just to have on hand when you are feeling a bit peckish.
It's way more exciting than boring old crisps and its way easier than a batch of cookies. My family prefers this over the store-bought stuff – it's got that homemade touch, you know?
Let's get started by looking at the ingredients you'll need.
Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you need to nail this Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have. This recipe is about fun, not fuss!
Main Ingredients: Get Your Grub On
- Chex Cereal: 6 cups (about 220 grams ). Use a mix! Corn, rice, and wheat work great.
- Pretzels: 2 cups (about 115 grams ). Sticks or twists, whatever you fancy!
- Salted Peanuts: 1 cup (about 140 grams ). Gives it that salty crunch.
- Cashews: 1 cup (about 130 grams ). Adds a bit of buttery goodness.
- Bagel Chips: ½ cup (about 40 grams ). Broken up a bit.
Go for fresh cereal. Stale cereal makes a sad Trail Mix Snack . The peanuts should smell nutty, not musty. You know?
Seasoning Notes: Ranch It Up
- Vegetable Oil: ¼ cup ( 60 ml ). Just your standard oil.
- Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing & Seasoning Mix: 1 packet ( 1 ounce / 28 grams ). This is the magic!
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). Can't go wrong with garlic!
- Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ). Adds depth.
- Dried Dill Weed: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ). Brightens it up.
- Smoked Paprika: ¼ tsp ( 1.25 ml ). Adds smokiness.
Feel free to play with these! A pinch of cayenne makes it a Tangy Ranch Trail Mix .
If you are feeling adventurous, you can use other seasoning mixes to prepare a Homemade Ranch Snack Mix .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing everything together.
- Baking Sheet(s): To bake it all evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Keeps it from sticking, easy cleanup!
- Small Bowl: For mixing the oil and seasonings.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key.
- Spatula or Large Spoon: To toss gently.
No fancy equipment needed for this Easy Ranch Snack Recipe ! Honestly, a clean tea towel works in a pinch if you don't have parchment paper.
Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix
Fancy something savoury? Ditch the sugary sweets. Buckle up for a flavour adventure. Our Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix is here! It’s like a tangy ranch trail mix explosion.
This savory snack mix recipe takes classic trail mix ingredients. We coat them in a zesty ranch seasoning. It's perfect for road trips, or just a bit of road snacks .
It’s addictive, a crowd-pleaser, and exciting. It blows boring nuts away. Honestly, I could eat this all day. I remeber first ate at my friends' birthday party last summer!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
- Get all your stuff ready. This is "mise en place".
- Measure 6 cups of Chex cereal. Grab your 2 cups of pretzels, 1 cup of peanuts, and 1 cup of cashews. Don't forget your 1/2 cup of bagel chips.
- Mix 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 packet ranch mix, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dill weed, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.
- Top Tip: Organize your ingredients. It will save you time later.
Step-by-Step: The Ranch Road to Flavour
- Preheat your oven to 250° F ( 120° C) . Line your baking sheet with parchment.
- Combine Chex, pretzels, peanuts, cashews, and bagel chips in a large bowl.
- Whisk the oil, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and paprika in a small bowl.
- Pour the ranch mixture over the dry stuff. Toss gently until coated well.
- Spread the mixture on your baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour , stirring every 15 minutes .
- Cool completely on the baking sheet. Break up any clumps.
Pro Tips for the Savvy Snacker
- Low and slow is key. Don't burn your baked ranch party mix !
- Make sure everything is evenly coated. Flavour explosion!
- Avoid using high heat, which can burn the seasoning. My grandma always said, "Patience, dearie, patience." It is very easy ranch snack recipe and doesn't have to be complicated.
- This homemade ranch snack mix doesn't need to be made ahead. But you can! Store it in an airtight container. It will keep for days, if it lasts that long. A great puppy chow snack mix substitution!
- This recipe is Ranch Chex Mix at its finest!
So there you have it! A brilliant Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix . Go on, give it a go. I promise you won’t regret it!
Recipe Notes
Right then, before you dive into this Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix , let’s have a quick chinwag about a few things.
This Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix isn't just throwing ingredients together. There's a bit of science involved, you know?
Serving Suggestions: How to Get the Most From Your Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix
Want to make this Tangy Ranch Trail Mix look the bee's knees? I like to pile it high in a rustic wooden bowl.
Makes it look all inviting, doesn't it? Think of it as a Puppy Chow Snack Mix , but way more grown up.
This is also a savoury cousin to those sweet, sugary mixes. Serve it up with some lemonade for a refreshing contrast, or an ice-cold beer if you're feeling cheeky! Perfect for a Game Day Spread .
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix Fresh
Honestly, this Ranch Chex Mix never lasts long in my house, but if you have leftovers, here's the lowdown. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
It'll stay nice and crunchy for up to a week. Avoid storing in the fridge – it can get a bit soggy.
I've never tried freezing it (because, well, it disappears too quickly) but I reckon it wouldn't work too well. This recipe is about having a dry mix with the flavor coated onto the ingredients.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Fancy a bit of a twist? For a Spicy Ranch , add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ranch mix.
Boom! Instant heat. Gluten-free? Easy peasy. Just use gluten-free pretzels and Chex. I used to make it with vegetable oil, but honestly, melted coconut oil works a treat too.
Swap out the nuts for your faves – pecans or walnuts work great. Remember to always have your Road Snacks ready.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of What You Fancy
Alright, let’s be real. This Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix isn't exactly a health food. A half-cup serving has about 250 calories, 8g of protein, 15g of fat and 20g of carbohydrates, so its fine in moderation.
However, you are getting some protein from the nuts and some fiber from the cereal. The sodium is a bit high at 350mg, so don't go overboard! Its better than a sugary snack, right? Remember, you are creating Homemade Ranch Snack Mix .
So there you have it! A few tips and tricks to make your Savory Snack Mix Recipe even better. Now go on, get baking and enjoy your Easy Ranch Snack Recipe ! It's a proper good Baked Ranch Party Mix , trust me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix with different ingredients?
Absolutely! That's the beauty of this recipe. Feel free to swap out the nuts, cereals, and pretzels for your favourite alternatives. Want a bit of heat? Add some spicy nuts or a dash of cayenne pepper to the ranch mix, fancy a sweeter angle add some dried cranberries!
How do I store my Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix to keep it fresh and crunchy?
To maintain that satisfying crunch, store your Ranch Road Rally Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help prevent it from going stale. Properly stored, it should stay fresh for about a week – though it's unlikely to last that long!
What if I don't have Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning? Can I still make this Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix?
No worries, mate! You can definitely whip up a homemade ranch seasoning blend using dried herbs and spices like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of buttermilk powder. There are tons of recipes online – just search for "homemade ranch seasoning" and adjust to your liking.
It's like being on Bake Off – a little improvisation never hurt anyone!
My Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix isn't as crispy as I'd like. What did I do wrong?
Crispiness is key! Make sure you're baking the mix at a low temperature (250°F/120°C) for the full hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This allows the moisture to evaporate slowly. Also, let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet before storing – this helps it crisp up even further.
If it still lacks crunch, you can pop it back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes at a low temp.
Is Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
While undeniably delicious, Ranch Trail Mix Snack Mix is best enjoyed as a treat. The recipe contains a good amount of fats and sodium, as well as carbohydrates. Consider the serving size (roughly 1/2 cup) and balance it with a healthy, well-rounded diet.
You can lighten it up slightly by using reduced-fat nuts or a smaller amount of oil in the ranch mixture, but remember this is a savoury snack rather than a health food!
