Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix

$Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix is a tasty snack. It combines crunchy cereals, nuts, and spices. You can enjoy it at parties, game days, or movie nights. This mix offers a spicy kick with ranch flavor. It’s easy to make and fun to share. To make Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix, gather these items: - 3 cups Rice Chex cereal - 3 cups Corn Chex cereal - 2 cups pretzel knots - 1 cup mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts) - 1 cup popcorn - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust for heat preference) - 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) If you want to change the servings, here’s a quick guide: - For 5 servings: Halve each ingredient. - For 20 servings: Double each ingredient. This way, you can easily adjust the recipe based on your needs. First, set your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low heat helps the mix get crunchy. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the mix from sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large bowl, add the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzel knots, mixed nuts, and popcorn. Mix them well. This is the base of your snack. Each piece will soak up the flavors nicely. Take a small saucepan and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it melts, take it off the heat. Add the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like it hot. Whisk until smooth. This sauce gives your Chex mix its signature kick. Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the dry ingredients. Be gentle as you stir. You want every piece to be coated evenly. This is what makes the mix so tasty! Spread the coated mix onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake it in the preheated oven for one hour. Every 15 minutes, give it a stir. This helps it toast evenly. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, store it in an airtight container. Enjoy your Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix! To get the best crunch, use fresh cereal. Stale cereal can make your mix soggy. Bake at a low temperature. This keeps the mix crispy. Stir every 15 minutes during baking. This helps all pieces toast evenly. Let it cool fully before storing. Warm snacks can trap moisture. Adjust the buffalo sauce to fit your taste. Love spice? Add more. Prefer mild? Use less. Toss in extra seasonings like onion powder or garlic powder. Mix in fresh herbs for a pop of flavor. Fresh parsley or chives can brighten the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice adds zest too. Don’t rush the mixing step. Make sure all pieces are coated well. Skipping this can lead to bland bites. Avoid using too much butter. It can make the snack greasy. Lastly, remember to let it cool completely before storing. This helps keep the texture light and crunchy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions above. {{image_2}} If you love heat, you can spice up your Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix. Start with more cayenne pepper. Just add a bit more than the recipe calls for. You can also use hotter sauces. Try a ghost pepper sauce for a fiery kick. This gives the mix a nice, bold flavor that will wake up your taste buds. You can change up the mix by adding different cereals and nuts. Try using Cheerios or Kix for a fun twist. You can also swap the mixed nuts for your favorites. Pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch. Adding mini pretzels instead of pretzel knots works well too. The key is to keep the balance of flavors. Want to make a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free Chex cereals and gluten-free pretzels. For a vegan option, swap the butter for coconut oil. Make sure to choose a vegan ranch mix too. These swaps keep the flavor while meeting different diet needs. Enjoy your snack without worry! I suggest using airtight containers for storing your Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix. Glass jars work great. You can also use plastic containers with tight lids. Zip-top bags are a good choice too. Make sure to remove as much air as possible when sealing them. When stored properly, your Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix can last up to two weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight, as heat can make the mix stale. If you notice any soft pieces, it might lose its crunch. If your Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix goes stale, don’t worry! You can bring back the crunch easily. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the mix on a baking sheet. Bake it for about 10 minutes. Let it cool before storing it again. This trick works wonders! Yes, you can make Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after a day. Just store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crunchy. I often make a big batch for parties. It’s a great snack for game days or movie nights. If you want to swap out the mixed nuts, there are many options. You can use seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Dried fruits can add a sweet touch. You might also try adding more pretzels or popcorn to fill the mix. Get creative with your favorite snacks. The spice level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Some sauces are mild while others pack a punch. Start with half the amount if you want less heat. You can always add more later. The goal is to find the right balance for your taste. Yes, homemade ranch seasoning works great in this recipe. Just mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. Use the same amount as the packet for best results. This gives you control over the flavors and freshness. Plus, it’s a fun way to customize your snack! You learned how to make Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix from start to finish. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and plenty of tips for success. Remember to explore variations for your taste or diet needs. Proper storage keeps your mix fresh and tasty. Whether for a party or a snack, this mix hits the spot. Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful creation!$

Satisfy your snack cravings with this irresistible Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix! Packed with bold flavors from Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and a zesty buffalo ranch coating, this easy recipe is perfect for parties or movie nights. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a delicious treat that everyone will love. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and make your next gathering unforgettable!

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Ingredients

3 cups Rice Chex cereal

3 cups Corn Chex cereal

2 cups pretzel knots

1 cup mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts)

1 cup popcorn

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust for heat preference)

1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzel knots, mixed nuts, and popcorn. Mix well and set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove it from the heat and whisk in the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.

Pour the buffalo sauce mixture over the Chex mix and gently stir until all pieces are evenly coated.

Spread the coated mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 10-12 servings