Ranch Trail Mix Snack is a quick, savory snack perfect for busy days or on-the-go adventures, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor for every occasion. This easy-to-make recipe transforms common pantry staples into an irresistible treat that’s both budget-friendly and deliciously addictive.
Key Ingredients for Ranch Trail Mix Snack:
- 2 cups pretzel twists or sticks
- 1 cup plain or lightly salted popcorn, freshly popped
- 1 cup crispy roasted chickpeas (canned, rinsed, dried, and roasted until crisp)
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, or your favorite)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup small cheese crackers (like Goldfish or Cheez-Its)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of black pepper
How to Make Ranch Trail Mix Snack:
This Ranch Trail Mix Snack is the ultimate in effortless snacking, making it incredibly easy to whip up a batch in under 15 minutes. Its delightful savory flavor profile, combined with satisfying textures from crunchy pretzels, popcorn, and nuts, makes it a go-to for any craving. Get ready for a truly addictive and fuss-free treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the pretzel twists, freshly popped popcorn, crispy roasted chickpeas, mixed nuts, dried cranberries or raisins, and cheese crackers. Gently toss them together to distribute the different components.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter with the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Ensure the seasonings are well combined with the butter.
- Pour the seasoned butter mixture evenly over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
- Using a large spoon or spatula, gently but thoroughly toss the mixture until all the ingredients are coated with the ranch seasoning butter. Be careful not to crush the popcorn or pretzels too much.
- Spread the coated trail mix in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time. The goal is to toast the ingredients slightly and meld the flavors, not to make them overly crispy.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Ranch Trail Mix Snack cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crunchier and the flavors will intensify.
- Once completely cooled, break apart any clumps and store in an airtight container.
Why You’ll Love This Ranch Trail Mix Snack:
You’ll adore this Ranch Trail Mix Snack for its incredibly addictive savory flavor and satisfyingly crunchy texture that makes it a perfect pick-me-up anytime. Forget expensive pre-packaged snacks; making this at home saves you money while delivering a superior taste. The zesty ranch seasoning, combined with the delightful mix of crunchy pretzels, chewy cranberries, and hearty nuts, creates a flavor bomb that’s hard to resist.
It’s a fantastic alternative to sweeter snack mixes, offering a delightful savory experience that appeals to everyone. So, gather your ingredients and give this effortless Ranch Trail Mix Snack a try – your pantry will thank you for it!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Once completely cooled, store the Ranch Trail Mix Snack in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature. Proper storage at room temperature will keep the mix fresh and crunchy for up to 5-7 days. Avoid storing in humid conditions, as this can lead to a loss of crispness.
- Freezing: While not generally recommended for optimal texture, if you wish to freeze this snack for longer storage, ensure it is in a truly airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. Freezing can alter the crispness of some components, especially the popcorn and pretzels, upon thawing. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: This Ranch Trail Mix Snack is best enjoyed at room temperature and does not require reheating. If, after storage, you find it has lost a bit of its crispness, you can spread it thinly on a baking sheet and lightly toast it in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 3-5 minutes, then cool completely before serving again.
Final Thoughts:
This Ranch Trail Mix Snack is a true game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, easy, and economical snack. Whip up a batch today and discover your new favorite go-to treat that’s perfect for munching, sharing, or taking on the road!
Ranch Trail Mix Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the pretzel twists, freshly popped popcorn, crispy roasted chickpeas, mixed nuts, dried cranberries or raisins, and cheese crackers. Gently toss them together to distribute the different components.2 cups pretzel twists or sticks, 1 cup plain or lightly salted popcorn, freshly popped, 1 cup crispy roasted chickpeas (canned, rinsed, dried, and roasted until crisp), 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, or your favorite), 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins, 1/4 cup small cheese crackers (like Goldfish or Cheez-Its)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter with the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Ensure the seasonings are well combined with the butter.2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, Pinch black pepper
- Pour the seasoned butter mixture evenly over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl.
- Using a large spoon or spatula, gently but thoroughly toss the mixture until all the ingredients are coated with the ranch seasoning butter. Be careful not to crush the popcorn or pretzels too much.
- Spread the coated trail mix in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time. The goal is to toast the ingredients slightly and meld the flavors, not to make them overly crispy.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Ranch Trail Mix Snack cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crunchier and the flavors will intensify.
- Once completely cooled, break apart any clumps and store in an airtight container.