Everything Ranch Pretzel Snack Mix

My coworker showed up to a meeting with a Tupperware full of this mix, and I couldn't stop reaching for handfuls during the presentation. She'd made it the night before for her kid's soccer team, but there were leftovers, and honestly, I'm glad there were. The crunch, the ranch tang, the slightly oily fingertips—it all felt like the kind of snack that disappears before you realize you've been standing at the counter for ten minutes. I asked for the recipe on the spot, and she laughed and said it was basically her excuse to use up random pantry bits with butter and seasoning.

I brought this to a game night once, and it caused a minor argument over whether it tasted more like ranch or everything bagel. Someone said it was like a deconstructed bagel with cheese, and honestly, that's not far off. By halftime, the bowl was empty, and two people had already texted me asking for the recipe. I realized then that snack mixes are the unsung heroes of gatherings—they don't need reheating, they don't need plates, and they make people happy without any fuss.

Ingredients

• Mini pretzels: The salty, twisted base that holds onto every bit of seasoning and stays crunchy even after baking.
• Cheddar cheese crackers: They add a cheesy, buttery richness that balances the tang of the ranch and keeps things interesting.
• Roasted salted cashews: These bring a creamy, nutty bite that makes the mix feel a little more indulgent and filling.
• Bite sized rye chips: Their dense, hearty crunch and subtle caraway flavor add depth and texture contrast.
• Melted unsalted butter: This is the glue that carries all the seasonings and helps everything toast up golden and fragrant.
• Ranch seasoning powder: The tangy, herby backbone that makes this mix addictive and familiar in the best way.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, onion—it's the bold, savory punch that makes every bite exciting.
• Garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic layer that deepens the overall flavor without overpowering.
• Onion powder: A subtle sweetness and savory boost that rounds out the seasoning blend perfectly.

Instructions

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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Preheat and Prep:

Set your oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This low and slow heat is what keeps everything crispy without burning the butter or seeds.

Combine the Snack Mix:

Toss the pretzels, cheese crackers, cashews, and rye chips into a big mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is roomy enough to toss everything without spilling—it gets messy fast.

Mix the Seasoning:

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

Coat Everything:

Drizzle the seasoned butter over the snack mix and toss gently with your hands or a spatula until every piece is lightly coated. Don't rush this part—even coverage is what makes every bite taste right.

Spread and Bake:

Spread the mix in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure nothing is piled up. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through so everything toasts evenly and gets golden.

Cool and Store:

Let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to a jar or bowl. It will crisp up even more as it cools, and the flavors settle in beautifully.

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One Saturday afternoon, I made a double batch of this and packed it into mason jars with ribbon for a few friends. It felt like such a small gesture, but one of them told me later that she kept the jar on her desk and ate a handful every afternoon during a rough work week. That's when I realized that food doesn't have to be fancy to feel like care—it just has to taste good and show up when it's needed.

How to Store and Keep It Fresh

Once the mix is completely cool, transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable bag and store it at room temperature. It stays crunchy and flavorful for up to a week, though in my experience it rarely lasts that long. If you live somewhere humid, toss in a small silica packet or store it in the fridge to keep the crunch intact. I've also frozen it in portions for up to a month, and it thaws perfectly without losing any texture.

Customizing Your Mix

This recipe is ridiculously flexible, and I've tweaked it dozens of ways depending on what's in my pantry. Swap the cashews for almonds, peanuts, or even sunflower seeds if you need a nut free version. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the seasoning blend. You can also toss in some dried chickpeas, sesame sticks, or even popcorn for extra crunch and variety—it all works as long as you keep the butter and seasoning ratio the same.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

I love setting this out in a big bowl at parties, but it's also perfect for packing into snack bags for road trips or school lunches. It pairs beautifully with cold beer, sparkling water with lime, or even a glass of white wine if you're feeling fancy. You can also serve it alongside a cheese board or use it as a crunchy topping for salads and soups—it adds texture and flavor in a way that croutons never quite manage.

• Pack it in small jars as party favors or hostess gifts.
• Sprinkle it over creamy tomato soup for a savory, crunchy contrast.
• Serve it with chilled veggies and ranch dip for a fun snack spread.

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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This mix has become my go to whenever I need something fast, crowd pleasing, and a little bit addictive. It's proof that the best snacks are the ones you can't stop reaching for, even when you're not really hungry.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?

Yes, this snack mix can be prepared up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness.

→ What can I substitute for cashews?

You can easily swap cashews for almonds, peanuts, or pecans based on your preference or what you have on hand.

→ How do I make this mix spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for an extra kick of heat.

→ Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?

Absolutely! Homemade ranch seasoning works wonderfully. Just ensure it's well-blended for even coating throughout the mix.

→ Why is my snack mix not crunchy?

Make sure to spread the mix in a single layer and let it cool completely after baking. Storing it before it's fully cooled can trap moisture and reduce crunchiness.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this makes an excellent meal prep snack. Portion it into individual containers or bags for grab-and-go convenience throughout the week.