Everything Ranch Cheese Pretzel Mix

My coworker used to bring this to every office party, and I'd hover near the bowl pretending I wasn't eating handfuls between conversations. One day I asked her for the recipe, expecting some complex process, and she laughed and said it was just things from her pantry tossed with ranch and everything bagel seasoning. I made it that weekend, burned the first batch because I walked away to check my phone, but the second round disappeared so fast I had to hide some in a cupboard for myself.

I brought this to a game night once, still warm from the oven, and my friend's husband asked if I'd made it from scratch like it was some artisan creation. I didn't have the heart to tell him it took me ten minutes of actual work. By halftime, the bowl was empty, and someone had already texted me asking for the recipe before they even left my apartment.

Ingredients

• Mini pretzels: The salty backbone of the mix, they soak up all that buttery seasoning and stay wonderfully crunchy if you don't overbake them.
• Cheddar cheese crackers: These add a sharp, cheesy punch that balances the ranch perfectly, and they're sturdy enough not to crumble into dust.
• Roasted salted cashews: A little richness and crunch that makes the mix feel more luxurious than it has any right to be.
• Bite sized rye chips: They bring an earthy, slightly tangy flavor that keeps things interesting with every handful.
• Melted unsalted butter: The carrier for all that seasoning, and using unsalted lets you control the salt level since everything else is already pretty salty.
• Ranch seasoning powder: The tangy, herby star of the show that coats everything in that addictive flavor.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Adds sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion in one shake, it's like breakfast met snack time and decided to stay.
• Garlic powder: A little extra savory depth that makes the whole mix smell incredible while it bakes.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a subtle sweetness that you don't notice until it's missing.

Instructions

Prep Your Oven and Pan:

Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This low and slow temperature keeps everything from burning while it gets perfectly toasted.

Combine the Snack Mix:

Dump the pretzels, cheese crackers, cashews, and rye chips into a large mixing bowl and give them a quick toss so they're evenly distributed. You want a good mix in every scoop later.

Mix the Seasoning:

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

Coat the Mix:

Pour that buttery seasoning mixture over the snack mix and toss gently with your hands or a big spoon until every piece is coated. Don't be shy, get in there and make sure the seasoning reaches all the nooks.

Spread and Bake:

Spread everything in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through so it toasts evenly. You'll know it's done when it smells like a savory dream and everything looks golden.

Cool and Store:

Let the mix cool completely on the pan before transferring it to a bowl or container, it'll crisp up even more as it cools. Store it in an airtight container and try not to eat it all in one sitting.

Save Pin

There's something about the smell of this baking that makes people wander into the kitchen asking what's cooking. My neighbor once knocked on my door because she thought I was making fresh bagels, and when I told her it was just snack mix, she looked almost disappointed until I handed her a bowl. She came back the next day with an empty container and a request for more.

How to Customize Your Mix

You can swap out any of the base ingredients for whatever you have on hand, like using peanuts instead of cashews or adding some cheese puffs for extra cheesiness. I've thrown in sesame sticks, bagel chips, even those little cheese cubes that come in snack packs, and it always works. The key is keeping the ratio of crunchy things to seasoning about the same so everything gets coated without being greasy.

Storage and Freshness Tips

This mix stays crunchy for up to a week in an airtight container, but honestly it rarely lasts that long in my house. If you live somewhere humid, toss in a little silica packet from a vitamin bottle to keep moisture out. I've also frozen it in ziplock bags and it thaws perfectly, still crispy and ready to snack on whenever the craving hits.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This is perfect for game day, road trips, or just having around when you need something salty and satisfying without thinking too hard. I like to portion it into small jars and give them as last minute hostess gifts, and people always act like I spent way more effort than I did.

• Serve it alongside cold beer or iced tea for the ultimate savory snack pairing.
• Pack it in individual bags for lunchboxes or hiking trips.
• Set it out in a big bowl at parties and watch it vanish before the main course even arrives.

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Once you make this, it'll become your go to whenever you need to bring something easy that people actually get excited about. There's nothing fancy here, just good flavors and the kind of crunch that keeps you reaching back into the bowl.

Recipe Help & FAQs

→ Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this mix 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 use almonds, peanuts, pecans, or any other roasted nuts you prefer. Just ensure they're salted and roasted for the best flavor.

→ How do I prevent the mix from getting soggy?

Make sure to let the mix cool completely before storing. Moisture from warm snacks can cause sogginess. Also, ensure your container is completely dry and airtight.

→ Can I adjust the seasoning intensity?

Absolutely! Start with less seasoning and taste as you go. You can always add more ranch or everything bagel seasoning to suit your preference.

→ Is this snack mix suitable for kids?

Yes, it's kid-friendly and can be adjusted by reducing the garlic and onion powder if needed. Be mindful of any nut allergies when serving to children.

→ Can I make this without butter?

You can substitute melted coconut oil or olive oil for a dairy-free version, though the flavor will be slightly different from the traditional buttery taste.