When you’re craving something crunchy, savory, and just the right amount of spicy, this snack mix has your back. Packed with bold ranch flavor and a cayenne kick, it’s an irresistible treat for game nights, movie marathons, or afternoon munchies. Bonus: it’s super easy to make in big batches and makes a thoughtful, homemade gift when packed in a cute jar or festive bag.
Ingredients for Zesty Snack Mix
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1 lb (450 grams) bag of mini pretzels
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2 to 3 cups (50–75 grams) Crispix cereal
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1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 packet dry ranch dressing or ranch dip mix
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
How to Make Zesty Ranch & Cayenne Snack Mix
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dry ranch mix, and cayenne pepper until fully combined.
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In a large bowl or sealable container, pour the mixture over the mini pretzels and Crispix cereal.
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Stir well to coat, then let marinate for at least 1 hour, stirring or turning every 15 minutes to ensure even flavor distribution.
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Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Transfer the mix to a large baking sheet or roasting pan.
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Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for an even crisp.
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Let the snack mix cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for maximum crunch and flavor.
A Snack Worth Sharing (Or Not!)
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want something better than the usual chips, this spicy ranch snack mix delivers. It’s punchy, addicting, and ridiculously easy to whip up. The marinade is the secret weapon—it soaks into every nook of the pretzels and cereal for unbeatable flavor. Make a double batch… because trust us, it won’t last long.