This bold and zesty buffalo ranch snack mix is my go-to when I’m craving something crunchy, spicy, and completely addictive. It’s packed with all the salty snacks I love—pretzels, crackers, cereal—and coated in a buttery buffalo ranch seasoning that keeps me reaching for more. Whether I’m snacking during game night or just want something with serious flavor, this mix always delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy it is to throw together with pantry staples. It’s baked to crispy perfection with just the right amount of heat, and the ranch seasoning balances it out with a cool, savory vibe. It’s perfect for parties, road trips, or just a lazy afternoon snack. And it stores well, so I make a big batch and enjoy it all week.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mini pretzels
- Cheddar crackers
- Corn or rice cereal squares (like Chex)
- Bagel chips or rye chips
- Butter (melted)
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Ranch seasoning mix (dry packet)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, I combine pretzels, crackers, cereal, and chips.
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In a separate bowl, I whisk together the melted butter, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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I pour the sauce over the snack mix and toss until everything is evenly coated.
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I spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
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I bake it for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes so it crisps up evenly.
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Once it’s dry and crunchy, I let it cool completely before storing or serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 cups of snack mix, which is perfect for sharing (or not). It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 1 hour to bake, so I usually give myself around 1 hour and 15 minutes total.
Variations
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I sometimes add popcorn, tortilla chips, or roasted nuts for more texture.
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For extra heat, I sprinkle in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
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If I want a milder version, I use less buffalo sauce and more butter.
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A dairy-free version is easy—just use vegan butter and a dairy-free ranch seasoning blend.
storage/reheating
I store the cooled mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. I don’t need to reheat it, but if it softens, I toss it back in a 250°F oven for 10–15 minutes to crisp it up again.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of hot sauce?
Yes, I sometimes swap buffalo sauce for sriracha or chipotle sauce, but it changes the flavor profile. I just make sure it’s not too watery.
Is it really spicy?
It has a nice kick, but I control the spice by adjusting the amount of buffalo sauce. It’s easy to make it milder or spicier to my taste.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. I just use gluten-free pretzels, crackers, and cereal. There are tons of great options available now.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
I make sure to bake it long enough to dry everything out completely. Cooling it before storing helps too.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, and I often do. I just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through for even baking.
Conclusion
This buffalo ranch snack mix is the perfect blend of spicy, crunchy, and savory. It’s easy to make, fun to customize, and seriously snackable. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just stocking up on bold snacks for the week, this mix never disappoints.
Print
Bold and Zesty Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Bold and Zesty Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix is a spicy, crunchy snack that’s impossible to resist. Packed with pretzels, crackers, cereal, and more, all coated in a buttery buffalo ranch seasoning, it’s baked to crispy perfection for the ultimate game day or party treat. Easy to make, totally addictive, and perfect for sharing—or not!
Ingredients
- Mini pretzels
- Cheddar crackers
- Corn or rice cereal squares (like Chex)
- Bagel chips or rye chips
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (dry)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine pretzels, cheddar crackers, cereal squares, and bagel chips.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Pour the buffalo ranch mixture over the snack mix and toss well to coat evenly.
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Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crisping.
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Let cool completely before storing or serving.
Notes
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Add-ins like popcorn, roasted nuts, or tortilla chips work great for extra texture.
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Adjust heat by adding cayenne or using less buffalo sauce.
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Make it dairy-free by using vegan butter and dairy-free ranch seasoning.
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To refresh soft mix, re-crisp in a 250°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
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Easily doubled for larger gatherings—just use two baking sheets.
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