Name: Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups mini pretzels; 2 cups cheddar crackers (e.g., cheese squares or Goldfish); 2 cups rice or corn cereal squares; 1 cup roasted peanuts or mixed nuts; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot); 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder

This Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix is one of my favorite bold and crunchy snacks to throw together. It’s packed with all the things I love—crackers, pretzels, cereal, and nuts—all coated in a zesty buffalo ranch seasoning and baked until perfectly crisp. It’s spicy, savory, and totally addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to make a big batch of this mix. It’s perfect for game days, parties, road trips, or just having something flavorful to munch on during the week. The combination of buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning gives it a tangy kick that keeps me coming back for more. It’s also endlessly customizable, so I can make it with whatever I have in the pantry.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mini pretzels
Cheddar crackers (like cheese squares or goldfish)
Rice or corn cereal squares
Roasted peanuts or mixed nuts
Butter, melted
Buffalo sauce
Dry ranch seasoning mix
Garlic powder
Onion powder

Directions

I preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a big mixing bowl, I combine the pretzels, crackers, cereal, and nuts.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together melted butter, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
I pour the spicy butter mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
I spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in an even layer.
I bake it for 45–50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to keep it from burning and ensure even crisping.
Once it’s dry and crunchy, I let it cool completely before storing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings, depending on portion size. It takes 10 minutes to prep and around 45 minutes to bake. Once cooled, it’s ready to enjoy or pack up.

Variations

Sometimes I throw in popcorn, bagel chips, or tortilla chips for added crunch. When I want it cheesier, I add a handful of grated Parmesan after baking. I’ve also used spicy ranch seasoning or added cayenne for extra heat. For a sweet-and-spicy twist, I’ve mixed in honey-roasted nuts.

storage/reheating

I store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It stays crunchy as long as it’s sealed. No reheating is needed—just grab and snack.

FAQs

Can I make this snack mix gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free pretzels, cereal, and crackers, and check that the ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

Is it very spicy?

It has a good kick, but it’s not overpowering. I adjust the heat by using more or less buffalo sauce depending on who I’m making it for.

Can I make it in the air fryer?

Yes, in small batches. I air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

What buffalo sauce do I use?

I usually go with Frank’s RedHot or any favorite buffalo wing sauce—it should have a good balance of heat and tang.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make it a day or two in advance and store it in a sealed container until I’m ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix is one of those snacks I always want to have around. It’s spicy, crunchy, and packed with flavor in every handful. Whether I’m making it for a party or just to have something fun to nibble on, it’s a guaranteed hit—and it disappears fast.