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Cozy Sweet & Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix

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This sweet and spicy snack mix combines crunchy Chex cereal, pretzels, and peanuts with a caramelized coating of brown sugar, buffalo sauce, and ranch seasoning. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Corn Chex cereal
  • 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 2 cups pretzel twists, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup salted peanuts, roasted
  • 1 cup cheese crackers (like Goldfish or Cheez-Its), optional
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot Original)
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (one 1-ounce packet)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 9 cups Corn Chex, 3 cups Rice Chex, 2 cups broken pretzels, 1 cup salted peanuts, and 1 cup cheese crackers (if using). Toss gently to distribute.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Add 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and whisk continuously until smooth and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce, 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (if using). Stir in cayenne pepper if desired.
  5. Pour the warm coating over the cereal mixture. Use a rubber spatula or clean hands to gently fold until every piece is evenly coated.
  6. Divide the coated mixture evenly between the prepared baking sheets, spreading into a single layer.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring gently after 15 minutes and again after 30 minutes. The mix should look golden and feel dry to the touch.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the pans, about 20 minutes. The coating will harden as it cools.
  9. Once cool, break into bite-sized clusters with your hands.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

For best results, use light-colored baking sheets to prevent burning. Let the coating cool slightly before pouring over cereal to avoid sogginess. The mix tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. To refresh crunch, reheat at 250°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chex mix, buffalo ranch, sweet and spicy, snack mix, game day snack, party mix, homemade snack mix

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/cozy-sweet-and-spicy-buffalo-ranch-chex-mix/