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If you’re searching for a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors and the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and crunchy, you have to try this Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe. It’s a lively combination of crunchy Bugles, cheesy crackers, salty cashews, and that unmistakable kick of buffalo wing sauce paired with zesty ranch seasoning. Every handful delivers a crave-worthy mix of textures and tastes that’s impossible to stop munching on, making it ideal for game days, parties, or just whenever you want a flavorful snack that stands out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients that each play an important role. From the crispy, airy Bugles to the creamy, spicy buffalo wing sauce, every item builds layers of taste, texture, and color to create a snack mix you’ll want to reach for again and again.
- Bugles corn snacks: Their unique cone shape and crunch make them a perfect base for carrying the bold flavors.
- Nacho Bugles corn snacks: Adds cheesy notes that complement the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Pretzel Goldfish crackers: A salty, crunchy addition that adds fun shapes and texture variation.
- Cheez-It crackers: Packed with cheesy goodness for savory flavor with every bite.
- Cashews: Creamy and crunchy nuts that bring a rich contrast to the salty snacks.
- Ranch dressing mix: The signature tangy and herbal powder that makes the ranch flavor pop through the mix.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Provides the iconic spicy kick essential for that classic buffalo taste.
- Vegetable oil: Helps bind the ranch and buffalo flavors evenly across the snack mix.
How to Make Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 250ºF. This low temperature ensures your snack mix gets perfectly toasted without burning the delicate crackers or nuts.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab the largest bowl you have or even two if needed. Toss together the Bugles, Nacho Bugles, Pretzel Goldfish crackers, Cheez-It crackers, and cashews. Mixing these dry ingredients evenly is key to making sure each bite has a bit of everything.
Step 3: Mix the Flavor Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk the ranch dressing mix, buffalo wing sauce, and vegetable oil until fully combined. This flavorful coating is what turns a simple snack combo into a Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe magic.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the ranch and buffalo sauce mixture over the bowl filled with your dry ingredients. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every crunchy piece is evenly coated with that irresistible buffalo ranch flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Snack Mix
Spread the coated mix onto one or two large rimmed baking sheets, spreading it out evenly to allow for even toasting. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through so all pieces get lightly toasted and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Cooling and Storing
Once baked, let the mix cool completely on the baking sheets for maximum crunch. Then transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh and ready for snacking anytime you crave that zesty Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe goodness.
How to Serve Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe
Garnishes
While the snack mix itself is packed with flavor, you can sprinkle a little extra ranch powder or drizzle a touch of buffalo sauce on top before serving for an extra punch. Fresh chopped chives or parsley make a pretty green garnish to brighten the bowl.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic party dips like blue cheese dressing, creamy ranch dip, or even a chilled vegetable platter. The cool dip complements the spicy, savory mix perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try serving the snack mix in festive bowls or even inside mini chalkboard bowls with handwritten labels. You can also portion it into small snack bags tied with twine for easy grab-and-go favors. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making your Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to preserve that delicious crispness.
Freezing
If you want to keep the mix for longer, freezing is an option. Place the snack mix in a freezer-safe container or sealed bag and freeze. When thawing, let it come to room temperature naturally to avoid moisture. Freezing may cause slight texture changes.
Reheating
To revive the crunch after storage, spread the snack mix on a baking sheet and warm it briefly in a 250ºF oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the toasty flavor without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I substitute any ingredients in this Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out cashews for almonds or peanuts, and if you don’t have Nacho Bugles, you can use regular Bugles or another crunchy corn snack. Just keep the balance of crunchy, salty, and spicy elements for the best results.
How spicy is this snack mix?
The level of heat depends on the buffalo wing sauce you use. If you prefer milder snacks, choose a mild buffalo sauce or reduce the amount slightly. To ramp it up, use a hotter wing sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe uses crackers and snacks that typically contain gluten, however, you can find gluten-free crackers and snacks at most stores. Just be sure to use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix as well for a safe swap.
How long does this Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the snack mix stays fresh for about a week at room temperature. After that, it might start losing its crunch and flavor.
Is it okay to prepare this snack mix in advance?
Yes! This mix can be prepared a day or two ahead of time, baked, cooled, and stored. Just keep it sealed well, and toss gently before serving to break up any clumps and refresh the texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe enough for anyone who loves snacks with punchy flavors and satisfying crunch. It’s so easy to whip up, perfectly portable, and endlessly addictive. Give it a try the next time you want to impress friends or treat yourself—you might just find it becoming your go-to snack for all occasions!
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Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix is a flavorful, crunchy party favorite combining Bugles, pretzels, Cheez-It crackers, cashews, and a spicy, tangy buffalo ranch coating. Perfect for snacking or entertaining, it’s easy to make with a quick bake to lock in the bold flavors and crispness.
Ingredients
Snack Mix
- 1 (7.5-oz) bag Bugles corn snacks
- 1 (7.5-oz) bag Nacho Bugles corn snacks
- 1 (8-oz) bag Pretzel Goldfish crackers
- 1 (16-oz) box Cheez-It crackers
- 1 (8.5-oz) can cashews
Buffalo Ranch Coating
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce
- â…” cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250ºF (120ºC) to prepare for baking the snack mix.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the largest bowl available (or two large bowls), add the Bugles, Nacho Bugles, Pretzel Goldfish crackers, Cheez-It crackers, and cashews. Stir to combine evenly.
- Mix Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, buffalo wing sauce, and vegetable oil until well blended.
- Toss Snack Mix: Pour the buffalo ranch mixture over the dry snack mix. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Spread on Baking Sheets: Transfer the coated snack mix onto one or two large rimmed baking sheets, spreading them out evenly to allow for uniform baking.
- Bake the Mix: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time to promote even crisping and flavor distribution.
- Cool and Store: Remove the snack mix from the oven and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container to keep the mix fresh and crunchy.
Notes
- Use rimmed baking sheets to prevent the snack mix from spilling during baking.
- Stir halfway through baking to ensure even crispness and prevent burning.
- Allow the mix to cool completely before storing to maintain crunchiness.
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce based on your spice preference.
- This snack mix is great for parties, game days, or casual snacking.
