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Easy Cheddar Ranch Popcorn Snack Mix: Best Party

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This Easy Cheddar Ranch Popcorn Snack Mix is a quick, crowd-pleasing party snack made with popcorn, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and crunchy mix-ins. It’s savory, cheesy, and perfectly crispy—ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups popped popcorn (from about 1/3 cup unpopped kernels, or one large bag of microwave popcorn—plain or lightly salted)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese crackers (like Cheez-Its)
  • 1 cup pretzel twists or sticks
  • 1 cup crispy rice cereal squares (like Rice Chex)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (one standard packet)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Pop your popcorn using your preferred method. Remove any unpopped kernels. Let the popcorn cool for a minute or two.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn, cheddar cheese crackers, pretzels, and crispy rice cereal. Toss gently with your hands.
  4. In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave (about 30 seconds on high). Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully combined.
  5. Drizzle the ranch butter mixture over the popcorn mix, a little at a time, tossing gently with a spatula or your hands after each addition.
  6. Sprinkle the finely grated cheddar cheese over the coated mix. Toss again to distribute.
  7. Spread the mixture in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C). After 10 minutes, remove the sheet and stir gently. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden brown at the edges.
  8. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the snack mix cool completely on the pan (about 15-20 minutes).
  9. Once completely cool, break up any large clumps with your hands. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Notes

Let the snack mix cool completely before serving for maximum crunch. Grate your own cheese for best melting. Watch the oven closely to prevent burning. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes if it loses crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheddar ranch popcorn snack mix, easy party snack, homemade snack mix, cheesy popcorn mix, ranch popcorn

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-cheddar-ranch-popcorn-snack-mix-best-party/