Spicy Chex Mix is loaded with rice cereal, cheese crackers, pretzels and peanuts in a tangy buffalo ranch sauce. It’s perfect for your next game day celebration!
When it comes to parties whether holiday or game day, appetizers are always a must. Snack mixes are a great option because they are loaded with all kinds of goodies that are sure to please just about everyone. Plus you can make a huge batch of them well in advance of your party so when it comes to party time, you’re not spending all of your time in the kitchen.
I’m pretty sure that that’s a win!
Like most chex mix recipes, this Spicy Chex Mix is loaded with all kinds of goodies but is tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce to give it a kick. And since buffalo sauce and ranch also go so well together, I’ve thrown in a few herbs and spices to give it a hint of ranch flavor as well.
You’re going to love it.
What ingredients do you need to make a Spicy Chex Mix?
This Spicy Chex Mix is always a hit around here. My husband adores any kind of snack mix so I knew he would be a fan.
- CHEESE CRACKERS: I’m partial to Cheez-It crackers. They’ve always been my fave cheese crackers.
- PRETZEL TWISTS: Mini pretzel twists are fab because they are easier to pick up in this chex mix.
- CHEX CEREAL: You can use whichever chex you like rice, corn or wheat will all work for this recipe.
- UNSALTED ROASTED PEANUTS: Add a nuttiness and a bit of protein to the mix.
- BUTTER
- FRANK’S RED HOT: This is what gives this Chex Mix the spicy buffalo flavor.
- DRIED DILL/DRIED CHIVES/GRANULATED GARLIC: This gives this Spicy Chex Mix a bit of a ranch flavor too.
How do you make Spicy Chex Mix?
It’s almost as easy as tossing everything in a bowl. Almost.
- STEP #1: Combine rice cereal, crackers, pretzels and peanuts together in a large bowl.
- STEP #2: Heat hot sauce and butter in a small pan over medium heat until butter melts. Once melted whisk in dill, chives and garlic. Pour hot sauce mixture over cereal mix. Toss until every thing is coated.
- STEP #3: Spread mix onto a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour stirring about every 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
This Buffalo Ranch Snack Mix is crispy. It is crunchy. It’s salty and spicy. It is everything a good snack mix should be. It is also beyond easy to make which makes it perfect for game day.
Just watch the video to how easy it is to make!
Note: This post was originally written in 2017. It was updated in 2021 with new step by step photos and nutrition information.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex rice cereal
- 3 cups cheese crackers
- 3 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup shelled salted peanuts
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 teaspoons dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225 degrees.
- Combine rice cereal, crackers, pretzels and peanuts together in a large bowl.
- Heat hot sauce and butter in a small pan over medium heat until butter melts. Once melted whisk in dill, chives and garlic. Pour hot sauce mixture over cereal mix. Toss until every thing is coated.
- Spread mix onto a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour stirring about every 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Hi Anne, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and it will be fresh for a week or two, though it’s at it’s best when its eaten within a few days. Hope this helps!
how long can this be stored for and does it need to be refridgerated
Absolutely!
Can Franks Original be substituted for the wing sauce?
Ack thank you for catching that!! I would say use the unsalted if you’re worried about saltiness. That way you can control the final flavor of the dish a bit better. Hope this helps!
Your blog say unsalted peanuts but the recipe calls for salted peanuts. Which is best?
Hmm I’m not sure why it doesn’t taste like Buffalo sauce! It should especially with Buffalo sauce in it. You can always add a little more. I’m not sure if there is a buffalo seasoning mix but if there is that would also help!
I normally don’t ever comment but I Made this and it does not taste like buffalo wing sauce at all. I’m thinking if I re-heat and season with a dry buffalo mix, if there’s such a mix, it would help?
[…] encantan las mezclas para aperitivos, algunas de las favoritas que hemos hecho en el pasado incluyen Mezcla para aperitivos Buffalo Ranch , Galletas Rancheras y esto Cereza Chocolate Pistachi o Mezcla de frutos secos […]
Buffalo sauce on anything is good! This looks tasty!
This is my kind of snack!
Love mixes like this.
this is SO perfect for game day
This is perfect to serve at my Game Day Party. I love snack mixes and this looks so good.
I just added this to the food list for my Super Bowl party spread…and this is definitely what I’m most looking forward to making!
Sounds super yummy and easy! And if its spicy, I won’t be able to keep my hands out of it! :)
This will be the perfect addition to my Super Bowl Sunday table.