Save to Pinterest I was elbow deep in crumbs, dumping out stale pretzels from three different bags, when I decided to stop throwing things away and start mixing them instead. My pantry had become a graveyard of half finished snacks, none exciting enough to finish on their own. That afternoon, I tossed them all together with melted butter and every seasoning I could reach, and twenty five minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a carnival boardwalk and a New York deli had a delicious collision.
The first batch I ever made disappeared during a football game before halftime, and my brother in law asked if I had opened a bag of some fancy store bought mix. When I told him I had just baked a bunch of random stuff with butter and spices, he looked betrayed, like I had been holding out on him for years. Now he texts me before every family gathering to make sure I am bringing it, and I have started doubling the recipe just to avoid the panic when the bowl runs empty.
Ingredients
- Mini pretzels: These add that essential salty crunch and hold onto seasoning better than any other base, plus they do not get soggy even after baking.
- Cheddar cheese crackers: The cheesy, buttery flavor makes the whole mix feel indulgent, and they break into satisfying little bites as you toss everything together.
- Roasted salted cashews: They bring richness and a slight sweetness that balances all the savory punch, and their softer crunch contrasts beautifully with the pretzels.
- Bite sized rye chips: These add an earthy, slightly tangy depth that keeps each handful interesting and prevents the mix from tasting one note.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter is the glue that makes every seasoning stick, and using unsalted lets you control the salt level since everything else is already pretty salty.
- Ranch seasoning powder: This is the tangy, herby backbone of the whole mix, and it clings to every nook and cranny when tossed with butter.
- Everything bagel seasoning: The sesame seeds, garlic, and onion flakes create those savory, toasty notes that make you keep reaching back into the bowl.
- Garlic powder: It deepens the overall flavor and reinforces the garlicky punch from the everything seasoning without being too sharp.
- Onion powder: This adds a subtle sweetness and umami undertone that rounds out the ranch and keeps the flavors from feeling flat.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 300 degrees and line a big baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks or burns. This low and slow temperature lets everything toast evenly without scorching the edges.
- Combine the Snacks:
- Dump the pretzels, cheese crackers, cashews, and rye chips into a large mixing bowl and give them a gentle toss. You want everything loosely mixed so the seasoning can coat each piece when you add it.
- Mix the Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ranch powder, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until it looks like a fragrant, speckled slurry. Make sure the powders are fully dissolved so you do not get clumps of seasoning in one spot.
- Coat the Mix:
- Pour the buttery seasoning over your snack mix and toss gently with your hands or a spatula until every piece is glistening and coated. Do not be shy, get in there and make sure the cashews and pretzels are not hogging all the flavor.
- Spread and Bake:
- Spread everything in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, trying not to pile things up too much. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through so the bottom does not get too dark and the top stays golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the mix cool completely on the pan before you touch it, because it crisps up as it cools and tastes infinitely better once it has set. Transfer it to a bowl or airtight container and try not to eat it all in one sitting.
Save to Pinterest One night, I packed this into a tin for a friend who had just moved into a new apartment and did not have time to cook yet. She texted me two hours later saying she had eaten half the tin standing at her kitchen counter in the dark, and that it felt like the first moment her new place actually felt like home. I have made it dozens of times since, but that message is still my favorite recipe review.
How to Store and Keep It Fresh
Once your mix has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable bag and keep it at room temperature for up to a week. I have never had a batch last that long, but in theory it stays crunchy and flavorful as long as moisture does not sneak in. If you live somewhere humid, toss in a small silica packet from a vitamin bottle to keep everything crisp, or just accept that you will finish it in three days like everyone else does.
Swaps and Variations You Can Try
If you do not have cashews, swap in almonds, peanuts, or even pepitas for a different crunch and flavor. You can also use any cheese crackers you have on hand, goldfish work great and add a fun nostalgic vibe. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture, and if you want it less salty, use unsalted nuts and reduce the ranch seasoning slightly.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
This mix is perfect for game day spreads, road trips, or just keeping on the counter for mindless snacking. It pairs beautifully with cold beer, sparkling water with lime, or even a crisp white wine if you are feeling fancy. I have also served it alongside a cheese board and it disappeared faster than the brie.
- Pack it into small bags for lunchbox snacks or hiking fuel.
- Serve it in a big bowl at parties with napkins nearby because fingers will get buttery.
- Layer it in a jar with a ribbon as a homemade gift that actually gets used.
Save to Pinterest This mix has saved me from boring snack emergencies more times than I can count, and it never feels like effort even though it tastes like I tried. Keep the ingredients stocked and you will always have something worth sharing.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use homemade ranch seasoning instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can make your own ranch seasoning using dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use the same measurement as the store-bought version.
- → How do I prevent the mix from becoming soggy?
Make sure to let the mix cool completely before storing, and keep it in an airtight container. Avoid storing while still warm as this creates moisture.
- → Can I make this mix without nuts for allergies?
Absolutely. Simply omit the cashews and add more pretzels, crackers, or rye chips to maintain the volume. You can also add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- → What other seasonings work well in this mix?
Try adding smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or taco seasoning for different flavor profiles. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for extra savory depth.
- → Can I double this batch for a large party?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use two baking sheets. Bake them on separate racks and rotate halfway through for even toasting.
- → How long does this snack mix stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this mix stays fresh and crunchy for up to one week. Keep it away from moisture and heat.