Pin It My kitchen always smells like a deli counter after I make this snack mix, and honestly, I love it. The everything bagel seasoning hits the air first, sharp and toasty, then the ranch powder follows with that salty, herby warmth. I started making this because I got tired of buying overpriced snack mixes that tasted like cardboard and regret. Now I keep a batch in a big glass jar on the counter, and it never lasts more than three days.
I brought this to a potluck once, dumped into a big wooden bowl without much thought. By the time I looked over, there were three people hovering around it like vultures, scooping handfuls and muttering about how they shouldnt but they were. One friend asked if I bought it from some fancy market, and I just smiled and said nope, oven and a baking sheet. Thats when I knew it was a keeper.
Ingredients
- Mini pretzels: They bring the crunch and that classic salty backbone, plus they soak up the seasoned butter like little flavor sponges.
- Cheddar cheese crackers: The tangy, cheesy punch that makes this mix feel indulgent without being heavy.
- Roasted salted cashews: Creamy, rich, and just a little sweet, they balance out all the sharpness and add some heft.
- Bite sized rye chips: These add a nutty, earthy depth that keeps every handful interesting.
- Melted unsalted butter: The glue that holds all the seasonings to every crunchy piece, and it toasts beautifully in the oven.
- Ranch seasoning powder: Herbaceous, tangy, and a little creamy tasting even without dairy, it ties everything together.
- Everything bagel seasoning: Sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and salt all at once, it makes this mix taste like breakfast and happy hour had a baby.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, roasted garlic flavor that deepens as it bakes.
- Onion powder: A subtle sweetness and savory backbone that rounds out the seasoning blend.
Instructions
- Get the oven ready:
- Preheat to 300°F and line a big baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Low and slow is the secret to toasting without burning.
- Mix your base:
- Toss the pretzels, crackers, cashews, and rye chips into a large bowl and give them a gentle stir so theyre evenly distributed. You want a good balance in every scoop.
- Make the magic sauce:
- Whisk together the melted butter, ranch seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl until it looks like a thin, speckled paste. It should smell ridiculously good already.
- Coat everything:
- Drizzle the butter mixture over the snack mix and toss gently with a spatula or your hands until every piece is glossy and covered. Dont rush this part, it matters.
- Spread and bake:
- Spread the coated mix in a single layer on your baking sheet, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through so it toasts evenly. The smell will make you impatient, but let it finish.
- Cool completely:
- Pull it out when its golden and fragrant, then let it cool on the pan before touching it. It crisps up as it cools, trust me.
Pin It I made this on a Sunday afternoon when I had nothing planned and just wanted to nibble on something while reading. By the time the sun set, the whole batch was gone and I had crumbs on my shirt and zero regrets. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones you eat alone on the couch, no judgment, no sharing.
Customizing Your Mix
You can swap out the cashews for almonds, peanuts, or even pecans depending on what you have or what you like. I once threw in some wasabi peas by accident and it was weirdly amazing. This recipe is forgiving, so if you want to add a pinch of cayenne for heat or swap the rye chips for bagel chips, go for it.
Storing and Keeping It Fresh
Once its completely cool, dump it into an airtight container or a big zip top bag and it will stay crunchy for up to a week. I keep mine in a glass jar on the counter because it looks good and reminds me to snack responsibly, which I never do. If it starts to lose its crunch, you can pop it back in a 250°F oven for five minutes to wake it up again.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
This mix is perfect for movie nights, road trips, or just keeping in a bowl on the coffee table when friends come over. It pairs well with cold beer, iced tea, or honestly just a glass of water because youll want something to wash down all that salty, crunchy goodness.
- Serve it in small bowls at parties so people dont hover over one big bowl like seagulls.
- Pack it in snack bags for hiking or long car rides, it travels beautifully.
- Pair it with a cheese board and some fruit to balance out the savory intensity.
Pin It This snack mix has saved me from hunger induced crankiness more times than I can count. Make it once and youll understand why I always have a batch waiting.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different nuts in this snack mix?
Yes, you can substitute cashews with almonds, peanuts, pecans, or any preferred nuts. Choose roasted and salted varieties for the best flavor.
- → How do I store this snack mix?
Store the completely cooled snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crunchiness.
- → Can I make this snack mix spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the seasoning mixture for extra heat.
- → What can I substitute for everything bagel seasoning?
You can make your own blend with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt, or use Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- → Why is my snack mix soggy?
Ensure you spread the mix in a single layer and bake at the correct temperature. Let it cool completely before storing, as moisture can make it soggy.
- → Can I double this batch?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use two baking sheets. Bake them on separate racks and rotate halfway through for even toasting.