This Parmesan ranch snack mix is the savory, buttery, can’t-stop-eating party mix I make for every game day and holiday get-together. Two kinds of Cheez-It crackers, pretzels, Chex and cashews get tossed in a ranch and Worcestershire butter, slow-roasted in the crock pot (or the oven), then finished with Parmesan. It makes a big batch, stays crunchy for days and packs up beautifully as a homemade gift.
Do you love a great snack mix recipe? Why not try making it in your slow cooker? This simple, delicious ranch snack mix recipe is perfect for your next watch party, movie night happy hour with friends or tailgating event! It’s ideally made in a larger slow cooker, you can also easily make this snack mix recipe in your oven. Fantastic zesty flavor with a great crunch!
Why You’ll Love This Cheez-It Ranch Snack Mix
- Two kinds of Cheez-Its. Original plus Zesty Cheddar Ranch Grooves means every handful tastes like ranch and cheddar.
- Hands-off. The slow cooker does the roasting while you get everything else ready.
- A big batch. About 11 cups, enough for a party of 10 to 15 with other snacks.
- Make-ahead friendly. It keeps for days in an airtight container.
- Giftable. Fill pint jars or treat bags for neighbors, teachers and coworkers.
Ingredients for Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix
- Cheez-It Crackers
- Cheez -It Grooves, Zesty Cheddar Ranch Crackers
- Pretzels – small pretzel twists work well.
- Rice/Corn Cereal – either Chex or Crispix work well
- Cashews
- Butter
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Grated Parmesan cheese
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to reference the full recipe below.
Easy Ingredient Swaps for Parmesan Ranch Chex Mix
| Ingredient | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cheez-It Grooves | More Original or White Cheddar Cheez-Its, or Goldfish | Add ½ tsp extra ranch seasoning to make up the flavor |
| Rice or corn Chex | Crispix, Wheat Chex or oyster crackers | Wheat Chex adds a toasty, heartier crunch |
| Cashews | Peanuts, almonds or mixed nuts | For nut-free, use 1 cup bagel chips or more pretzels |
| Butter | Olive or avocado oil | Same amount. Slightly less rich, a little crisper |
| Ranch packet | Homemade ranch seasoning | Use about 2 tablespoons |
| Shaker Parmesan | Finely grated fresh Parmesan | Use the fine side of a grater so it clings |
How to Make Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix in the Slow Cooker
This snack mix recipe is super easy and uses your slow cooker or crock pot to make it savory, crunchy and completely delicious.
- Combine the dry ingredients. Add the crackers, pretzels, cereal and cashews to a large slow cooker.
- Make the sauce. Whisk the melted butter, Worcestershire and ranch seasoning together.
- Coat the mix. Pour the sauce over gradually, stirring as you go so every piece is coated.
- Roast it uncovered. Cook on LOW with the lid off (or propped open with a wooden spoon) for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Leaving the lid off lets steam escape so the mix toasts instead of going soggy.
- Add half the Parmesan. During the last 15 minutes, sprinkle half the Parmesan over the mix and stir.
- Spread it out to cool. Spread the mix on a parchment- or wax-paper-lined counter or sheet pan and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan while it’s still warm. Cooling it in a single layer helps it dry out and stay crisp.
- Store. Once it’s completely cool, transfer to an airtight container or package it in smaller snack bags.
Note: if you have a smaller slow cooker, this recipe is best made in the oven. The large amount of ingredients needs space to roast evenly.
I use my Cuisinart 3-in-1 Multi-Cooker. It’s one of my absolute favorite appliances, and I use it all year long.
Making a full party spread? My crock pot jalapeño popper dip is another hands-off slow cooker favorite.
Slow Cooker vs. Oven: Which Method Should You Use?
| SLOW COOKER | OVEN | |
| Heat | LOW | 250°F |
| Time | 2 hours | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Stir | Every 30 minutes | Every 15 minutes |
| Lid | Off, or propped open | n/a (rimmed sheet pans) |
| Equipment | 6-quart or larger | 2 large sheet pans |
| Best for | Hands-off party prep, freeing up the oven | Smaller slow cookers, faster batch |
Oven directions: spread the coated mix on two large baking sheets and roast at 250°F for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes so it toasts evenly. Sprinkle half the Parmesan over the mix for the last 10 minutes, then the rest as it cools.
How to Keep Snack Mix Crunchy (Not Soggy)
- Keep the lid off. Trapped steam is the main reason slow cooker snack mix turns soft.
- Use low heat. LOW in the slow cooker or 250°F in the oven toasts without burning the butter.
- Stir on schedule. Every 30 minutes in the slow cooker, every 15 in the oven, so the sauce cooks onto every piece.
- Cool it in a single layer. A pile holds heat and moisture; a single layer dries out.
- Seal it only when it’s completely cool. Any warmth left in the mix turns into condensation in the container.
Easy Variations
- Spicy ranch: add ¼ tsp cayenne or 1 tsp hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- Extra cheesy: swap the cereal for White Cheddar Cheez-Its and add 2 extra tablespoons of Parmesan.
- Everything bagel: add 1 cup bagel chips and 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning with the Parmesan.
- Nut-free: replace the cashews with bagel chips or extra pretzels.
- Just ranch Cheez-Its: toss 6 cups Cheez-Its with half the sauce and roast in the oven at 250°F, stirring every 10 minutes, until dry and toasted. [confirm time] [link to Ranch Cheez-Its once published]
- Want a sweet mix too? Try my peanut butter Chex party mix.
How to Store, Make Ahead & Freeze Snack Mix
Fantastic for watch parties and your favorite basketball, football or baseball game, this snack mix is great for tailgating, holiday parties, movie night or anytime you’re gathering with friends and family. Serve it next to Italian salami sliders and meatball sliders for an easy game day spread.
| Guests | Batches | Assumes |
|---|---|---|
| 10–15 | 1 (about 11 cups) | About ¾ cup per person with other snacks |
| 20–25 | 2 | Same |
| 30+ | 3 | Make in the oven in batches |
For gifts, one batch fills about 5 pint jars or 10 treat bags. Pair it with my Melted Snowman Snack Mix for a sweet and savory gift set.
Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix FAQs
Yes. Roast it low, at 250°F, on two sheet pans for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
The heat was too high or it wasn’t stirred often enough. Use LOW in the slow cooker or 250°F in the oven, and stir every 30 minutes in the slow cooker or every 15 minutes in the oven so the pieces toast evenly.
Cook it with the lid off, stir on schedule so the sauce is evenly distributed, and use a large slow cooker so the mix isn’t piled too deep. Cool it in a single layer and seal it only once it’s completely cool.
Basically, yes. Both are rice and corn cereals from different brands, and they can be used interchangeably.
Off, or propped open with a wooden spoon. A closed lid traps steam and the mix won’t crisp.
Yes. Use about 2 tablespoons of your homemade blend in place of the packet.
Yes. Olive or avocado oil works in the same amount. The mix is slightly less rich but just as crunchy.
Up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature, and it’s at its best in the first 3–4 days.
Yes. Freeze it in a freezer bag for up to 2 months and let it thaw at room temperature before opening the bag, so condensation doesn’t soften it.
Plan on about ¾ cup per person when it’s one of several snacks. One batch serves 10 to 15 people.
More Party Recipes You’ll Love
Sliders: Italian Salami Sliders · Parmesan Mozzarella Meatball Sliders · Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
Dips: White Queso Dip · Crock Pot Jalapeño Popper Dip · Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip · Cream Cheese Corn Dip
Snack mixes & sweets: Peanut Butter Chex Party Mix · Melted Snowman Snack Mix · Slow Cooker Honey Roasted Mixed Nuts · Peanut Butter Pretzel Bark
Parmesan ranch favorites: Parmesan Ranch Steak Fries · Sheet Pan Ranch Chicken
Mains for a crowd: Sheet Pan Steak Nachos · Crock Pot Cranberry Sauce Meatballs
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Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix
Equipment
- Slow Cooker I use and LOVE my Cuisinart Slow Cooker / Multi-Cooker!
- Sheet Pan These USA Stainless Steel Sheet Pans are fantastic and super durable!
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cheez-It original crackers
- 3 cups Cheez It Grooves Zesty Cheddar Ranch crackers
- 2 cups small pretzels twists
- 2 cups rice/corn cereal like Chex or Crispix
- 1 cup cashews
Sauce:
- 6 Tablespoons butter melted
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
Instructions
- In a large slow cooker, combine the crackers, pretzels, cereal and cashews.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire and ranch seasoning. Gradually pour over the snack mix, and stir well to coat the mix.
- Cook on LOW, uncovered (or with the lid propped open with a wooden spoon), for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
- During the last 15 minutes, sprinkle half the Parmesan over the mix and stir.
- Spread the mix in a single layer on a parchment- or wax-paper-lined surface. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan while still warm.
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Oven Directions:Spread the coated mix on two large baking sheets and roast at 250°F for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Sprinkle half the Parmesan over the mix for the last 10 minutes, then the rest as it cools.
Notes
- This recipe works best in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. If yours is smaller, use the oven method.
- Let the snack mix cool completely before storing. Cooling lets it crisp up and releases any heat or steam from roasting.
- Storage: airtight at room temperature up to 1 week, or frozen up to 2 months.
- Swaps: no Grooves? Use more Original Cheez-Its plus 1/2 tsp. extra ranch seasoning. For nut-free, replace the cashews with bagel chips.
Nutrition
This snack would NOT be safe around my house…especially during college basketball season! I’m eagerly awaiting the next round of games, and I think this snack needs to be there with me on the couch. It looks delicious! #client
So do you let it cool and then put the cheese on or put the cheese on and then let it cool? Sounds yum!! thank you
Can I use my oven to cook this recipe. I don’t have
a crock pot. It looks delicious.
This is a delicious snack mix recipe. I substituted mixed nuts and Fiesta Ranch seasoning for a little kick the second time I made it. We love this stuff!
Love the idea of making this in the crock pot, and wondering how I’d make a non-dairy version of this (without margerine)and with more whole grain crackers, I’m sure it is possible! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
Game time for sure! Thanks so much for linking up at Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday!
I can’t seem to find the zesty cheese its. Where did you find them?
Wow, that looks so yummy!! Pinning this to try! Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty
I need this in my life! Like immediately! 😉 I love chex mix, but I really LOVE cheez-its!!
Oh my gosh, you would not believe the GIANT box of Cheez Its my dad just bought! This looks marvelous!!
Thanks for sharing this with us on Throwback Thursday! Hope to see you next week!
Mollie
So GOOD!!!! I made mine in the oven like Chex mix. Worked like a charm. This recipe was family approved and gone in 2 days. Currently waiting for the second batch to finish right now. Also want to mention that this tastes best after its sat overnight. Thanks for the great recipe!
Can this be done in the microwave?
Yum this would be great for game days. My kids will love it!
Saw this on the TTLP! Perfect for Super Bowl. Pinned and printed! Thanks!
Followed directions to the letter, and came out soggy, and chewy. I ended up putting them on a sheet tray in a 250 deg.oven to crisp them up. Recommend just doing these in the oven, and avoid the crock pot.
I had a family birthday bash and wedding Saturday that I was bringing main dishes and appetizers to. I saw this recipe and thought how easy is this. All I need was my slow cooker and don’t have to heat up my kitchen, so I decided everyone at the birthday bash will be drinking and what better snack to bring. Everyone loved the snack mix including the non drinkers. I will definitely make this again for all family gatherings. Was so easy to make.
This Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix sounds absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try making it for my next movie night. Thanks for sharing such a tasty recipe!
This Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix looks absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to make it for my next gathering. The combination of flavors sounds perfect for a snack!
This Parmesan Ranch Snack Mix sounds absolutely delicious! I love how easy it is to make, and the combination of flavors is perfect for game day or just a cozy movie night at home. Can’t wait to try it out! Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe!
My family loves this mix and I make it every year now for Christmas/New Year!! It’s part of our tradition. Of course, I would make it for other special occasions as well.
Would it be the same cook time in the crockpot if i half the recipe?
Yes, still the same cook time. Enjoy!