There’s nothing better than reaching into your backpack during a hike and pulling out the perfect snack. After countless camping trips and trail adventures, this ranch-seasoned chex mix has proven itself as a winning recipe that checks all the boxes: satisfying crunch, savory flavors, and most importantly, it actually holds up in the great outdoors.
This crafted blend combines the convenience of packaged snacks with a homemade touch that’ll make anyone the hero of their camping trip.
What We Like About It
The secret to a camping-worthy snack mix isn’t just about throwing together favorite munchies. It’s about finding the right combination of ingredients that complement each other and can withstand being stuffed in a backpack or bounced around in a cooler.
The magic with this mix happens in the oven with the low-and-slow baking process. At 250°F, each piece gets evenly coated and perfectly crunchy without any risk of burning. This method makes all the difference when you’re three days into a camping trip and craving something crispy.
How To Make It
Fortunately, this snack isn’t hard to make. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be chowing down in no time.
Time Investment:
- 5 minutes to throw together
- 1 hour of hands-off oven time
- Makes enough for a weekend camping trip with friends
Gather Your Ingredients:
- 2 packets of ranch seasoning (the flavor foundation)
- A box of rice Chex (you’ll need 3 cups)
- White cheddar Cheez-its (3 cups – they hold up better than regular cheese crackers)
- Oyster crackers (3 cups for that extra crunch factor)
- Mini pretzels (2 cups)
- Roasted peanuts (1 cup for protein)
- Melted butter (6 tablespoons)
Making The Mix
- Start with the oven at 250°F. This lower temperature is crucial for getting that perfect texture that lasts.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment. Yes, both are needed – spreading the mix out gives better results.
- Here’s where it gets good: Mix the melted butter with one packet of ranch seasoning. This creates the flavor base.
- Combine all the crunchy ingredients in the biggest bowl available. Give them a good mix.
- Pour the seasoned butter all over and gently toss. Every piece should get some coverage.
- Sprinkle that other packet of ranch seasoning while still tossing. This double-ranch technique gives you flavor that spreads evenly throughout the mix.
- Spread everything out on the baking sheets. The thinner the layer, the more crunchy it will be.
- Pop them in the oven for an hour, but stir things up halfway through. The kitchen will smell amazing.
The Best Way To Enjoy This On Your Camping Trip
Bringing food out with you during a camping trip is a bit different than enjoying something in the comfort of your own home. Here are a couple things to remember if you want to make the most of this snack while outdoors:
- Mason jars are ideal storage containers. They’re airtight and keep everything fresh.
- Tucking a paper towel into each container can help absorb any moisture that sneaks in.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Mix too soggy? The cooling process was probably rushed. Always let it cool completely before packing.
- Not crunchy enough? The oven might run cool. Add 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Too salty? Cut one of the ranch packets in half next time.
Making It Your Own
This snack works great as a starting point. More peanuts add extra energy for the trail. A pinch of cayenne brings some heat. The beauty of this mix is that it can be tweaked or modified and still taste great.
Use this as a starting point and experiment as you go!
