Old Bay Ranch Chex Mix

Old Bay Ranch Chex Mix- This simple snack mix is savory, spicy, tangy, crunchy, and perfect for party season.

May 22, 2026 by Nicole Collins

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Today, we’re making Old Bay Ranch Chex Mix!

So a couple months ago, a friend of mine texted me asking me for my best, non seafood Old Bay recipe. (Non seafood…bummer.) So instantly, my mind went to all my sweet Old Bay creations. Then, she told me it couldn’t be a dessert recipe either. (No dessert…double bummer.) Looking through my catalog of recipes, I really don’t have any Old Bay recipes that are neither seafood nor dessert. But, that changes today!

I don’t know why, but there’s something about a crunchy snack mix that just screams summer to me. Maybe it’s because it makes a perfect pool snack. Maybe it’s because it’s easy to make a big batch for a party crowd. Or for this one in particular, maybe it’s because we’re dousing it in alllll the Old Bay.

Whatever it is, I have a feeling this is one of those recipes that’s going to be on repeat all season. Shoot, on repeat all year!

We’re going to start by building our cracker layer. Grab the biggest bowl you’ve got, and to it we’re going to add 2 types of Chex (or knock off Chex which is what we all know I’m using), some goldfish, some oyster crackers, some white cheddar Cheezits, and some pretzels. Now, I was very intentional about the crackers we’re adding to this mix. The goldfish and oyster crackers give me summer seafood vibes. The white cheddar Cheezits add an unexpected layer of cheesy flavor that’s different than the goldfish. And the Chex and pretzels are simply classic for a snack mix. Toss everything together in that big bowl, then it’s time to work on the seasoning.

I like to build the seasoning mix in a glass measuring cup, but you could use a bowl too. We simply need a stick of melted butter, a packet of ranch dip mix, a heck of a lot of Old Bay, and a shake of garlic powder. I absolutely love the way garlic powder and Old Bay play together. Mix everything together, pour it over the crackers, then toss until everything is completely coated in that buttery mixture.

We’re going to spread this mixture onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet to go into the oven for an hour. We want the mix to be in as single of a layer as possible so that the flavoring really bakes in nicely, so I typically end up spreading the mix between two large baking sheets. We’re going to toss the mixture in the oven every 15 mins so that it bakes evenly. And since I’m using two pans, I also rotate the pans between the top and bottom racks every time I toss the mixture too.

Allow the mix to cool completely, package it up, and it’s time to chow down!

Now take this next sentiment with a grain of salt, because we all know I’m a spice weenie; but I actually find this mixture to be a little spicy! It’s soooo savory. It’s a little tangy. It’s so incredibly seasoned. And, it’s perfectly crunchy. Plus, the unexpected hint of cheesy flavors that slips through is just actual perfection. I get 5 stars every time I make this one.

And while this is the perfect summer snack, it’s obviously delicious all year long. I actually packaged this up as my foodie gift for my coworkers last Christmas, and it got rave reviews.

OK, everyone. This summer recipe season starts NOW. It’s our time to shine.

I hope you guys enjoy! And, let’s eat!

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Old Bay Ranch Chex Mix

Serves: 12 cups          Print

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice Chex cereal

• 2 cups corn Chex cereal

• 2 cups mini pretzels

• 2 cups oyster crackers

• 2 cups goldfish crackers

• 2 cups white cheddar Cheez-its

• 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

• 2 tbsp Old Bay

• 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. (I usually have to use 2 baking sheets.)

2. Add both cereals, pretzels, oyster crackers, goldfish, and Cheez its to a large mixing bowl. Gently toss to combine.

3. Add melted butter to a mixing bowl along with ranch seasoning, Old Bay, and garlic powder. Mix well until fully combined. Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture, and toss well until completely coated. Transfer mixture to prepared baking sheet(s). 

4. Bake for 1 hour, tossing the mixture every 15 mins. (If using 2 baking sheets, also rotate the baking sheets between racks every time you toss the mix.) Allow mix to cool completely, and enjoy!
   

Recipe notes:

*Store leftovers in an airtight container in the pantry.