Road Trip Party Mix

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Road Trip Party Mix is one of the simplest and tastiest snack mixes you can make. It combines the crunch of crackers and goldfish with a buttery, flavorful coating that’s spiced up with ranch seasoning. Whether you’re on the road or just at home, this mix is addictive, filling, and sure to please everyone. It’s perfect for sharing, but be warned—it’s hard to stop at just one handful!

Ingredients

• 2 boxes of your favorite crackers (such as Cheez-Its, Saltines, or Wheat Thins)
• 1 bag of Goldfish crackers
• 4 ounces of melted butter
• 2 tablespoons of ranch powder (from ranch seasoning mix)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crackers and Goldfish.
3. Mix the butter and seasoning: In a separate bowl, melt the butter and then stir in the ranch powder until fully combined.
4. Coat the crackers: Pour the butter and ranch mixture over the crackers and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Bake: Spread the coated crackers evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
6. Cool and serve: Once the crackers are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes in the oven

Variations

• Add nuts: Mix in some roasted peanuts, almonds, or cashews for an extra crunchy bite.
• Sweet and salty: Add a handful of M&Ms or chocolate chips for a sweet twist on the classic snack mix.
• Spicy version: Include a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to give your party mix some heat.
• Cheese lovers: Add a little grated parmesan cheese to the butter mixture for an extra cheesy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled party mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Reheating: If you want to refresh the crispness, spread the mix on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 250°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different seasoning mix instead of ranch powder?

Yes, you can use other seasoning mixes like onion soup mix, Italian seasoning, or a garlic and herb mix for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this party mix ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the mix up to 2-3 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Can I add dried fruit to this mix?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots would add a nice sweet touch to balance the savory flavors.

How do I make this party mix spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the butter and ranch powder mixture to increase the heat. You can also mix in spicy Cheez-Its or flavored crackers.

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes, you can use any type of crackers you like—whether they’re cheesy, plain, or flavored. Mix and match based on your preferences!

Can I freeze this snack mix?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the party mix in an airtight container for up to a month. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing.

Can I make this mix without an oven?

Yes, you can make this party mix without baking. After coating the crackers, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours to let the seasoning soak in and dry out a bit.

How do I make this party mix less salty?

If you’re looking for a lower-sodium version, choose unsalted crackers and use a salt-free ranch seasoning mix.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe if you prefer or need a dairy-free option.

Can I add other types of crackers to the mix?

Yes! Feel free to get creative with different types of crackers like graham crackers, pretzels, or even Ritz crackers to mix up the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Road Trip Party Mix is the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hitting the road or hosting a casual get-together, this easy-to-make, crunchy, and flavorful mix will keep everyone munching happily. With a buttery, ranch-flavored coating and endless variations to suit your taste, it’s a snack that’s sure to become a favorite!

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