Cheesy ranch snack mix

Everyone loves snacks, right? How about snacks that are healthy and yummy? This cheesy ranch snack mix is the perfect blend of the two and even has some semi-hidden veggies.

I’m always trying to come up with new and fun snacks for my kids. They really like Annie’s Homegrown cookies and crackers, but I don’t buy them too often because they can eat a whole box in one sitting. When Annie’s sent me a box of their new Bernie’s Farm cheddar crackers to try, I knew that they kids would love them, but they wouldn’t last long. I decided to come up with a snack mix that uses the crackers as an ingredient.

This cheesy ranch snack mix is so good that you might have a hard time eating it while you mix. Also, carrot chips are amazing. I can’t believe that I never made them until now.

Cheesy ranch snack mix recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole carrot, washed and peeled, for the carrot chips
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/8 cup popcorn kernels {or about 4 cups popped popcorn}
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt {to taste}
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups pretzels
• 2 cups Bernie’s Farm cheddar crackers {or any of your favorite cheesy crackers}

Instructions:

This recipe is a little labor-intensive for a snack, but you can make up all the ingredients ahead of time. Plus, it will be happy in an air-tight container for a day or so. You can also substitute store-bought carrot chips, popcorn, and ranch seasoning to make this faster.

Start by making the carrot chips using Catherine’s recipe on Weelicious and the carrot. You can start them baking and make the rest of the mix while you wait.

Pop your popcorn on the stove. Put the olive oil and popcorn kernels in a big pot. Cover it with the lid or a mesh screen. {This is the one I have, but they come a lot cheaper.} Heat on medium, shaking slightly, until most of the kernels are popped. Pour in a large bowl.

Pu the butter, ranch seasoning, salt, and Parmesan in a small skillet and heat on the stove until the butter is melted. {Or microwave it in a glass bowl.} Pour the butter mix over the popcorn and stir thoroughly.

Add the pretzels and crackers. When the carrots are done, let them cool for a minute and toss them in too. Stir everything to combine.

These flavor combinations are really good. It’s the perfect blend of salty and crunchy and herb-y. Plus, I kind of giggled at the idea of putting real carrots and bunny crackers together. Time to stock up.

Disclosure: Annie’s sent me a box of crackers to try. Posting was my choice and this recipe is my own creation.