Every party needs something sweet, something salty, something light and something indulgent. This ranch slow cooker chex mix is both salty and addicting!

This post is sponsored on behalf of Glad and Hidden Valley Ranch. All opinions are our own.

What is it about a big bowl of snack mix that’s so irresistible? It doesn’t matter that I literally just finished a meal, or dessert, or both, I see a big bowl full of a sweet or salty snack mix, much like this ranch slow cooker chex mix and something in me awakens. Must. Try. It!

Are Slow Cookers Safe?

Slow Cookers are safe for countertop cooking for extended periods of time.

It is safe to leave your  slow cooker on while you are out of the house.

The slow cooker runs on very low wattage, allowing you to cook a meal over an 8-10 hour period of time.

We ran off to Walmart the other day as I needed a few decorations and baking needs for an upcoming holiday party and I didn’t want to drive all over town, getting myself and a baby in and out of the car for hours. One stop was all I had the energy for. While inside I noticed a little package of oyster crackers. Yes, oyster crackers.

Our oldest daughter got it in her head that she wanted some with chicken soup, but I continually forgot to buy them. Well, I tossed them in the cart, the way we all do and then I noticed a box of Cheez-it crackers on sale so suddenly I was tossing that in too, and heck, if the pretzels are 2/$3 why the heck not?!

Glad Press’n Seal

Just as I was about to check out I realized if I was going to buy this I better make it into something for the party. Someone had ditched a roll of Glad® Press’n Seal® by the bin o’ movies  and suddenly I knew what to do. A snack mix in the slow cooker and I could cover our counter with the Press’n Seal so they could dry and I wouldn’t have to clean again.

That’s my thing. When we have a party I do as much prep work ahead of time as possible so the party is never a stress and I can enjoy it.

A Slow cooker is a great option to set and forget and the Press’n Seal not only allowed the crackers to cool without pulling out a pan, but I also threw the snack into the serving bowl and covered it so I really was ready without needing to fill dishes and arrange food.

What’s in Ranch Slow Cooker Chex Mix?

Each item is needed as the pretzels bring the salty but in a different way.

Yes, size and shape actually do make an impact on the end result of a dish.

The oyster crackers were buttery pillows, the cheez-its perfectly cheesy, the corn Chex give an overall fall harvest vibe and the peanuts get a little more round and add a totally different feel in the mix.

Pull out your Hidden Valley® Ranch packet  that I know you have lying around from making our 3 ingredients slow cooker roast.  It’s the ranchiest so don’t you dare not use it, mix it with a little sugar and Karo syrup to create a nice, crunchy coating, oil for the roasting and worcestershire. That will really pump up the savory factor.

Are  Slow Cookers and Crock Pots the Same Thing?

A crock pot is actually a type of slow cooker, so they are very similar, but not all slow cookers are also crock pots.

A crock pot is a type of slow cooker with a stoneware pot that sits inside a surrounding heating element.

A slow cooker is a usually metal pot that sits on top of a heating surface.

How to Make Chex Mix in a Slow Cooker

Pour everything in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally.

Pour out to cool on two pieces of Glad Press’n Seal up to 2 days ahead of time (see, get it done early!!).

Then store everything in the serving bowl (how fun is this one?!) with Press’n Seal over the top.

Discard the plastic from the table.

You are going to be munching on this stuff all day until your guests arrive, just to warn you! Hide that stuff where you wont be tempted!

Yield: 8-10

Ranch Slow Cooker Chex Mix

Print

Every party needs something sweet, something salty, something light and something indulgent. This ranch slow cooker chex mix is both salty and addicting!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes

Total Time 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/3 Cup Butter (5 1/3 Tablespoons)
• 1 Packet Hidden Valley® Ranch Dip Mix
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Light Karo Syrup
• 4 Cups Corn Chex
• 3 Cups Mini Pretzels
• 3 Cups Oyster Crackers
• 3 Cups Cheezit Crackers
• 1 Cup Dry Roasted Lightly Salted Peanuts

Instructions

1. In a glass measuring cup, melt the butter in 15 second intervals in the microwave.
2. Stir in the ranch, Worcestershire, sugar, and Karo syrup.
3. Spray a slow cooker pot with nonstick spray or line with a slow cooker bag.
4. Add the cereal, crackers, pretzels and peanuts.
5. Add the sauce and stir well to coat every little piece.
6. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring at hour 1, hour 2 and one final time at 2 1/2 hours, or as needed to keep the bottom layer from burning.
7. Pour everything onto two sheets of Glad Press'N Seal to cool.
8. Place all snacks into a large bowl Cover with Glad Press'N Seal to keep fresh until it's time for the party.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8-10

Serving Size:

1/2 cup
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 746 Total Fat: 34g Saturated Fat: 11g Trans Fat: 1g Unsaturated Fat: 22g Cholesterol: 21mg Sodium: 1300mg Carbohydrates: 97g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 6g Protein: 15g

Candied Nuts Snack Mix

Everything you could want in a snack, crunchy, salty, sweet, chocolate and bursts of bright, juicy fruit flavor. 

The Perfect Soft Pretzel

If there’s anything I can convince you to try this week it would be these big, fat, fluffy soft pretzels.

Ranch Slow Cooker Chex Mix Made Easy

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Glad & Hidden Valley Ranch. The opinions and text are all mine.