Welcome to your new obsession! This incredible Touchdown Snack Mix is so wonderfully buttery and irresistibly savory, you’ll find it impossible to stop at just one handful. Sometimes affectionately known as “Garbage Bag Cracker Mix” due to its easy preparation method, this addictive party mix is a true game-changer. Crafted with the secret ingredient of popcorn oil, the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, and a delightful medley of your favorite crackers, pretzels, nuts, and salty chips, it’s designed to be customized to perfection. Get ready to make it your own and fall completely in love with every crunchy bite!
Discovering My All-Time Favorite Cracker Snack Mix
The first time I experienced the magic of this Touchdown Snack Mix was back in 2016, a truly special occasion. Our children had secretly planned a surprise 25th Anniversary party right here at our home. It was a heartwarming gathering, filled with laughter and cherished memories, as relatives, close friends, and even our entire wedding party came together to celebrate with us. Seeing all those familiar faces, some of whom had traveled great distances, meant the world to us. It’s moments like these, surrounded by loved ones, that truly underscore the importance of family and friendship.
You might be wondering, what does an anniversary party have to do with a snack mix called “touchdown”? Well, the connection is delightful and deeply personal. My wonderful mom arrived at the party with a massive batch of this sensational snack mix. It’s her absolute go-to recipe, a treasured culinary secret passed down to her by a co-worker many years ago. From the moment I tasted it, I knew this wasn’t just any snack mix; it was something truly extraordinary, destined to become a staple in our family gatherings and beyond.
The Snack Mix That Needed a Name: From “Popcorn Oil and Ranch” to “Touchdown”
When my mom first received this recipe all those years ago, it was simply known as “snack mix with popcorn oil and ranch dressing.” While descriptive, it wasn’t exactly catchy! The initial name was certainly a mouthful, but the flavor itself spoke volumes. What started as a simple, unnamed recipe quickly gained a legendary status among those who tried it.
After the anniversary party, I had some glorious leftovers (though not many, as it was thoroughly enjoyed!). The following week, I decided to bring them to our regular tailgate gathering. As expected, it was an instant hit – completely devoured in record time! Observing its overwhelming popularity and how quickly it disappeared at any event, I realized this snack needed a name that reflected its winning appeal.
And so, “Touchdown Snack Mix” was born. It just felt like the perfect fit. Whether you’re calling it a touchdown, a home run, or a grand slam, this mix guarantees you’ll score major points with your guests at your next gathering. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a crowd-pleasing champion!
The Secret to That Irresistible Buttery Flavor: Unveiling the Magic of Popcorn Oil
Before I got my hands on the actual recipe, I embarked on a fun culinary challenge: trying to decipher the ingredients purely by taste. It’s a little game I play with myself – no judgment, please! I was convinced, absolutely certain, that this mix had to be loaded with butter. After all, it tasted so incredibly buttery and had that rich, addictive quality. How could it possibly not contain butter?
Well, I was delightfully wrong! When I finally asked my mom for the recipe and read through the ingredients, everything clicked. The very first ingredient listed was the key to unlocking that amazing, deep flavor: Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Oil! This revelation made perfect sense. It’s the secret weapon that infuses every cracker and chip with a truly unique and mouthwatering buttery essence, without needing actual butter. This special oil delivers a depth of flavor and a silky coating that transforms an ordinary snack mix into something extraordinary and utterly addictive.
Think about it: what’s more addictive than fresh, buttery popcorn? I’ll tell you what… *this snack mix*! The popcorn oil isn’t just about flavor; it also contributes to the incredible crispness and helps the ranch seasoning adhere perfectly, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will keep everyone coming back for more. It’s a simple swap with a monumental impact, elevating this recipe far above your average party snack.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Touchdown Snack Mix
One of the best aspects of this Ranch Popcorn Oil Snack Mix is its versatility. While I’ve listed my personal favorites, feel free to get creative and incorporate your most loved crunchy snacks. The most important thing is to maintain the specified amounts to ensure a balanced coating of the flavorful popcorn ranch oil. This careful ratio guarantees every piece is infused with that irresistible buttery, tangy taste.
- Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Oil: This is the star ingredient! You’ll typically find this distinctive oil in the popcorn aisle of your local grocery store. Its unique flavor is unmatched.
- Hidden Valley Dry Ranch Seasoning: Look for the dry seasoning packets near the bottled salad dressings. This provides the classic tangy and savory ranch flavor that binds everything together.
- Dry Roasted Peanuts: I personally love the salted variety, as they add an extra layer of savory crunch and saltiness that perfectly complements the other components.
- Cheez-Its: These classic cheese crackers are an absolute must! Their sharp cheddar flavor and satisfying crunch are integral to the mix.
- Original Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers: The iconic smiling fish add a delightful visual and a familiar cheesy taste.
- Parmesan Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers: For an elevated cheesy experience, these Parmesan-flavored crackers bring a sophisticated tang.
- Pretzel Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers: Sometimes I opt for these for their unique shape and salty pretzel flavor. Alternatively, mini pretzel twists or even small pretzel balls work wonderfully to add that quintessential pretzel crunch.
- Bugles: Don’t forget these fun, cone-shaped chips! They add a distinctive corn flavor and are, of course, perfect for putting on the ends of your fingers before enjoying. 😉
- Munchos Potato Chips: These thin, crispy potato crisps are fantastic if you can find them! Their light, airy texture melts in your mouth. If Munchos are elusive in your area, don’t fret! Shoestring potato sticks are an excellent substitute, offering a similar crispy texture.
You’ll find the precise measurements for each ingredient and comprehensive, step-by-step instructions in the detailed recipe card at the very bottom of this post, ensuring your snack mix is perfect every time.
Crafting Your Own Touchdown Snack Mix: A Simple Guide
This ranch-flavored snack mix is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any event or a satisfying treat for a cozy night in. The process is simple: mix your chosen snacks, coat them generously with the special oil and seasoning blend, bake to a golden crisp, and then serve up this irresistible delight!
First, you’ll need a spacious roasting pan or a very large mixing bowl to accommodate all your delicious snacks.
Carefully add all your selected crackers, chips, and nuts into the pan. Ensure there’s enough room for thorough mixing without crushing the more delicate components.
Gently toss them together to combine, ensuring an even distribution of all the different elements before the coating is added.
In a separate saucepan, gently heat the popcorn oil and ranch seasoning over low heat, stirring until the seasoning is fully dissolved and fragrant. Be careful not to scorch the mixture. Once warm and blended, pour this aromatic oil mixture evenly over your bowl of snacks. Using a large spatula or spoon, carefully stir to coat every single piece. The goal is an even, glossy finish without breaking the more fragile items. This careful coating is what gives the mix its signature flavor and texture.
For an alternative, and perhaps even easier, coating method, you can use a large, sturdy paper grocery bag or even a clean kitchen trash bag (hence the nickname “garbage bag snack mix with popcorn oil”). Simply combine all your dry snacks in the bag, pour in the warm oil mixture, seal the bag tightly (leaving some air), and then gently shake and tumble the bag. This method ensures an incredibly even coating with minimal breakage, making cleanup a breeze!
Once coated, spread the mix evenly across a large baking sheet (or multiple sheets, depending on the batch size). Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes in a preheated oven, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure uniform toasting and crispness. After baking, transfer the hot snack mix to paper towel-lined baking sheets to cool completely. This helps absorb any excess oil and ensures maximum crunch.
Once fully cooled, store your irresistible snack mix in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully for weeks, making it an ideal make-ahead party treat or a fantastic gift!
Don’t Just Love It, Pin It! Enjoy This Snack Beyond Game Day
This phenomenal snack mix isn’t just for tailgating or major sporting events; it’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, enjoying a movie night, or simply craving a savory crunch, whip up a batch and prepare to be amazed. It’s also an excellent choice for holiday parties, road trips, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Before you leave, be sure to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board. That way, you’ll always remember where to find this incredibly addictive recipe!
Snack mixes hold a special place in my heart; they are my absolute favorite thing to prepare or bring to any party. There’s something so satisfying about artfully combining various textures and flavors, and then watching them quickly disappear as guests eagerly reach for more. It’s a testament to the power of a well-crafted snack!
Speaking of clever and crowd-pleasing, have you ever tried making a popcorn cake? They never fail to impress! And for another unbelievably simple yet addictive treat, you absolutely must try this 3-ingredient candy-coated “crack corn” recipe. Both are fantastic for delighting any audience.
So, go ahead and prepare a large batch of this unforgettable Touchdown Snack Mix. Set down a generous bowl at your next gathering and watch with satisfaction as it quickly vanishes. And as the last crumbs disappear, you’ll know you’ve created a true winner. Walk away with your fist raised high and proudly exclaim, “TOUCHDOWN!”
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Print Recipe
Touchdown Snack Mix
5 mins
45 mins
25 mins
1 hr
15 mins
American
bugels, Cheeze-It’s, cracker snack mix, dry roasted peanuts, garbage bag cracker mix, goldfish crackers, Munchos potato chips, Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Oil, pretzels, ranch seasoning packet, Touchdown Snack Mix
3
Gallon Bags
64
kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
- Rubber Spatulas
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
- Granite Ware Covered Oval Roaster, 13 inches, Black
- Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Roaster / Roasting Pan Set with Utensils
- Munchos Original Potato Crisps
- Pik-Nik Shoestring Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Orville Reddenbacher Popcorn Oil (16 ounce size)
- 1 package Hidden Valley Dry Ranch Dip seasoning
- 1 jar dry roasted peanuts (16 ounce size)
- 1 medium box Cheez It’s (11.5 ounce size)
- 1 6 oz package Original Pepperidge Farm Gold Fish Crackers
- 1 6 oz package Parmesan Pepperidge Farm Gold Fish Crackers
- 1 6 oz package Pretzel Pepperidge Farm Gold Fish Crackers
- 2 bags Bugles (14.5 ounce family size)
- 2 bags Munchos Potato Chips (4.25 ounce size)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the popcorn oil and ranch seasoning together, stirring until the seasoning is fully incorporated. Be mindful not to burn the mixture.
- In a large roasting pan or mixing bowl, combine all the crackers, chips, and nuts. Pour the warm oil mixture over the top and gently mix until all the snacks are evenly coated. (Alternatively, use a large paper bag for coating: add snacks and oil mixture, close, and shake gently.)
- Spread the coated snack mix onto baking sheets and bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even crisping and to prevent burning.
- Once baked, transfer the snack mix to paper towel-lined baking sheets to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving maximum crispness.
- Store the cooled Touchdown Snack Mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving:
1
|
Calories:
64
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
7
g
|
Protein:
1
g
|
Fat:
4
g
|
Saturated Fat:
1
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g
|
Sodium:
96
mg
This recipe was originally posted on October 4, 2016. It was thoughtfully updated on February 9, 2022, to enhance the user experience with clearer instructions and additional tips, ensuring it remains a timeless favorite.
