Pickle-Fix Ranch Popcorn Crunch (Print View)

Zesty mix with crunchy popcorn, ranch and dill pickle flavors—great for gatherings or movie nights.

# Components:

→ Popcorn & Crunchy Base

01 - 6 cups air-popped popcorn
02 - 1 cup mini pretzel twists
03 - 1 cup rye bagel chips, broken into pieces
04 - 1 cup cheese crackers

→ Flavor Coating

05 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 - 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
07 - 1.5 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
08 - 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
09 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
11 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Optional Add-ins

12 - 0.5 cup roasted peanuts
13 - 0.25 cup freeze-dried dill pickle slices

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the popcorn, pretzels, bagel chips, and cheese crackers. Add peanuts and freeze-dried pickles if using.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, dill pickle juice, ranch seasoning, dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Drizzle the seasoning mixture over the snack mix. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
05 - Spread the coated mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Bake for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crisp and fragrant.
07 - Allow to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Perfect balance of tangy pickle and savory ranch flavors
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients and snack staples
  • Completely customizable with optional add ins
  • Makes enough for a crowd but stores well for solo snacking
02 -
  • This recipe makes a great edible gift when packaged in decorative jars or bags
  • The mix stays crunchy for days when stored properly in an airtight container
  • Perfect for meal prep snacking as it requires no refrigeration
  • Can be made in larger batches for parties without any recipe adjustments
  • The combination of pickle and ranch flavors creates an addictive umami quality
03 -
  • For the crispiest result make sure your popcorn is completely cool before mixing with other ingredients. Hot popcorn releases steam that can make the final product less crunchy.
  • When using pickle juice choose brine from dill pickles rather than sweet or bread and butter varieties for the most authentic flavor profile.
  • The low and slow baking method is crucial dont be tempted to increase the temperature to save time as this will burn the popcorn before properly drying out the mix.