These Easy Buffalo Ranch Roasted Nuts are the perfect snack that brings together the fiery kick of buffalo sauce with the cool, herby flavors of ranch seasoning. Crunchy, savory, and addictively delicious, these nuts come together in under an hour with minimal hands-on time. They’re ideal for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or simply to keep on hand when those savory cravings strike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch creates an irresistible flavor duo that will keep you coming back for more.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these nuts! They disappear quickly at parties and gatherings, with guests constantly asking for the recipe.
- Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the buffalo sauce amount to make these as mild or as fiery as you prefer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These nuts store beautifully, making them perfect for preparing before events or giving as homemade gifts.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mixed Nuts: The foundation of our recipe – I recommend using unsalted nuts so you can control the salt level. A combination of almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts creates wonderful texture variety.
- Unsalted Butter: Creates the rich base for our coating that helps all those delicious flavors adhere to the nuts.
- Buffalo Sauce: Brings that classic tangy heat we all love. Choose your favorite brand – Frank’s RedHot works particularly well here.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: The perfect counterpoint to the buffalo heat. That herby, creamy flavor makes these nuts truly special.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch balances the heat and helps with caramelization during roasting.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Start with the suggested amount and adjust to your taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Spice Level Adjustments
Too hot? Reduce the buffalo sauce to 1/4 cup. Want more heat? Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix.
Different Nut Combinations
Try an all-cashew version for extra buttery richness, or go for just almonds and pecans for a heartier crunch.
Sweet and Spicy
Double the sugar for a more pronounced sweet-heat profile that’s absolutely addictive.
Garlic Buffalo Nuts
Add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder to amplify the savory notes.
How to Make Buffalo Ranch Roasted Nuts
Step 1: Prepare for Roasting
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature ensures the nuts roast evenly without burning. Place your mixed nuts in a large bowl, making sure it’s big enough to allow for thorough tossing.
Step 2: Create the Buffalo Ranch Coating
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until completely liquid. Remove from heat and whisk in the buffalo sauce, 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, sugar, and salt. The mixture will thicken slightly as you whisk, creating a beautiful coating that will cling to each nut.
Step 3: Coat the Nuts
Pour your buffalo-ranch mixture over the nuts and stir thoroughly. Take your time here – you want every nut to get a good coating of that delicious sauce.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Spread the coated nuts in an even layer on a large sheet tray. Roast for 30-40 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes to ensure even browning. Your kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma as they roast.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Allow the nuts to cool on the sheet tray for about 20 minutes. They’ll still be slightly warm but not hot. Transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning for a flavor boost. Let cool completely before serving or storing.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Even Roasting: Spread nuts in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly and get that perfect crunch throughout.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Watch Carefully Near End: Nuts can go from perfectly roasted to burnt quickly, especially in the last 5-10 minutes, so keep a close eye on them.
- Cooling Matters: The cooling process is crucial for developing crunch – don’t rush it. The nuts will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Seasoning Balance: If you’re sensitive to salt, start with half the recommended amount and adjust after roasting.
- Tossing Technique: Use two large spoons to toss the nuts during roasting for even coating and to avoid burns.
How to Serve
Perfect Pairings
These Buffalo Ranch Roasted Nuts pair beautifully with cold beer, especially hoppy IPAs that complement the spicy flavors.
Party Presentations
Serve these in small bowls scattered around your entertaining space, or portion into paper cones for individual servings at parties.
Gift Giving
Package in mason jars with decorative labels for homemade holiday gifts or hostess presents.
Meal Additions
Chop roughly and sprinkle over salads for added crunch and protein, or use as a topping for creamy soups.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to two weeks. Mason jars work particularly well for maintaining freshness.
Freezing
These nuts freeze beautifully! Place in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. This is perfect for making large batches in advance.
Refreshing Stored Nuts
If the nuts lose some of their crunch during storage, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool completely before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use salted nuts instead of unsalted?
You can, but I’d recommend omitting the added salt in the recipe. You can always taste after roasting and add a sprinkle more if needed. Remember that the ranch seasoning also contains salt, so it’s easy to end up with an overly salty final product.
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How can I make these nuts dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Check your ranch seasoning ingredients, as some contain buttermilk powder. You may need to create your own dairy-free ranch seasoning mix with herbs and spices.
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My nuts aren’t getting crunchy. What went wrong?
The most common reason is underbaking. The nuts should look slightly darker than when you started and feel dry to the touch. If they’re still not crunchy after cooling completely, you can return them to a 300°F oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
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Can I use homemade buffalo sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade buffalo sauce works wonderfully in this recipe. The basic combination of hot sauce and butter with a touch of vinegar and garlic creates the perfect buffalo flavor. Just make sure your homemade sauce isn’t too thin, as you want it to coat the nuts properly.
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo Ranch Roasted Nuts are simply magical – the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that create an irresistible snack. Whether you’re hosting friends for game day, need a portable protein-packed snack, or want to give something homemade and delicious as a gift, this recipe delivers every time. The beauty is in its simplicity and flexibility – make them as spicy or mild as you like! I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) these nuts as much as I do.
Print
Easy Buffalo Ranch Roasted Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Buffalo Ranch Roasted Nuts Recipe is the ultimate spicy and savory snack that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just a quick crunchy bite. The combination of buttery buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning creates an irresistible flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more. These roasted nuts are easy to make, packed with flavor, and great for anyone who loves a little heat in their snacks.
Ingredients
Nuts
- 2.5 pounds unsalted mixed nuts
Sauce
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
- 3 tablespoons dried ranch seasoning mix, divided
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures the nuts roast evenly and develop a crunchy texture. - Prepare the Nuts
Place the mixed nuts into a large bowl, ensuring they are ready to be coated in the delicious sauce. - Make the Buffalo Ranch Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the buffalo sauce, 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, sugar, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is well-combined and slightly thickened. - Coat the Nuts
Pour the prepared sauce over the mixed nuts, stirring well to ensure every nut is evenly coated. - Roast the Nuts
Spread the coated nuts onto a large sheet tray in an even layer to ensure proper roasting. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, tossing the nuts every 10 minutes to promote even cooking. Roast until fragrant and the nuts have started to brown. - Cool the Nuts
Remove the tray from the oven and let the nuts cool on the sheet tray for about 20 minutes. This helps them develop their final crunch. - Add Final Seasoning
Once slightly cooled, transfer the nuts back to a large bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning and toss well to ensure an even coating. Let the nuts cool completely to achieve the perfect crunchy texture.
Notes
- Spread the nuts in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Stir the nuts every 10 minutes during roasting for uniform browning.
- Allow the nuts to cool fully before serving to achieve a satisfying crunch.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce based on your preference.
- Store the finished nuts in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 220kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
