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This is the snack mix I make when something salty sounds better than something sweet (which isn’t often, but happens, haha). Crunchy cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers, and peanuts tossed in a buttery, Worcestershire-spiced coating and baked until everything is crisp and golden. This homemade snack mix is simple, familiar, and hard to stop picking at once it cools.
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Why This Snack Mix Is Actually The Best
It’s bold without being overwhelming, uses pantry staples, and makes a big batch that’s perfect for holidays, road trips, or setting out on the counter and “accidentally” finishing.
Ingredient Notes
- Chex cereal: A mix of corn, rice, and wheat gives the best texture and variety.
- Mini pretzels: Adds salt and crunch without overpowering the mix.
- Cheese crackers: Goldfish or Cheez-Its both work well, use what you’ve got.
- Peanuts (optional): Roasted and salted for extra depth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings that savory, slightly tangy backbone.
- Seasoned salt: Lawry’s is classic and is my favorite to use in this recipe.
- Paprika or cayenne: Paprika keeps it mild; cayenne adds heat. Pick your poison. 😁
Step-By-Step Instructions (And They’re Easy-peasy)
- Heat oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine Chex, pretzels, cheese crackers, and peanuts.
- Melt butter, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika or cayenne.
- Pour butter mixture over snack mix and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread evenly on baking sheet and bake 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Let cool completely before serving (if you can, haha)—it crisps as it cools.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Stirring regularly prevents soggy spots and helps everything toast evenly.
- Swap peanuts for almonds or cashews if you prefer or omit the nuts entirely.
- If you like it extra bold, add an extra splash or two of Worcestershire.
- Once completely cooled, this snack mix can be frozen in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months. Let it come to room temperature before serving so it stays nice and crispy.
Snack Mix Variations
- Mix-ins: Swap the peanuts for cashews, pistachios, or mixed nuts. Add popcorn, bagel chips, or even pretzel nuggets if you’re feeling wild.
- Spicy version: Swap the paprika for cayenne pepper and add a splash of Tabasco or hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- Microwave version: Mix as instructed, then microwave the butter/spice mixture and combine. Skip the oven—just let it cool on a baking sheet.
- Slow cooker version: Yep, you can even make this in your slow cooker. Cook everything on low for 2–3 hours, stirring every 45 minutes.
The Best Homemade Snack Mix
This homemade snack mix is the perfect blend of salty, crunchy, and buttery. Made with Chex cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers, and a savory spice mix, it’s baked low and slow for maximum flavor. Great for parties, road trips, or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Chex cereal (I like to use a variety of whole wheat, corn, and rice in equal parts)
- 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese crackers (Goldfish or Cheezits work great)
- 1 cup peanuts (roasted and salted, optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 TBS Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp seasoned salt (I like to use Lawry's brand)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for an added kick, use cayenne pepper instead of paprika)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed aluminum baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour Chex cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers and peanuts (if using) into a large bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.8 cups Chex cereal, 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese crackers, 1 cup peanuts
- In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, cook butter, Worcestershire sauce, season salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, whisking occasionally, until the butter is fully melted.1/2 cup unsalted butter, 3 TBS Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp seasoned salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp paprika
- Drizzle butter mixture over dry ingredients and toss with a wooden spoon to coat the mix evenly.
- Carefully spread the snack mix onto the lined baking sheet in an even layer and bake for 60 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Let snack mix cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to two week. Snack mix is best in the first 2-3 days and can be frozen (after cooling completely) for up to 3 months.
Notes
Substitutions: Substitute any of the following at a 1:1 ratio:
- Nuts—Mixed nuts, pistachio, cashews, or macadamia are great choices.
- Bagel Chips
- Popcorn
- Raisins
- Spicy—Add 1-2 TBS Tabasco or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Cereal—You can really use whatever cereal you’d like.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 servingCalories: 461kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 11gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 1053mgPotassium: 308mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 721IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 151mgIron: 14mg