Homemade Snack Mix
This homemade snack mix beats any store-bought version hands down. The buttery, savory coating gets into every little crevice of the cereal and pretzels, and the slow baking process ensures everything is perfectly crispy. It's budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and stays fresh for weeks in an airtight container.
Equipment
- Large roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet at least 15x10 inches
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for mixing seasonings
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight storage container
- Parchment paper (optional) for easier cleanup
Ingredients
- 3 cups pretzels small twists work best
- 2 cups mixed nuts cashews, almonds, and pecans
- 2 cups rice cereal squares like Rice Chex
- 2 cups wheat cereal squares like Wheat Chex
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large roasting pan or baking sheet with parchment paper if desired, ensuring the pan is completely dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pretzels, mixed nuts, rice cereal squares, and wheat cereal squares. Gently toss to distribute evenly without crushing the cereal.
- Melt butter in a small bowl, then whisk in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the dry ingredients and toss until every piece is lightly coated, reaching the bottom of the bowl to catch uncoated pieces.
- Transfer the coated mix to the prepared pan and spread into an even layer so pieces aren't stacked. Use two pans if overcrowded.
- Bake at 250°F for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes and bringing edge pieces to the center. The mix is done when golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Taste and add more salt if needed before storing.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Stale cereal or old nuts will never crisp up properly, so check expiration dates before starting.
- Don't rush the baking: The low temperature of 250°F is essential for toasting everything evenly without burning.
- Stir thoroughly every 15 minutes, mixing from the bottom up to ensure even coating and toasting.
- Customize the seasonings: Start with the amounts listed, then adjust garlic powder, onion powder, or salt to your taste.
- Add cheese crackers: Throw in 1-2 cups of small cheese crackers like Cheez-Its for extra flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a kick.
- Store completely cooled mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Never refrigerate, as cold introduces moisture.
- If the mix loses its crunch, spread it on a baking sheet and toast at 250°F for 10-15 minutes to refresh it.
- For gifting, package in cellophane bags tied with ribbon or mason jars, and tell recipients to use within 1 week.
- Make it ahead: This mix actually improves over the first day or two as the flavors meld together.
Nutrition
Serving: 1CupCalories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 385mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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