Spicy Crunchy Snack Mix (Printable)
Crunchy mix of nuts, pretzels, and cereal coated in a bold, spicy seasoning blend.
# Ingredient List:
→ Dry Mix
01 - 2 cups mini pretzels
02 - 1 cup roasted peanuts
03 - 1 cup roasted cashews
04 - 2 cups rice cereal squares (e.g., Chex)
05 - 1 cup corn cereal squares
06 - 1 cup cheese crackers
→ Seasoning
07 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
08 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce, adjust to taste
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
13 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
14 - ½ teaspoon salt
15 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
# Steps:
01 - Set oven to 275°F and prepare for baking.
02 - In a large bowl, mix mini pretzels, roasted peanuts, roasted cashews, rice cereal squares, corn cereal squares, and cheese crackers.
03 - Whisk melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
04 - Pour the seasoning mixture over the dry ingredients and toss gently to ensure even coverage.
05 - Spread the coated mixture evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure uniform toasting.
06 - Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's ready in under an hour and tastes like you spent way more time than you actually did.
- The balance of salty, spicy, and buttery hits every craving at once without being overwhelming.
- You can adjust the heat level to match your crowd, making it a crowd-pleaser that doesn't compromise on flavor.
02 -
- Stirring every 15 minutes isn't optional, it's the difference between a snack that's uniformly delicious and one with burnt corners and pale centers.
- The seasoning will taste strong when you mix it raw, but the oven mutes it into perfect balance, so trust the process even if it smells intense.
03 -
- Make this snack mix the day before a party so you're not managing the oven while people arrive and distract you with conversation.
- Double the recipe without doubling the oven time, just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through so everything toasts evenly.