Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and crunchy snack that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in? This savory snack mix recipe combines a variety of cereals, pretzels, and cashews, all coated in a flavorful butter and Worcestershire sauce mixture. It’s easy to prepare and will surely satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
3 cups Crispix cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Honey Chex cereal
1 cup Cheerios cereal
1 cup Honey Nut Cheerios cereal
1 cup Pretzel Goldfish
2-3 cups whole cashews
¾ cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1½ teaspoons seasoning salt
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45-60 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling time)
Yield
Approximately 10 cups of snack mix
Enjoy this tasty treat at parties, movie nights, or as an everyday snack! It’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite nuts or cereals, making it a great go-to recipe for any occasion.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. A rimmed baking sheet or a lasagna pan works best for this recipe.
Step 2: Combine the Cereals and Snacks
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: 3 cups of Crispix cereal, 3 cups of Rice Chex cereal, 3 cups of Honey Chex cereal, 1 cup of Cheerios, 1 cup of Honey Nut Cheerios, 1 cup of Pretzel Goldfish, and 2-3 cups of whole cashews. Gently mix them together until they are well combined.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt ¾ cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add 3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1½ teaspoons of seasoning salt, and, if desired, 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture well until everything is fully combined.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal Mixture
Gradually pour the butter mixture over the combined cereal and nut mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula to gently stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the butter mixture.
Step 5: Spread the Mixture on the Baking Sheet
Carefully spread the coated cereal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure it is evenly distributed across the surface for even baking.
Step 6: Bake the Mixture
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Every 15 minutes, take the sheet out and stir the mixture to ensure it cooks evenly and does not burn. You are looking for a slightly golden color.
Step 7: Cool the Mixture
Once baked, remove the mixture from the oven. Transfer the hot mixture onto a piece of aluminum foil and spread it out. Allow it to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Storage Suggestions
Store the cooled snack mixture in an airtight container at room temperature. It should remain fresh for up to two weeks.
Spice Level Adjustment
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the cayenne pepper entirely or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap any of the cereals, nuts, or snack items with your favorites. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the balance of flavors and textures.
Cook techniques
Preparation of Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients before starting the cooking process to ensure a smooth workflow. Measure out the cereals, nuts, and other components accurately.
Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the cereals, pretzels, and nuts thoroughly. This step ensures that each piece is evenly distributed and ready to absorb the flavor from the butter mixture.
Melted Butter Mixture
Melt the unsalted butter slowly over low heat to prevent burning. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, and optional cayenne pepper to create a cohesive flavor profile.
Coating
Pour the melted butter mixture over the cereal mixture gradually. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and mix until all pieces are evenly coated without breaking the cereals.
Baking
Spread the coated mixture on a lined baking sheet in an even layer. Bake at 250°F, stirring every 15 minutes for consistent cooking, until the mixture is slightly golden and aromatic.
Cooling
After baking, transfer the mixture to aluminum foil and allow it to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving a crunchy texture as it cools down and hardens.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cereal?
Yes, you can substitute other cereals based on your preference, but make sure to maintain the overall volume for the recipe.
Is it necessary to use cashews, or can I use other nuts?
You can use different types of nuts if you prefer; almonds or peanuts would work well.
How can I store the finished product?
Once cooled, store the mixture in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispiness.
Can I make this snack gluten-free?
Yes, ensure that you use gluten-free versions of the cereals and check the label of the Worcestershire sauce to confirm it’s gluten-free.
How spicy is this recipe with optional cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit it entirely for a non-spicy version.
Conclusion
This savory snack mix combines a delightful array of cereals, pretzels, and cashews, creating a crunchy, flavorful treat that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply snacking. The balance of sweetness from the cereals and the savory notes from the butter and Worcestershire sauce make it genuinely irresistible.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Trail Mix
Combine the original mix with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick.
Chocolate-Covered Snack Mix
Add melted chocolate drizzled over the cooled snack mix, then let it set for a sweet twist.
Peanut Butter Snack Mix
Incorporate peanut butter chips and a handful of mini marshmallows for a chewy texture and flavor contrast.
Cheddar Snack Mix
Replace some of the butter with cheddar cheese powder for a cheesy, savory variation.
Fruity Crunch Mix
Mix in freeze-dried fruits like strawberries or bananas to add a burst of natural sweetness and color.
