Name: Party Snack Mix Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups square corn cereal (e.g., Chex or Crispix); 3 cups square wheat cereal; 3 cups square rice cereal; 3 cups Cheetos or similar cheesy corn snacks; 3 cups Bugles; 2 cups mini pretzel twists; 2 cups small square cheese crackers; 2 cups dry roasted peanuts; 1 cup butter; 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 Tbsp seasoned salt; 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dark chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp ground cumin; Few dashes hot sauce (to taste)

Ingredients

3 cups square corn cereal (e.g. Chex or Crispix)

3 cups square wheat cereal

3 cups square rice cereal

3 cups Cheetos or similar

3 cups Bugles

2 cups mini pretzel twists

2 cups small square cheese crackers

2 cups dry roasted peanuts

1 cup butter

3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon seasoned salt

1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon dark chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Few dashes hot sauce (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Prepare an extra-large rimmed baking pan or two large sheet pans.

Step 2: In an extra-large mixing bowl (or directly on the baking pan), combine the corn, wheat, and rice cereals with the Cheetos, Bugles, pretzels, cheese crackers, and peanuts. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and whisk in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dark chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and hot sauce to taste. Stir until the spices are fully dissolved.

Step 4: Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the cereal and snack mix. Gently stir with a large spoon or rubber spatula to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Spread the coated snack mix evenly on the prepared baking pan(s).

Step 6: Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.

Step 7: Once baked, spread the mix onto parchment paper to cool completely before storing.

Tips & Variations

Bugles add a unique crunch and nostalgia—substitute with Fritos if preferred.

Try swapping some cereals for Cheerios to vary texture and flavor.

Add caramel or cheesy popcorn for a sweet and salty twist.

Use different crackers like Italian flavors, Goldfish, or sesame sticks for a new flavor profile.

Incorporate wasabi peas or bite-sized crisp breads for extra spice and crunch.

Substitute peanuts with cashews or walnuts for a different nutty taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh nuts instead of dry roasted peanuts?

Dry roasted peanuts add extra flavor and crunch, but you can use fresh nuts if you prefer. Just toast them lightly before mixing to enhance their taste.

Is it possible to make this snack mix gluten-free?

Yes, choose gluten-free cereals and crackers to ensure the mix is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. Always check labels to confirm ingredients are gluten-free.