Description

A crunchy and savory Party Snack Mix combining a variety of cereals, chips, pretzels, nuts, and a flavorful seasoned butter coating, baked low and slow to crispy perfection. Perfect for gatherings, this mix balances classic and nostalgic ingredients with a kick of spices and customizable add-ins.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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

Seasoned Butter Mixture

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)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C). Prepare an extra large rimmed baking pan or two large sheet pans to hold all the snack mix during baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl or directly on the baking pan, mix together the corn, wheat, and rice cereals, along with the Cheetos, Bugles, pretzels, cheese crackers, and dry roasted peanuts until evenly distributed.
Prepare Seasoned Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dark chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a few dashes of hot sauce to your preferred spice level. Whisk or stir until the seasonings are fully dissolved.
Coat the Snack Mix: Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the dry cereal mix. Gently fold the mixture using a large spoon or rubber spatula to evenly coat all pieces without crushing them.
Arrange for Baking: Spread the coated mix evenly across the prepared baking pan(s) ensuring a single layer for even cooking.
Bake Slowly: Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Every 15 minutes, remove the pan to stir the mix thoroughly, then return it to bake. This ensures even roasting and crispiness.
Cool and Store: Once baked and golden, spread the mix onto parchment paper to cool completely. After cooling, transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Notes

Bugles are Key: Bugles add a unique texture and nostalgic flavor. If unavailable, Fritos make a suitable substitute.
Cereal Variations: Substitute part or all of the square cereals with alternatives like Cheerios for a different crunch and flavor profile.
Popcorn Addition: Add caramel, cheesy, or buttered popcorn for a sweet and salty contrast.
Cracker Choices: Feel free to experiment with flavors such as Italian crackers, Goldfish, everything bagel crackers, or sesame sticks.
Spice and Crunch Enhancers: Wasabi peas, bite-sized crisp breads, and bagel chips can bring extra spicy kicks and texture.
Nut Substitutes: Swap peanuts with cashews or walnuts in equal amounts depending on preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chex Mix, party snack, savory snack mix, crunchy snack, homemade party mix, seasoned snack, snack recipe