Texas Trash Snack Mix
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 9 cups
Description:
Texas Trash Snack Mix is a bold and flavorful twist on traditional snack mixes, inspired by the big, bold flavors of Texas itself. This recipe offers a customizable blend that can be doubled, tripled, or quadrupled to suit any gathering or occasion. The key lies in the spicy butter mixture that coats a variety of crunchy ingredients, ensuring each bite is packed with savory satisfaction. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, weeknight snacks, or any time you need a snack that’s ready in under 4 hours.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup seasoning salt
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1/4 cup goldfish crackers (optional, for customization)
- 1 cup square-shaped rice cereal
- 1 cup corn chips
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 2 cups mixed nuts (e.g., peanuts, almonds, cashews)
- 2 cups cheese crackers
- 1 cup bagel chips
- 1 cup mini breadsticks
Nutritional Information per Serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 371.5
- Total Fat: 19.3g
- Saturated Fat: 7.8g
- Cholesterol: 27.1mg
- Sodium: 743.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 45.2g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 3.8g
- Protein: 7.6g
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Gather all the dry ingredients – rice cereal, corn chips, pretzel sticks, mixed nuts, cheese crackers, bagel chips, and mini breadsticks. -
Prepare Spicy Butter Mixture:
In a microwave-safe cup or bowl with a spout, combine the butter, seasoning salt, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Microwave on high for 30 seconds to melt the butter. Stir well to combine. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large baking pan or roasting pan, combine all the dry ingredients: rice cereal, corn chips, pretzel sticks, mixed nuts, cheese crackers, bagel chips, and mini breadsticks. This is where you can optionally add goldfish crackers for extra flavor and variety. -
Coat with Spicy Butter Mixture:
Pour the melted butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the baking pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat each piece thoroughly with the buttery seasonings. -
Bake the Snack Mix:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning. -
Cool and Store:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the Texas Trash Snack Mix to cool completely in the pan. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping. -
Storage:
Once completely cooled, transfer the snack mix to an airtight container or resealable bags. Texas Trash Snack Mix freezes well, so you can make a large batch and store it for later enjoyment.
Recipe Notes:
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Customization: Feel free to adjust the types of crackers, nuts, or spices to suit your taste preferences. The key is to maintain the ratio of the spicy butter mixture to the dry ingredients for optimal flavor.
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Make Ahead: This snack mix can be prepared in advance and stored for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
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Serve: Enjoy this Texas Trash Snack Mix as a flavorful snack on its own, or serve it at parties, game nights, or as a holiday treat. It’s sure to be a hit with its bold, Texan-inspired flavors!
This recipe not only satisfies snack cravings with its crunchy texture and spicy kick but also offers flexibility to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a tasty treat, Texas Trash Snack Mix delivers a memorable snacking experience reminiscent of the Lone Star State’s bold flavors.
