Super Bowl Snack Mix Nuts

The first time I brought this snack mix to a tailgate, my friend Sarah actually asked where I bought it. We were all crowded around the trunk of my car, passing bowls back forth, and when I told her Id spent less than an hour making it myself, she refused to believe me. Now it is the one thing everyone actually requests before I even mention what I am bringing to game day gatherings.

Last year during the playoffs, I made the mistake of setting the bowl on the coffee table instead of the kitchen counter. By the time I came back with drinks, my dad had already finished half the batch and was trying to look innocent with crumbs on his shirt. Now I make two batches and hide one in the kitchen just to make sure there is actually some left for the game.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mini pretzels: These are the sturdy backbone that holds up to all that seasoning without getting soggy
• 1 cup roasted peanuts: I like the extra crunch and they toast up beautifully in the oven
• 1 cup roasted cashews: Buttery and rich, they balance out the saltier elements
• 1 cup rye chips: Those dark, hearty squares add such a great contrast in texture and flavor
• 1 cup cheese crackers: Do not skip them, they get all caramelized and amazing
• 1 cup corn cereal squares: The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that seasoned butter
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Unsalted lets you control exactly how much salt goes into the seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This is the secret ingredient that makes people wonder what is in it
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Builds that savory foundation without being overwhelming
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning blend beautifully
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives it that gorgeous color and subtle smoky depth
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough warmth to keep it interesting, but you can leave it out
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Fine salt distributes evenly so every piece gets perfectly seasoned

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 250 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment, this low temp is key for even drying without burning

Mix your base:

Grab your biggest bowl and toss together all those pretzels, nuts, crackers, and cereal until it is one big jumble

Whisk the magic:

In a small bowl, combine melted butter with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt until smooth

Coat everything:

Pour that buttery seasoning all over your mix and toss thoroughly, making sure every single piece gets some love

Spread it out:

Even layer on your prepared baking sheet, no crowding or it will not crisp up properly

Slow roast:

Bake for 45 minutes, but stir every 15 minutes so nothing burns and everything toasts evenly

Let it cool completely:

This is the hardest part but absolutely necessary for that perfect crunch we are after

Pin it

My sister started requesting this for every family gathering after I brought it to Thanksgiving one year. She said it was the only thing all the kids and adults actually agreed on, which is basically a miracle in our family.

Making It Your Own

I have learned that the absolute best mixes use whatever you have in your pantry. Sometimes I throw in those little sesame breadsticks, other times I add bagel chips, and once I even used those flavored pretzel nuggets for extra variety.

Serving Suggestions

This mix keeps beautifully in an airtight container for about a week, though honestly it has never lasted that long in my house. I like to portion it into individual paper bags for easy grabbing during parties.

Perfect Pairings

The salty, smoky flavors here play so nicely with cold beer. A crisp lager lets the seasonings shine while light ale cuts through all that richness perfectly. Have plenty of napkins ready.

• Set out some plain bowls for guests who want to sort out their favorite pieces
• Make extra if you are hosting a crowd, it disappears faster than you would believe
• Store any leftovers immediately or someone will just keep eating them all night

Pin it

Every time I make this now, I think about that first tailgate and how something so simple brought everyone together. Good food does that, you know, it turns strangers into friends and friends into family.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to ensure even coating on the snack mix?

Mix the seasoning thoroughly with all ingredients in a large bowl and toss well before spreading evenly on the baking sheet for uniform coverage.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of this snack mix?

Yes, you can add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat, or omit them for a milder flavor.

→ How should I store the snack mix after baking?

Allow the mix to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunchiness.

→ Are there alternatives for the nuts or crackers used?

You can substitute the peanuts, cashews, or crackers with your preferred nuts and crunchy elements to suit allergies or taste.

→ What drinks pair well with this snack mix?

This mix complements crisp lagers or light ales, balancing the savory, spicy notes for a refreshing contrast.