Description
A classic homemade Nuts and Bolts snack mix combining cereals, pretzels, cheese crackers, and a flavorful buttery spice mix. This crunchy, savory treat is seasoned with garlic, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning salt, baked low and slow for a perfectly coated, addictive snack.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 2 cups salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon seasoning salt
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 3 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Optional: 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- Optional: 1/2 tablespoon dried dill
Snack Mix Components
- 8 cups Crispix Cereal (plain corn and rice)
- 4 cups Rice Chex
- 4 cups plain Cheerios
- 4 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 box cheese stick crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (about 121 degrees Celsius) to prepare for low and slow baking, which ensures the mix absorbs the butter and seasonings without burning.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a very large roasting pan or baking dish, combine the Crispix cereal, Rice Chex, plain Cheerios, pretzel sticks, and cheese stick crackers. Toss gently to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: Melt the salted butter using a microwave or stovetop. Stir in the seasoning salt, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and optional onion powder and dried dill until well combined and smooth.
- Coat the Snack Mix: Pour the melted butter and spice mixture evenly over the dry snack components. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the seasoned butter mixture.
- Bake the Mix: Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake at 250°F for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Every 25 minutes, take out the pan and stir the mix gently with a spoon to ensure even baking and coating.
- Finish and Cool: The snack mix is done when it looks dry and the butter mixture has been fully absorbed. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Stirring every 25 minutes is crucial to ensure even coating and to prevent burning.
- Optional spices like onion powder and dried dill can be added to customize flavor to your liking.
- This snack mix stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- Feel free to swap in other cereals or nuts based on preference or dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American