If you’re craving a snack that bursts with bold flavors, delightful crunch, and a touch of southern charm, you have to try this Texas Trash Mix Recipe. It combines salty peanuts, crispy pretzels, and several types of crunchy cereals, all coated in a buttery, spiced glaze that makes every bite addictive. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, a casual party, or just want something to munch on during your favorite show, this snack mix hits all the right notes with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Texas Trash Mix Recipe comes from its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in building rich textures and layers of flavor, from the creamy butter that brings everything together to the variety of cereals that add complexity and crispness.
- 1 cup salted butter, melted: Acts as the flavorful binding agent, imparting richness that amplifies the seasoning and coats every piece evenly.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami depth, giving the mix that signature tangy, savory punch.
- 2 teaspoons celery salt: Provides a fragrant, slightly salty herbal note that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic undertone with just the right snap to keep things interesting.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Lends a gentle smoky sweetness and vibrant color that makes the mix visually inviting.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: Enhances the savory profile by adding subtle layers of sweetness and bite.
- 2 cups Cheerios: The oat-based cereal adds a light, mild crunch that contrasts perfectly with the other ingredients.
- 2 cups Corn Chex: Crunchy and slightly sweet, this cereal rounds out the texture profile beautifully.
- 2 cups Wheat Chex: Adds nuttiness and a hearty crunch to the mix, balancing lighter cereals.
- 3 cups mini pretzels: The salty, crispy pretzels introduce a satisfying bite and a fun twist in texture.
- 1½ cups peanuts: Classic snack mix staple that contributes saltiness and robust crunch, tying the entire mix together.
How to Make Texas Trash Mix Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by setting your oven to 250 degrees F and lining a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures your mix cooks evenly and doesn’t stick, allowing for easy cleanup later on.
Step 2: Whisk the Seasoning Sauce
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended—this sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the Texas Trash Mix Recipe.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the Cheerios, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, mini pretzels, and peanuts. This blend of cereals and salty snacks will provide that coveted mix of crunchy and hearty textures.
Step 4: Coat the Snack Mix
Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the cereal and nut blend. Stir gently but thoroughly so every piece is evenly coated with that flavorful glaze; this step is crucial for delivering consistent flavor in every handful.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated mixture evenly across your prepared baking sheet. Place it in the oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This slow baking process crisps up the ingredients and helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Let it Cool
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the Texas Trash Mix Recipe to cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling locks in that perfect crunch and lets the flavors settle, making it ready for snacking or sharing.
How to Serve Texas Trash Mix Recipe
Garnishes
While this mix shines on its own, try adding chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a surprising herbal twist. You can also toss in some extra sea salt or a drizzle of honey if you want a sweet-salty balance that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Pair the Texas Trash Mix Recipe with a cold drink such as iced tea, lemonade, or a craft beer to complement the salty and savory notes. It also works brilliantly alongside creamy dips or cheese boards to add a crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Texas Trash Mix in festive bowls or colorful mason jars for parties. You can portion it into individual snack bags for a grab-and-go treat, or layer it with nuts and dried fruit in a clear jar to create a beautiful gift that everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Texas Trash Mix Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. This keeps the crunchy texture intact and maintains that bold flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this mix freezes wonderfully. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and you can enjoy it for up to three months. Just thaw it out gently at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that oven-crisp quality after storage, spread the mix on a baking sheet and warm it in a 250-degree F oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crunch and refreshes the spices to lively perfection.
FAQs
Can I substitute any of the cereals in the Texas Trash Mix Recipe?
Absolutely! While the combination of Cheerios, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex offers a nice variety of textures and flavors, you can swap in other cereals you like. Just aim for a similar crunch and avoid ones that might get soggy easily.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Not at all. The Texas Trash Mix Recipe uses spices like paprika and garlic powder to deliver warm, savory notes without overwhelming heat. Feel free to add cayenne if you prefer a kick.
Can I make this snack mix gluten-free?
Yes, you can create a gluten-free version by choosing gluten-free cereals and pretzels. Be sure to check labels carefully to maintain the integrity of the recipe’s flavor and texture.
How long does the Texas Trash Mix Recipe last once made?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this mix stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks at room temperature. Perfect for snacking over several days or gifting to friends.
What occasions are best for serving Texas Trash Mix Recipe?
This snack mix is ideal for casual gatherings like game days, family get-togethers, picnics, or even as a flavorful nibble during movie nights. Its irresistible crunch and bold flavors never fail to impress.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the recipe and all the insider tips, it’s time to give the Texas Trash Mix Recipe a whirl. It’s so simple to put together but packs remarkable flavor and texture that will quickly become a favorite for snacking or sharing. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic that’s perfect to have on hand for any occasion.
Print
Texas Trash Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Texas Trash Mix is a flavorful and crunchy snack mix made with a combination of cereals, pretzels, peanuts, and a spiced buttery coating. Baked low and slow, this mix is perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you crave a savory, crunchy treat.
Ingredients
Seasoned Butter Mixture
- 1 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons celery salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
Snack Mix
- 2 cups Cheerios
- 2 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups Wheat Chex
- 3 cups mini pretzels
- 1½ cups peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for baking the mix.
- Prepare Seasoned Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder until well combined and set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Cheerios, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, mini pretzels, and peanuts, ensuring an even distribution of each component.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the cereal and nut mix, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the flavorful glaze.
- Bake the Mix: Spread the coated mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and that the pieces do not stick together or burn.
- Cool and Serve: After baking, remove the snack mix from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing. This helps the mix crisp up and maintain its texture.
Notes
- Store the Texas Trash Mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
- You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like cashews or almonds for variation.
- Adjust the spices to taste, adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Make sure to stir the mix every 15 minutes during baking to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
