Homemade Snack Mix

Some people grab the sweet snacks, others grab salty or savory. I am definitely the latter. Nothing beats a really great snack mix. I was inspired to create this recipe after tasting a mix my cousin made for her kids. I was blown away by the flavor. After thinking about it, why not make your own snack mix? The average bag at the store only lasts a handful of servings and costs about $4/bag. Making your own doesn't cost much more and yields at least triple the amount. Plus, you have complete control of the ingredients going in. 

Disclaimer...I made this twice. The first time around, I burned the crap out of it. When I say in the final directions to stir it every 15 minutes or so, it's not just to get even toasting. It's also to keep an eye out and make sure the mix doesn't burn. The trick to baking your own snack mix is slow and steady. You can probably even turn down the heat 25 degrees and bake it longer. The ultimate goal is to get as much moisture out as possible. Otherwise, you'll end up with soggy snack mix. 

Snack mix is completely customizable. Adjust the seasonings to your preference and use ingredients that you enjoy most. Nuts are a great addition to a savory mix. If you want something sweet, instead of the butter and spices, use honey and add dried fruits or even some chocolate. There are so many ways to make snack mix. I'd even go so far as to say there is no wrong way.

HOMEMADE SNACK MIX
Ingredients:
2 cups Corn or Rice Chex
2 cups Pretzel Sticks
2 cups Corn Chips (like Fritos)
1 cup Sunflower Seeds
1/2 stick Butter, melted
2 tbsp. Garlic Powder
1 tbsp. Onion Powder
1 tsp. Dried Oregano
1 tsp. Dried Basil
1 tsp. Dried Rosemary
salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Mix together Chex, pretzel sticks, corn chips and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.

2. Into the melted butter, whisk in the spices, salt and pepper. Dip a chex into the butter mixture and adjust seasoning to taste. 

3. Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or your hands, mix well to ensure every piece has been coated with the butter mixture (takes about 5-8 minutes). Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet in an even layer. Bake about 1 hour, stirring occasionally every 15-20 minutes. Let cool before serving or storing.

Like this recipe? Then you'll love our Honey Almond Granola recipe. Another great snack, it's also perfect for a little crunch in your oatmeal or yogurt. How do you like to snack? Do you typically reach for salty or sweet?