Super Bowl Snack Mix Nuts

The kitchen was already chaos when my friends started arriving an hour early for what was supposed to be a casual game day. I hadn't even finished prepping anything, but I threw together this snack mix in about ten minutes and shoved it in the oven. By halftime, the bowl was completely empty and someone was already asking if I had more hidden somewhere in the pantry.

Last year I made three batches because my brother kept "taste testing" and somehow ate half the first one straight from the baking sheet. Now I always make extra knowing itll vanish before the coin toss anyway.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mini pretzels: These provide that salty crunch base that holds up perfectly to the seasoning without getting soggy
• 1 cup roasted peanuts: Earthy and substantial, they add the kind of protein that keeps people coming back for handful after handful
• 1 cup roasted cashews: Butterier than peanuts, they balance the saltiness with a slight sweetness
• 1 cup rye chips: These little nuggets absorb the seasoning beautifully and become the most addictive part of the whole mix
• 1 cup cheese crackers: They bring a subtle sharpness that cuts through all the rich nuts and pretzels
• 1 cup corn cereal squares: Light and crispy, they create these perfect little flavor pockets that explode with every bite
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Using unsalted lets you control exactly how salty the final mix becomes
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: This is the secret ingredient that gives the seasoning its depth and savory complexity
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides aromatic warmth without the harshness of fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile with a subtle sweetness
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky undertone that makes people wonder what exactly makes it taste so good
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough warmth to make it interesting but not enough to scare off anyone
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Fine salt disperses evenly so every piece gets perfectly seasoned

Instructions

Preheat and prep:

Set your oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, which saves you from scrubbing baked-on seasoning later

Mix the dry ingredients:

Combine pretzels, peanuts, cashews, rye chips, cheese crackers, and corn cereal squares in a large bowl, making sure everything is well distributed

Whisk the seasoning:

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt until smooth

Coat everything evenly:

Pour the seasoning over the snack mix and toss gently but thoroughly, coating every single piece without breaking anything

Spread and bake:

Spread the mix in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure nothing burns and everything toasts evenly

Cool completely:

Let it cool on the baking sheet before serving because thats when it gets that irresistible crispy texture

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My neighbor texted me at 11pm last Super Bowl Sunday begging for the recipe because her husband wouldnt stop talking about the snack mix from our party. She made it the next weekend and now its the only thing she brings to every gathering.

Making It Your Own

One Christmas I substituted almonds for the cashews and added everything bagel seasoning instead of the spice blend, and honestly it might have been even better than the original. Theres no wrong way to customize this.

The Art of Even Seasoning

I learned the hard way that you need a much larger bowl than you think when mixing everything together. Give yourself room to actually toss the ingredients without half of them ending up on your counter.

Storage and Serving

The cooling period is when the magic really happens, so resist the urge to start snacking straight from the oven. I like to serve this in wide shallow bowls because it makes grabbing a mixed handful so much easier than reaching into a deep bowl.

• Set out small serving bowls instead of one giant one to prevent double dipping
• Keep a backup batch hidden in the pantry for when the first one disappears
• This mix travels surprisingly well if you need to bring it to someone elses house

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Every time I make this now, I think about that chaotic afternoon when it saved me from a party disaster. Sometimes the simplest recipes end up being the ones everyone remembers most.

Recipe FAQs

→ What nuts are included in the mix?

The mix features roasted peanuts and cashews for a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.

→ How is the seasoning prepared?

The seasoning combines melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and sea salt for a savory and slightly smoky coating.

→ Can the cooking time be adjusted?

The mix is baked at a low temperature for 45 minutes and stirred every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting without burning.

→ Are substitutions possible for nuts or crackers?

Yes, nuts or crackers can be substituted based on personal preference or dietary restrictions while maintaining the overall texture.

→ What drinks pair well with this snack mix?

This savory mix pairs nicely with crisp lagers or light ales, enhancing game day enjoyment.