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A close-up shot showcasing the delicious layers and textures of a homemade Tailgate Snack Mix, perfect for game day gatherings.

Best Tailgate Snack Mix Ever

This Tailgate Snack Mix is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day gatherings and parties. It's a crunchy, savory, and customizable snack that's easy to make ahead of time, making it the MVP of any tailgate spread.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 9 cups mixed cereal 3 cups Chex, 3 cups Cheerios, 3 cups Crispix
  • 2 cups pretzels sticks, twists, or mini pretzels
  • 2 cups mixed nuts peanuts, cashews, pecans, almonds
  • 1 cup snack crackers Goldfish, Cheez-Its, or oyster crackers
  • 1 cup bagel chips or melba toast
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika recommended
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • A few dashes hot sauce optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheets
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight container

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine cereals, pretzels, nuts, snack crackers, and bagel chips.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and hot sauce (if using) to the melted butter. Whisk until combined.
  5. Slowly pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients, tossing constantly to coat evenly.
  6. Spread the snack mix in a single layer on baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely. The snack mix will crisp up as it cools.
  9. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

For extra crunch, don't skip the low oven temperature and be sure to stir the mix frequently during baking. Customize the recipe with your favorite add-ins like M&Ms, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, or bacon bits. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.