Bolder Party Mix

What separates my Bolder Party Mix from the rest of the snack mix recipe contenders?  Mine has more of the good stuff!  I’ve upped the flavor ante by more than tripling the amount of the typically called for seasonings to add just a little more oomph in the flavor department.

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Original content posted December 2017.  Updated December 2018.

As I child, I clearly remember holidays spent surrounded by aunts and uncles and cousins.  Playing games with a large marigold colored Tupperware container full of party mix nearby for snacking purposes. 

The party mix was always one of my mom’s contributions to family gatherings and definitely the jumping off point for my Bolder Party Mix recipe.  It’s the perfect snack no matter what time of year – I stashed bags of it in my carryon for a quick trip last weekend! – but it always makes me think of the holiday season.

I’ll admit to never making party mix all that often as an adult.  In fact, I only have this Maple Chipotle Snack Mix and my sweet and savory Animal Cracker Snack Mix to show for it in my archives.  But after my mom visited this summer and made it for us, my obsession was renewed and I love to make it as a surprise snack for our nine year old who loves it just as much as I do. 

Unfortunately for me, she also loves to pick out the same pieces that I do so I have to be quick to snag the best ones!  And just what are the best pieces you might ask?  The pieces of cereal soaked with all of the butter and seasonings.  My absolute favorite and the ones I will shamelessly dig for in a mountain of my Bolder Party Mix.

What is a Party Mix?

Party mix is a snack mix served at parties or other social gatherings.  It’s often referred to as Chex Mix as Chex brand cereal is often included along with peanuts and pretzels.  I like to use Crispix cereal instead as it includes as the single cereal includes crispy rice on one side and crunchy corn on the other.  I also include Cheerios, mixed nuts and mini pretzels.

What separates my Bolder Party Mix from the rest of the snack mix recipe contenders?  Mine has more of the good stuff!  I’ve upped the flavor ante by tripling the amount of the typically called for butter, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and spices but I also add Tabasco sauce. 

Now, don’t go all crazy and think that that one little addition makes this snack spicy.  No, sir!  (Or ma’am.)  It simply adds a little more oomph in the flavor department.

How Do You Make Party Mix in the Oven?

[1]  Add Crispix, nuts, pretzels and Cheerios to a large sheet pan.

TIP: You’ll want a single layer of ingredients on your baking sheet.  If your baking sheet is too small and this is not possible, you’ll want to split the mixture between two baking sheets.

[2]  In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.  Add remaining ingredients to melted butter and whisk to combine.

[3]  Pour butter and seasonings over cereal mixture. Toss to combine.

TIP: I like to pour the butter and seasonings directly over the cereals as they tend to absorb it more than the pretzels and nuts.

[4]  Bake for 45 minutes at 250 degrees, stirring every 15 minutes.

How Long Does Homemade Party Mix Last?

My Bolder Party Mix will keep for 4-6 weeks in a sealed air tight container, although it typically is devoured in only a couple of days at our house!

TIP: This Bolder Party Mix makes for a great gift, too!  I like to put it in a mason jar with a plastic lid to keep it air tight for friends and family.

If you’ve tried this Bolder Party Mix or any other recipe on Melanie Makes, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  I love hearing from you and respond to each and every comment! 

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Print Recipe

4 from 2 votes

Bolder Party Mix

What separates my Bolder Party Mix from the rest of the snack mix recipe contenders?  Mine has more of the good stuff!  

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Total Time55 mins

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: 18

Calories: 229kcal

Author: Melanie Bauer | Melanie Makes

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Crispix cereal
• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 2 cups mini pretzels
• 1 cup Cheerios
• 12 tablespoons butter
• 12 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 6 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
• 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
• Add Crispix, nuts, pretzels and Cheerios to a large sheet pan.
  
• In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
• Add remaining ingredients to melted butter and whisk to combine.
  
• Pour butter and seasonings over cereal mixture. Toss to combine.
• Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
• Allow to cool completely before storing in a sealed container.

Notes

TIP: You'll want a single layer of ingredients on your baking sheet.  If your baking sheet is too small and this is not possible, you'll want to split the mixture between two baking sheets.

TIP: I like to pour the butter and seasonings directly over the cereals as they tend to absorb it more than the pretzels and nuts.

TIP: This Bolder Party Mix makes for a great gift, too!  I like to put it in a mason jar with a plastic lid to keep it air tight for friends and family.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 419mg | Potassium: 192mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 490IU | Vitamin C: 4.7mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 9.7mg

Looking for a sweet mix instead of savory?  I’ve got my eye on this 5 Minute Reese’s Snack Mix, easy Pantry Popcorn Mix and this classic S’mores Snack Mix.