Hey Snack Lovers! Let’s Make an Irresistible Sweet & Savory Snack Mix
Hello! I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the lookout for that perfect snack—something crunchy, flavorful, and just downright addictive. This sweet and savory snack mix is exactly that! I love making it when I want a tasty treat that’s great for munching any time of day. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up with ingredients you might already have. Ready to snack smarter with me?
The Magic of This Snack Mix: Why I Love It
What’s fantastic about this mix is the awesome blend of textures and flavors. You get the crunch from Chex cereals and pretzels, the rich nuttiness from almonds and cashews, and a delicious savory-sweet coating that keeps me coming back for more. It’s got just enough bite with garlic, onion, smoky paprika, and a little sweetness from brown sugar and honey. Plus, it’s flexible, so you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences.
Health Boost? Yes, Please!
This isn’t just a mindless snack binge option — it packs some decent nutrition. Nuts like almonds and cashews add healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which help keep you full longer. Those cereals provide whole grain crunch, giving you energy without the crash. And though it does have a touch of sugar, the savory spices balance it out so you’re really enjoying a snack that feels indulgent but still mindful.
Sweet & Savory Snack Mix Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups small pretzel twists
- 1 cup almonds (raw or roasted)
- 1 cup cashews or macadamia nuts (optional but delicious!)
- 1/2 cup seasoned rice crackers or corn puffs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (optional, adds umami depth)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (if you want a bit more sweetness)
Let’s Make It!
- First, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Low and slow is the way for perfect toasting!
- Grab a big mixing bowl and toss together the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, pretzels, almonds, cashews (if you’re using them), and the rice crackers or corn puffs if you added those.
- Now melt your butter — you can do this on the stove or in the microwave. Once melted, stir in your brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, Worcestershire or soy sauce if you have it, and the honey or maple syrup if you want extra sweetness. Mix it until everything is smooth and combined.
- Pour this glorious seasoning mix over your crunchy cereal and nuts. Use a big spoon or your hands to gently toss everything together so each bite gets that tasty coating.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and spread the snack mix out evenly.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Make sure to stir every 15 minutes to keep it from burning and to help it toast evenly.
- Once your kitchen smells incredible and the mix is golden brown, pull it out and let it cool completely right on the baking sheet. It crisps up as it cools — that’s the magic!
- Pour your snack mix into a bowl and dig in. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it crunchy.
Extra Helpful Tips I Swear By
- Toast those nuts first: If you’re using raw almonds or cashews, you can toast them separately in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F to bring out their flavor even more.
- Use parchment or silicone mats: This stops sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t skip the stirring: Keeping the mix moving in the oven makes sure nothing burns and every bite gets evenly coated.
- Adjust salt and sweetness: Taste your seasoning mix before coating everything to make sure it hits your perfect spot.
- Storing is key: Keep leftovers in a sealed container at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, just freeze it in a ziplock bag — it revives perfectly!
Tools You’ll Want
- Large mixing bowl (for tossing your cereals and nuts)
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (to melt butter and mix seasonings)
- Large baking sheet (preferably rimmed)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (for easy cleanup)
- Spoon or spatula (for tossing everything together)
- Measuring cups and spoons (to get the seasonings just right)
Your Top Questions, Answered
- Can I make this mix gluten-free? Absolutely! Just double-check that your cereals and crackers are labeled gluten-free, and skip anything with gluten to keep it safe.
- How long will this mix stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container, it stays crunchy and fresh for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long because it’s so good!
- What if I’m allergic to nuts? You can skip the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and nutrition.
- Can I add other flavors? For sure! Try swapping smoked paprika for chili powder to add heat, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweeter twist.
- Is this mix freezer-friendly? Yes! Freeze in an airtight bag or container, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
Ready to Snack?
There you have it — a simple, crunchy, and utterly delicious snack mix that I hope becomes your new favorite go-to! Have you given it a try? I’d love to see your versions and hear how you tweaked it. Head over to my Pinterest board and share your photos or tips. Let’s snack happy, together!

