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This Pioneer Woman Texas Trash recipe is my favorite savory snack mix for parties and movie nights. Packed with crunchy cereals nuts and a buttery seasoned coating it is so easy to make and absolutely addictive. Every time I pull a big batch out of the oven my friends can smell it from the next room—no one can resist grabbing a warm handful.
When I first made this for a neighborhood block party it disappeared before the main meal was even served. Now it is a must for every gathering and my kids help stir the mix for good luck.
Ingredients
- Rice Chex: gives the mix a light crunch and holds seasoning well Choose whole unbroken pieces for best texture
- Corn Chex: adds another crisp flavor and soaks up the buttery sauce Pick a fresh box for maximum crunch
- Cheerios: brings a familiar flavor that even kids love Opt for full size original Cheerios
- Peanuts: adds salty richness and pairs with the spice Use roasted unsalted for best results
- Pretzel Sticks: offers a salty savory snap Choose pretzel sticks that are not too thick so they toast evenly
- Mixed Nuts: brings depth with a variety of textures Use good quality roasted nuts for extra flavor
- Pecans: add a touch of buttery flavor Choose pecans that are whole or halved and not bitter
- Vegan Butter: provides rich coating and is dairy free Melt fully before mixing
- Worcestershire Sauce: brings that classic savory kick Look for a vegetarian version if needed
- Tabasco: adds a pop of gentle heat Adjust to taste
- Garlic Powder: gives savory aroma and depth Make sure yours is fresh for best flavor
- Onion Powder: rounds out the seasoning Use a fine high-quality powder
- Kosher Salt: balances and enhances all flavors Use flaky salt for a cleaner finish
Instructions
- Make the Seasoning Sauce:
- Melt vegan butter until smooth then whisk together with Worcestershire Tabasco garlic powder onion powder and kosher salt in a medium bowl until emulsified and fragrant. The spicy savory scent will really start to build here set aside
- Mix the Big Crunch:
- Pour your Rice Chex Corn Chex Cheerios peanuts pretzel sticks mixed nuts and pecans into a giant bowl Make sure you use the biggest bowl you own so you can stir thoroughly without spilling
- Dress It Up:
- Evenly drizzle the buttery seasoning sauce over the giant bowl of dry ingredients Move slowly and pause to toss gently with a spatula after every half cup of sauce so all surfaces get coated with flavor
- Bake To Crunch:
- Spread the dressed mixture in a single layer on two large baking sheets Place in the preheated oven at two hundred degrees Fahrenheit Bake for two hours stirring carefully every fifteen minutes The stirring helps prevent any burning and ensures every bite crisps up perfectly golden and toasty
- Cool and Store:
- Once the mix is deeply golden and fragrant remove trays from oven Let cool completely on the baking sheet so it crisps further Only move to airtight containers after it is fully cooled to preserve crunch
My personal favorite is the way the pecans soak up every bit of seasoning their buttery crunch is magical in every handful I remember my grandmother always saving out the pecans just for herself now I find myself doing the same
Storage Tips
Let the mix cool fully before sealing to keep every piece crisp. Store in a large airtight container at cool room temperature and it will stay fresh for days. For even longer storage pop leftovers into the freezer then let them come to room temperature before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have all the exact nuts on hand feel free to swap in cashews almonds or more pretzels. Gluten free pretzels and cereals work beautifully if you need to adapt for allergies. For more kick double the Tabasco or try a smoky hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Fill small bowls for parties, tuck into lunchboxes or bag up as edible holiday gifts. Add chocolate candies after baking for a sweet and salty twist. One year I put this out for a game night with slices of sharp cheddar and it was a hit.
Cultural Context
Texas Trash is a classic American party mix that has been passed down in homes and church cookbooks for decades Strong flavors and big batch sizes make it perfect for potlucks and family gatherings Everyone seems to have their own spin but the buttery spicy coating is always the star
Seasonal Adaptation Tips
In summer try adding barbecue seasoning for a picnic twist Come fall mix in roasted pumpkin seeds for a nutty update At the holidays sprinkle in dried cranberries after baking and cooling
Success Stories
My friend Joan brings this to every family reunion and everyone races to get the last scoop My kids love making gift jars of Texas Trash for their teachers during the holidays There is something special about sharing homemade snacks that just brings people together
Freezer Meal Conversion
Texas Trash freezes beautifully Simply cool it completely and spoon into zip top freezer bags Remove as much air as you can Seal and label stash in the freezer for up to two months When ready to serve let it come to room temperature before opening so moisture does not get in
This party snack will have everyone coming back for another handful. It is perfect for sharing and makes an easy edible gift too.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I prevent the mix from burning?
Stir the snack mix every 15 minutes during baking to keep it evenly toasted and prevent burning.
- → Can I make this snack mix spicier?
For more heat, simply add extra dashes of Tabasco or use a spicy seasoned salt to suit your preference.
- → What can I substitute for vegan butter?
You can use regular unsalted butter or any plant-based spread with similar consistency and flavor.
- → How should I store the finished snack mix?
Let the mix cool fully, then keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunchiness.
- → Are there alternative nuts I can use?
Absolutely! Swap in any favorite nuts or use what you have on hand for the nut blend.
- → Is this mix suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, the batch yields enough to satisfy a crowd, making it perfect for parties and family get-togethers.