Zesty South of the Border Snack Mix
Elevate your snacking game with this Zesty South of the Border Snack Mix—a delightful combination of savory and spicy flavors. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers, this mix features crunchy cheese crackers, zesty peanuts, and a medley of cereals all coated in a tantalizing butter and taco seasoning blend. With a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and a dash of chipotle hot sauce, each handful delivers a burst of flavor. Easily store this mix in an airtight container for a delicious snack that stays fresh for days! Ideal for sharing (or not)!
12
Servings
233
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
taco seasoning
1 package (1 1/4 ounces) (ready to use)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (ready to use)
chipotle hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon (ready to use)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (ready to use)
spicy cheese crackers
1 cup (ready to use)
hot spicy peanuts
1 1/2 cups (ready to use)
chow mein noodles
2 cups (ready to use)
pretzels
2 cups (ready to use)
Corn Chex
2 cups (ready to use)
Rice Chex
2 cups (ready to use)
Wheat Chex
2 cups (ready to use)
French-fried onions
1 1/2 cups (ready to use)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until fully liquid.
3
Once melted, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, chipotle hot sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder until well combined.
4
In a large roasting pan, mix together the spicy cheese crackers, hot spicy peanuts, chow mein noodles, pretzels, Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, and French-fried onions.
5
Carefully drizzle the butter mixture over the snack mix, stirring gently to ensure that all pieces are thoroughly coated.
6
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even baking.
7
Once the time is up, remove the snack mix from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
8
Store the cooled snack mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh for snacking at any time!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
25g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty South of the Border Snack Mix?
It is a savory and spicy snack mix made with cheese crackers, peanuts, cereals, and pretzels coated in a butter and taco seasoning blend.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The snack mix should be baked at 250°F (120°C).
How long does it take to bake?
The mix needs to bake for a total of 30 minutes.
What types of Chex cereal are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups each of Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Wheat Chex.
How often should I stir the mix during baking?
You should stir the snack mix every 10 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
What makes the snack mix spicy?
The heat comes from taco seasoning, chipotle hot sauce, spicy cheese crackers, and hot spicy peanuts.
How should the snack mix be stored?
Store the cooled snack mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh for several days.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 233 calories, 13g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein.
Can I substitute the hot spicy peanuts?
Yes, you can use regular roasted peanuts if you prefer a milder snack mix.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of packed brown sugar to add a hint of sweetness.
What type of crackers are used?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of spicy cheese crackers.
Does this recipe include onions?
Yes, it includes 1 1/2 cups of French-fried onions for extra crunch and flavor.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 14 ingredients in this recipe.
What liquids are used for the coating?
The coating is made from melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and chipotle hot sauce.
Can I use a different type of hot sauce?
Yes, while chipotle hot sauce adds a smoky flavor, you can use any variety you enjoy.
Should I cool the mix before eating?
Yes, you should allow the snack mix to cool to room temperature after removing it from the oven.
What type of pan is best for baking?
A large roasting pan is recommended to allow enough room for mixing and even baking.
Is this snack mix suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as a perfect snack for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.
How do I prepare the butter for the seasoning?
The butter should be melted in a medium saucepan over low heat until it is fully liquid.
Can I use chow mein noodles?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 cups of chow mein noodles for a unique texture.
What spices are added to the butter mixture?
Taco seasoning and garlic powder are the primary spices mixed into the butter.
How do I ensure all pieces are coated?
Drizzle the butter mixture carefully over the dry ingredients and stir gently to coat everything.
Are pretzels included in the mix?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 cups of pretzels.
Is there a specific preparation for the garlic powder?
No, the garlic powder is used ready-to-use as part of the seasoning blend.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, since it stores well in an airtight container, it is a great make-ahead snack.
What flavor profile does the Worcestershire sauce provide?
It adds a savory, umami depth to the spicy and salty seasoning blend.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients; just ensure you use a large enough pan or bake in two batches.
Does the snack mix contain fiber?
While the exact fiber count is not provided, the use of whole-grain cereals like Wheat Chex adds some fiber.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, the instructions are simple and involve basic melting, mixing, and baking steps.