Garbage(A Good Snack Anytime)
A crunchy, savory snack mix featuring mixed nuts, pretzels, Chex cereals, crackers, and cheese snacks, coated in a flavorful buttery sauce—perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients
- 2 cans mixed nuts ⓘ
- 1 box slim pretzels ⓘ
- 1/3 box Rice Chex ⓘ
- 1/3 box Corn Chex
- 1/3 box oyster crackers ⓘ
- 1/3 box Cheez-Its
- 1 package Fritos ⓘ
- 1 package Cheetos ⓘ
- 1/3 box Cheerios ⓘ
- 3/4 lb margarine
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bacon fat
- 1 tsp celery salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp sesame seed ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a large pan and add Worcestershire sauce, bacon fat, celery salt, garlic salt, sesame seed, and Tabasco sauce.
- Mix the melted mixture with the dry snack ingredients until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a large roaster and bake at 200°F (93°C) for 3 to 4 hours.
- Stir every 30 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
- Allow to cool before serving. Can be stored in the freezer for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more personalized flavor, consider adding your favorite spices or herbs to the melted mixture. If you're looking for a healthier twist, substitute some of the nuts for seeds or dried fruits. You can also use different snack types like popcorn or pretzel sticks instead of Cheez-Its or oyster crackers to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This snack mix is perfect for parties or game day gatherings. Serve it in a large bowl for guests to help themselves, or portion it into individual bags for a convenient snack on the go. It pairs beautifully with a Hearty Salad or can be enjoyed alongside beverages like beer or soda for a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the snack mix in a resealable freezer bag. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature and serve. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the mix soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garbage(A Good Snack Anytime) contains roughly 636 calories, with 18g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (109% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 780mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the mixed nuts for your favorites. Almonds, walnuts, or pecans can all work well. Just ensure that any replacements are unsalted to maintain the balance of flavors.
How can I make this snack mix spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the melted mixture. You could also use spicy nuts or add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Is it possible to make this snack mix vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by replacing margarine with a vegan butter alternative and omitting the bacon fat. You can also use a vegan Worcestershire sauce to keep the flavors intact.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).