Spicy Texas Trash
Spicy Texas Trash is a savory snack mix featuring nuts, sesame sticks, and crunchy cereals coated in a zesty, spicy seasoning, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup bacon fat (drippings) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 cup sesame sticks ⓘ
- 1 cup whole pecans ⓘ
- 1 cup mixed nuts ⓘ
- 2 cups Cheerios ⓘ
- 2 cups Cheese Nips or Cheddar Goldfish or Tid Bits ⓘ
- 2 cups Rice Chex ⓘ
- 2 cups Corn Chex ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the margarine and bacon fat together over low heat.
- Add red pepper, salt, garlic powder, and chili powder to the melted fats, stirring well to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sesame sticks, pecans, mixed nuts, Cheerios, Cheese Nips or Goldfish, Rice Chex, and Corn Chex.
- Pour the seasoned fat mixture over the snack mix, stirring well to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish.
- Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or using spicy mixed nuts. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute margarine with olive oil and use unsalted nuts. Ensure you stir the mix every 30 minutes while baking to prevent burning and help the flavors meld together. This snack mix is versatile; feel free to experiment with different cereals or nuts based on your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy Texas Trash is perfect for parties, game days, or movie nights. Serve it in a large bowl for guests to dig in, or portion it into individual bags for convenient snacking. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or can be enjoyed alongside savory dishes like Loaded Potato Soup or Cheese And Ham Quiche.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to refresh the texture, you can reheat the mix in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore its crunchiness. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make the mix soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Texas Trash contains roughly 2451 calories, with 64g protein, 257g carbohydrates, and 139g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (164% of the Daily Value), protein (128% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Spicy Texas Trash can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just ensure it's completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container. The flavors will develop even more as it sits, making it a great make-ahead snack for gatherings.
What can I substitute for the bacon fat?
If you want to avoid bacon fat, you can replace it with an equal amount of vegetable oil or butter. For a more robust flavor, consider using chicken or turkey drippings if you have them on hand. This will keep the recipe rich while accommodating dietary preferences.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To customize the heat level, adjust the amount of red pepper or add jalapeño flakes to the fat mixture. For milder flavor, reduce the red pepper or use sweet paprika instead. Taste the mixture before baking to ensure it suits your palate.
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).