Treasure Hunt Mix
A savory, crunchy snack mix featuring peanuts, cereal, and pretzels coated in a flavorful butter sauce, perfect for parties, gatherings, or a tasty anytime treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the margarine in a saucepan.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and garlic salt into the melted margarine.
- Place the shredded wheat cereal, rice cereal, oat cereal, and thin pretzel sticks in a large flat pan.
- Pour the butter sauce over the cereal mixture, tossing to blend evenly.
- Bake uncovered in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 1 hour, stirring 3 or 4 times during baking.
- Add the peanuts during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using different nuts like almonds or cashews instead of peanuts. You can also substitute the margarine with coconut oil for a more unique flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture. Keep an eye on the mix while baking to prevent burning; stirring frequently helps achieve an even toast.
Serving Suggestions
Treasure Hunt Mix is perfect for parties, game nights, or as a snack for movie marathons. Serve it in a large bowl for guests to share or portion it into small bags for easy grab-and-go snacks. It pairs beautifully with Easy Blueberry Dump Cake for a sweet and savory treat combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Treasure Hunt Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider refrigerating it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving to maintain its crunchiness. This mix is great for on-the-go snacking or party trays.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Treasure Hunt Mix contains roughly 1622 calories, with 19g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (210% of the Daily Value), calcium (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1326mg per serving (58% 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 gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Treasure Hunt Mix gluten-free by using gluten-free cereals and pretzel sticks. Check labels to ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious snack.
Can I use different cereals in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any of the cereals for your favorites or whatever you have on hand. Cheerios, Cornflakes, or even granola can work well in this mix. Just ensure the total amount remains the same for the best texture and flavor balance.
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).