Cajun Snack Mix
Can you handle a little bit of heat? Cajun Snack Mix will put you to the test! Each crunchy bite of this delicious mix brings on the spicy, making it a party favorite. Perfect for game day, game night--or any special occasion in between, this addictive, savory snack is always a great choice.
We like bold flavor--and lots of it--especially on our salty snacks, like Garlic Ranch Pretzels and Parmesan Herb Seasoned Pretzels. So whenever I make a homemade party mix, I go all out and make it exceptionally flavorful so that it's the talk of the party.
This spicy and hot Cajun Snack Mix recipe is definitely not your ordinary Chex party mix. With Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and dry mustard, each nook and cranny in this oven-baked snack is packed with bold flavors that bring on the spicy heat.
The crunchy rice cereal gets coated so perfectly with hot Cajun flavor, but my favorite part are the peanuts, which are often found hiding in the bottom of the bowl with all the seasoned, spicy crumbs--jackpot!
This spicy Cajun trail mix is always by our side when we're watching the big game. And because it's so amazingly good, it's always gone before the start of the halftime show.
Why You'll Love It
| Super easy recipe- Mix the seasonings with the melted butter and Worcestershire sauce, coat the salty snacks and bake this spicy mix in the oven--that's it! Highly customizable recipe- At its base, the mix has pretzels, cheese crackers, rice cereal and peanuts--but feel free to add in more crunchy bites. Some added favorites include wheat Chex, bagel chips, oyster crackers, sesame sticks, corn sticks and cashews. Makes a great gift- Save one recipe batch for yourself and then gift others to friends and family. You'll have instant elevated relationship status! (You can even ditch the cookies one year and hand out this savory Cajun snack mix instead!) |
Looking for another great snack that also makes a great gift? Check out Candied Mixed Nuts!
Ingredients for Cajun Snack Mix
For a full list of ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card below
- Rice Chex--feel free to use store brand; the corn and wheat varieties (or a combination of all 3) are also good choices
- cheese crackers--I use Cheez-it--and I do think brand name is best here
- pretzels--pretzel sticks are pictured in this recipe, but I actually prefer more bite-sized varieties--especially pretzel rounds or twists
- peanuts--salted is best; feel free to add additional nuts of your choice
- butter--for a creamy, more savory sauce over oil
- Worcestershire sauce--adds a bold flavor to the sauce
- Cajun seasoning--If you're lucky to live near a Pepper Palace, their seasoning is amazing! Slap Ya Mama is also a good choice. You can also make your own with chili powder, thyme and cayenne pepper--see the notes in the recipe card below
- garlic powder--adds savory flavor
- dry mustard--adds tangy flavor
Click here for a list of equipment needed for this recipe.
- large mixing bowl
- small mixing bowl
- large, spouted glass measuring cup with handle
- measuring spoons
- mixing spoons
- large rimmed baking sheet/pan, lined with parchment paper
- spatula
How to Make Cajun Snack Mix Recipe
- Pour all the snack ingredients into a large bowl. Gently mix them together.
- Place the butter in a large, spouted measuring cup. Cover with plastic wrap and leave a little gap for venting. Microwave in 30 second intervals until butter is melted.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and all the seasonings to the butter cup. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Drizzle the seasoned butter sauce over the snacks in the large bowl. Use a large mixing spoon to thoroughly mix.
- Transfer contents to a large, rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake on center rack in the oven for 40 minutes; use a spatula to stir halfway in between. Stir again once the sheet is out of the oven.
- Allow the snack to cool on the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a serving bowl or container.
Helpful Tips for this Recipe
- This spicy Cajun Snack Mix tastes better the longer it sits! After 24 hours, the flavors really come together and absorb into the crackers and rice cereal quite nicely.
- When mixing all the contents together, the rice cereal is a good indicator of how well the ingredients are blended. The cereal will start to look a little brown and speckled. This shows that the contents have been mixed well.
Storing Cajun Snack Mix
Store in an airtight container. Enjoy within 1-2 weeks. No need to refrigerate.
What to Serve with this Cajun Snack Mix Recipe
- For football watch parties and tailgating, Football Cheese Ball, Pepperoni Pizza Dip, and Ham and Swiss Cheese Sliders are excellent choices!
- If you're enjoying this without a football theme, Zesty Ranch Cheese Ball and Swedish Meatballs with Dill Sauce Appetizer are always party favorites.
- If you really love Cajun-inspired food, be sure to check out Ham and Chicken Jambalaya!
This spicy and hot Cajun Snack Mix recipe is definitely not your ordinary Chex party mix. With Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and dry mustard, each nook and cranny in this oven-baked snack it packed with bold flavors that bring on the spicy heat.
- 4 cups Rice Chex (can use wheat or corn Chex, or a combination of all 3)
- 4 cups cheese crackers (Cheez-it recommended)
- 3 cups pretzels (rounds or tiny twists work best)
- 1 cup salted peanuts (can add other nuts of your choice)
- 1 stick butter
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (choose your spice level--if taking to a party, I would use 1 T.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
Pour all the snack ingredients into a large bowl. Gently mix them together.
- Place the butter in a large, spouted measuring cup. Cover with plastic wrap and leave a little gap for venting. Microwave in 30 second intervals until butter is melted.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and all the seasonings to the butter cup. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Drizzle the seasoned butter sauce over the snacks in the large bowl. Use a large mixing spoon to thoroughly mix.
- Transfer contents to a large, rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake on center rack in the oven for 40 minutes; use a spatula to stir halfway in between. Stir again once the sheet is out of the oven.
Allow the snack to cool on the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a serving bowl or container.
Store the snack mix in an airtight container on your counter. Enjoy with 1-2 weeks.
Can't find Cajun seasoning? Substitute 1 tablespoon chili powder with 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
This spicy Cajun Snack Mix tastes better the longer it sits! After 24 hours, the flavors really come together and absorb into the crackers and rice cereal quite nicely.
When mixing all the contents together, the rice cereal is a good indicator of how well the ingredients are blended. The cereal will start to look a little brown and speckled. This shows that the contents have been mixed well.
Thank you for checking out this recipe! Enjoy!
~Betty