Exploring Different Flavors in Crunch-Baked Party Mix
There’s party mix, and then this mega crunch-packed, savory-sweet, Asian-inspired snack. It’s sure to please the crowd. This recipe explores different flavors: sweet from honey, savory from miso and nutritional yeast, and a touch of heat. The key is in the textures of the ingredients: lots of nooks and crannies for the syrup to cling to.
Sweet
Snack mix, more often known as Chex Mix for the brand that popularized the recipe in the 1930s and 1940s, is a favorite light snack to munch on during parties or holidays. It’s also easy to customize with savory seasonings or sweet add-ins. Recipes for this tasty snack, like Marimix crunch-baked party mix, are as varied as the ingredients in the pantry. A classic version features seasoned Rice and Corn Chex cereals, peanuts, pretzel sticks, and candy. Try swapping in your favorite chocolate-coated treat for a unique twist.
This recipe is easily made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free Chex cereal and omitting the nuts. Making a large batch and storing half in the freezer for quick snacks is also easy. This makes an excellent gift for family members and friends.
Salty
A popular snack in American homes, party mix (or Chex Mix if you’re making it from the cereal box) has many savory and sweet variations. This recipe includes a combination of rice, corn, and wheat Chex cereals, along with nuts and pretzel sticks. Other ingredients can be added to create a personal “house” version of the treat, including Cheez-It crackers, melba toast, bagel chips, or oat cereal, and many families have fine-tuned their performances over time.
This crunchy treat can be enjoyed right away, but it’s even better a few days later when the flavors have had a chance to meld together. It will start stale after that point, so store it in an airtight container.
Sour
Nancy is a Taste of Home community cook who loves trying new restaurants and bakeries, discovering regional specialties, and exploring different flavors. She and her family live in Vermont, where they enjoy the outdoors, game nights, Avengers movies, and plenty of maple syrup. You can find her writing and blogging when she’s not cooking.
Although versions of party mix have been around for a while, the Ralston Purina version printed on its box didn’t appear until 1952. That original recipe called for rice and corn Chex cereals, peanuts, pretzel sticks, and cheese crackers tossed in a combination of Worcestershire sauce, butter, and garlic salt. Other savory recipes followed, and eventually, the bagged pre-made Chex mix in multiple flavored varieties appeared on grocery store shelves.
