Making Griddle Snack Mix
Craving a delicious, savory snack with a spicy twist? This revamped griddle snack mix recipe takes your favorite classic Chex mix and infuses it with bold, zesty flavors using buffalo sauce and Nashville Hot Rub. Plus, it’s prepared on a griddle for that perfectly toasted crunch you’ll fall in love with. Follow along as we dive deep into the preparation, ingredients, and techniques to elevate your snacking game!
Why Use a Griddle for Snack Mix?
Using a griddle for your snack mix offers several advantages over the traditional oven method.
Even Toasting: The flat, wide surface ensures consistent heat distribution, so every bite is crispy and flavorful.
Faster Results: Griddles allow for quicker cooking with direct heat.
Customization on the Spot: You can adjust seasoning and butter ratios as you go.
Ingredient Breakdown: Building the Perfect Snack Mix
The key to a great snack mix lies in the balance of ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this recipe so incredible:
Dry Ingredients
Rice Chex (12 oz): Light, crispy squares that absorb flavor like a sponge.
Wheat Chex (14 oz): Adds heartiness and a slightly nutty flavor.
Cheerios (8.9 oz): A touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Kix Cereal (12 oz): Crunchy and subtly sweet, perfect for texture variety.
Cheez-Its (12.4 oz): Adds a cheesy, salty punch.
Pretzel Sticks (16 oz): The ultimate savory snack element with a crunch.
Mixed Nuts (2 cups, optional): For those who love a nutty twist.
Bugles Chips (14.5 oz): Their cone shape holds the seasoning beautifully.
Seasonings
Granulated Garlic (½ cup): For a rich, aromatic base flavor.
Seasoned Salt (¼ cup): Enhances the overall taste with a savory kick.
Nashville Hot Seasoning (¼ cup): Brings the heat and a burst of boldness.
Wet Ingredients
Unsalted Butter (3 sticks): Acts as the binding agent for all the flavors.
Worcestershire Sauce (½ cup): Adds umami depth and a touch of tanginess.
Buffalo Sauce (¼ cup): For that signature spicy, tangy zing.
Preparing the Snack Mix: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Griddle
Set your griddle to low heat. This helps prevent burning while allowing the snack mix to toast slowly and evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Seasonings
In a medium-sized bowl, combine granulated garlic, seasoned salt, and Nashville Hot rub. Stir until evenly blended. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once fully melted, stir in Worcestershire sauce and buffalo sauce. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Using a large mixing bowl (or a scent-free trash bag for convenience), combine all the dry ingredients—cereals, crackers, pretzels, nuts, and Bugles. Toss gently to mix without crushing the delicate pieces.
Step 5: Coat the Snack Mix
Add the butter mixture one cup at a time to the dry mix, tossing gently after each addition to ensure every piece is coated.
Step 6: Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the coated snack mix, one handful at a time. Toss thoroughly after each addition to distribute the spices evenly. Reserve some seasoning to adjust flavors later.
Cooking on the Griddle
Step 7: Toast the Snack Mix
Spread the snack mix in a thin, even layer on the preheated griddle. Use spatulas to stir frequently, preventing burning and ensuring even toasting.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
While toasting, taste-test the mix. If needed, sprinkle additional seasoning or drizzle more butter mixture for extra flavor.
Step 9: Monitor and Finish
Cook the mix until it is crispy, golden, and fully toasted. This typically takes about 25–30 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary by turning off burners or lowering the flame to avoid overcooking.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Remove the mix from the griddle and spread it out on a large baking sheet or parchment paper to cool. Once cooled, store in airtight containers or resealable bags to maintain freshness.
Customization Ideas
Add Sweet Notes: Include candied nuts or chocolate chips after cooling for a sweet-and-savory variation.
Swap Spices: If you don’t have Nashville Hot rub, try cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder.
Experiment with Cereal: Substitute or mix in Corn Chex, Life cereal, or bagel chips for variety.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Snack Mix
Stir frequently on the griddle to avoid burning.
Always taste-test before removing from heat to ensure the seasoning is just right.
Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Simple Griddle Snack Mix Recipe
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
3 sticks unsalted butter
½ cup Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup buffalo sauce
12 oz Rice Chex
14 oz Wheat Chex
8.9 oz Cheerios
12 oz Kix cereal
12.4 oz Cheez-Its
16 oz pretzel sticks
2 cups mixed nuts (optional)
14.5 oz Bugles chips
½ cup granulated garlic
¼ cup seasoned salt
¼ cup Nashville Hot seasoning
Instructions:
Preheat griddle to low heat.
Mix garlic, seasoned salt, and Nashville Hot seasoning in a bowl. Set aside.
Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in Worcestershire and buffalo sauce.
In a large bowl or bag, combine all cereals, crackers, pretzels, nuts, and Bugles.
Gradually add the butter mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
Sprinkle seasoning over the mix, tossing to combine.
Spread mix on the griddle in a thin layer and toast for 25–30 minutes, stirring frequently.
Cool before serving or storing.
