Are you a fan of spicy snacks that leave your taste buds tingling with delight? If so, then you're in for a treat with our Spicy Chili Snack Mix. This homemade snack mix is perfect for satisfying your cravings for something salty, spicy, and utterly irresistible. Here's how you can whip up this delightful treat in the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of pretzels
- 2 cups of mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
- 1 cup of roasted chickpeas
- 1 cup of cheese crackers
- 1/2 cup of wasabi peas
- 1/2 cup of sesame sticks
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
Preparation Steps
Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low heat will help to toast the ingredients without burning them, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, mixed nuts, roasted chickpeas, cheese crackers, wasabi peas, and sesame sticks. This base mix provides a delightful crunch and texture variety which makes the snack mix so appealing.
Season the Mix
In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Sprinkle this spice mix over the dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution for consistent flavor throughout.
Combine with Wet Ingredients
Stir the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and if you’re feeling adventurous, some hot sauce, into the dry ingredients. Make sure every piece is well-coated; this not only adds flavor but also helps the spices stick to the mix.
Bake the Mix
Spread the seasoned snack mix evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure all pieces are cooked evenly and toasty. This slow baking allows the spices to infuse into the ingredients, creating layers of flavor.
Cool and Enjoy
After baking, remove from the oven and let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crunchier. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container for storage.
💡 Note: For an extra kick, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add in diced jalapenos before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy chili snack mix can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Party Snack: Serve it in bowls for guests to enjoy as they mingle, offering a spicy treat that's hard to stop eating.
- Movie Night: Replace popcorn with this mix for a unique and flavorful snacking experience during your next movie marathon.
- Pack for Travel: Portion it into small bags or containers for a portable snack that's perfect for road trips or flights.
To recap, our Spicy Chili Snack Mix isn't just any ordinary snack. It's a burst of flavors that combines the heat of chili with the irresistible crunch of assorted nuts, pretzels, and savory additions. Whether you're looking to spice up a gathering or just need something exciting to munch on, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
+
Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever nuts you have on hand or prefer, such as pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts to give your mix a personal touch.
How can I make it less spicy?
+
To reduce the heat, simply decrease the amount of cayenne pepper used or omit it altogether. The chili powder and paprika alone provide a milder spice level.
Is this snack mix gluten-free?
+
Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check the labels for pretzels, cheese crackers, and Worcestershire sauce to ensure they fit a gluten-free diet. You can also use gluten-free alternatives for those items.
