Nuts and Bolts Party Mix Recipe

Ginny McMeans

Ginny McMeans

Published:

February 7, 2021

Last Modified:

May 8, 2024

Nuts and Bolts Party Mix Recipe is an old-timey recipe that can keep an army ‘snack happy’. Homemade chex mix flavors – and so easy to make.

Two glass bowls filled with chex mix snack of cereal and nuts.

Do you remember ever putting your hands into a mountain of flavored cereals and nuts when you were at parties? I do! In fact, I remember making it with my mom.

Just mixing it with your hands before the seasonings were added was fun in itself.

I think I remember mom doing the mixing with the added flavorings because I can also remember some going over the side of the bowl as it was getting tossed.

So many great kinds of cereals and nuts are included. You can switch up the nuts if you like, just make sure you keep the same measurements so that the balance is correct between the sauce and mix.

You know how I mentioned this is an old-timey recipe? I don’t mean the 80’s or 60’s even. It’s from the 50’s and it was always on hand at every get-together,  Especially sports games

And it wasn’t always just at parties. This is a a really nice party mix snack without the party.

Two bowls full of a chex mix type of cereal and nuts.

You may have already noticed that there are two different Chex mixes here. In fact some cereals aren’t even Chex. They are vegan varieties. And you can see pretzel sticks are in one and pretzel knots are in the other.

What I’m getting at is that you can mix it up but just use the same seasoning mix. Stick with the ‘Chex’ kinds of cereal to make it classic.

Chefs Tips and Variations

You can go into any store and find vegan versions of the original Chex cereals. There is one that is a multi-grain chex square that would work perfectly for the Wheat Chex.

Cheerios has a vegan alternative also. Just look for oat cereals and there will be one sitting there.

I got all of my ingredients at Sprouts but I feel sure any Trader Joe’s and all natural food stores will have a good assortment.

Don’t forget the vegan version of Worcestershire sauce too. Of course, peanuts and pretzel’s are always good to go.

Overhead pgoto of a large pottery serving bowl filled with party mix.

Ingredients and instructions

Get out the biggest bowl you’ve got and start mixing. If you’ve got a large roasting pan that’s even better as it will save you from cleaning an extra bowl.

You can keep this Party Mix recipe gluten-free too. Just use your favorite cereal that has large pieces like Chex and you’ll be fine. Not sweet varieties though because this is a savory mix.

The taste is savory and it just happens to have all of the flavors that kids like too. Below is a picture of the ingredients and you can see how easy it’s going to be.

All the ingredients for a classic cereal and nuts party mix.

Ingredients for the ones in the recipe card, Make sure you check the labels to but vegan varieties.

  • Rice Chex style Cereal
  • Corn Chex style Cereal
  • Wheat Chex style Cereal
  • Pretzel rounds
  • Mini pretzels
  • Mixed Nuts
  • Cashews
  • Dairy-free butter
  • Vegan Worcestershire Sauce
  • Seasoned Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Preheat the oven to 300°F.
  • Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Add the vegan Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Mix well.
BA boel of melted butter and spices and then being mixed with liquid seasonings.
  • In a very large bowl mix the nuts and cereals together.
  • Pour the prepared seasoning liquid over everything in the large bowl and mix well.
Chex mix in a large bowl and the seasoned liquid being poured over all.
  • Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake 30 to 40 minutes stirring halfway through.
  • Remove from the oven and allow it to cool.
The mixed and tossed mix and then spreading it on a baking sheet.

There you have it. A really nice snack to enjoy. You can store it in an airtight container. Make it ahead of time and you can also keep it in the freezer.

Close up overhead view of the snack mix straight of the oven.

Make ahead party mix

This Party Mix Recipe is perfect for making ahead in bulk, freezing, and then enjoying whenever you want. It’s also great for homemade gifts!

My mom always makes a ton of this and froze it. She sends us home from Christmas dinner with large freezer bags of this goodness. It’s not necessarily great for the waist-line but it’s really great for the soul – and taste buds.

It’s just too delicious and feels like home.

Glass serving bowl and individual bowl filled with snack mix.

FAQ’s

Can chex mix be made spicy?

Yes! Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to this recipe and you’re on your way.

What is a serving size of Chex mix?

It’s about 1 1/2 cups.

What is seasoned salt?

It is a mixture of spices such as salt, pepper, red pepper, paprika and more.

How do you freeze party mix?

Place in an airtight freezer storage bag and double bag. You can also freeze in a rigid sided container that is freezer safe.

Close up of a snack mix with cereals, pretzels and nuts.

Two glass bowls filled with chex mix snack of cereal and nuts.

Nuts and Bolts Party Mix

Ginny McMeans
5 from 8 votes
This Party Mix Recipe is an old-timey appetizer recipe that can keep an army snack happy.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 10 Cups

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Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Rice Chex style cereal
  • 2 cups Corn Chex style cereal
  • 2 cups Wheat Chex style cereal
  • 3/4 cups Pretzel rounds
  • 3/4 cups Mini pretzels
  • 3/4 cups Mixed nuts
  • 3/4 cups Cashews
  • 8 tablespoons dairy-free butter
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – vegan version
  • 2 teaspoons Seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the over to 300°F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cereal, nuts, and pretzels.
  • Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • To the butter add the Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and spices and whisk until well combined.
  • Pour butter liquid mixture over the cereal mixture and mix until well coated.
  • Pour on a cookie sheet and spread evenly.
  • Bake at 300°F for 30 to 40 minutes stirring halfway through the baking.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool.

Video

Notes

Keep in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Serving:12Ounces, Calories:331kcal, Carbohydrates:36g, Protein:7g, Fat:20g, Saturated Fat:3g, Trans Fat:2g, Sodium:871mg, Potassium:226mg, Fiber:4g, Sugar:3g, Vitamin A:435IU, Vitamin C:5mg, Calcium:82mg, Iron:9mg

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28 responses to “Nuts and Bolts Party Mix Recipe”

5 from 8 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1. Meghan @ Cake 'n Knife Avatar

    Having a snack recipe like this is a MUST in my house. Delish!

  2. Becky Striepe Avatar

    This looks so good! We make party mix a lot, so I’m definitely going to try your recipe!

  3. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist Avatar

    I seriously was a kid the last time I had a mix like that. Talk about a trip down culinary memory lane.

  4. Joanie @ One Dish Kitchen Avatar

    This has got to be one of my favorite party snacks of all. It’s so deliciously addictive and a snack everyone seems to love too.

  5. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    I can’t remember a party growing up where this wasn’t served. Love it!

  6. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet Avatar

    I always have party mix on hand! This just made me crave it!

  7. Dee Avatar

    This is one of my favorite snacks!

  8. Erin Dee Avatar

    This party mix looks so addicting! I could snack all day long on this!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      It IS addictive Erin! 🙂

  9. eat good 4 life Avatar

    I have never made a party mix before, it looks so simple and easy. Your combo looks terrific.

  10. Cadry Avatar

    Oh, my gosh! It’s been so long since I’ve seen Chex mix at a party, but it used to be a requirement. What a fun vegan re-boot!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      It just seemed so perfect for this time of the year Cadry. It may be a new requirement in our house since everybody loves it 🙂

  11. Dianne Avatar
    Dianne

    This is very nostalgic for me, because I used to make Chex Mix a lot with my mother when I was little. I love your vegan version!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Don’t you love having memories like that Dianne? So glad you like this version 🙂

  12. Nicole Dawson Avatar

    I always loved chex mex snacks and make my own as well. We do a peanut free version using salted chickpeas. Such a fun party snack.

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      OMG! That sounds great Nicole!

  13. The Vegan 8 Avatar

    Used to love this as a kid, my mom would always make it! Looks so good and brings back memories!

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      It is so fun to have these types of memories and then bring them back to life again!

  14. Alisa Fleming Avatar

    I love the name of this mix Ginny! Definitely a classic savory snack to have on hand. I need to make more of these types of munchies so we don’t eat so many sweets in our house!

  15. Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite Avatar

    A good party mix is always important! My kids love chex mix…something about those crunchy waffle type snacks.

  16. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry Avatar

    5 stars
    Great snack and when you make something like this you know exactly what is going into it

  17. Dannii Avatar
    Dannii

    This kind of stuff never lasts long in our house, so it would be dangerous to make haha. I love how simple it is.

  18. Jagruti Avatar
    Jagruti

    As soon as I read the title it brought a smile on my face:) lovely recipe, I too make this recipe but with Indian spices and it’s always a hit with friends and family.

  19. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes Avatar

    5 stars
    I always loved snack mix when I was a kid! This totally brings back memories!

  20. jane @ littlesugarsnaps Avatar

    5 stars
    I’m loving your seasonings – Worcestershire sauce is a great addition.

    1. Ginny McMeans Avatar

      Thanks Jane! Vegan Worcestershire sauce if the best!

  21. Srecipe Avatar

    My daughter loves to eat different types of food. I will make the recipe for her.

  22. Nahla Taylor Avatar
    Nahla Taylor

    5 stars
    This was great for my vegan party.

Ginny McMeans

Ginny McMeans

Hi, my name is Ginny and it is fantastic that you have come to visit and see my recipes. I have a positive attitude and can’t seem to be in nature enough. My North American bird count is 678 and I’m always watching for mammals and insects too. My head is stuffed full of recipes that I want to create and life is just to dang short. The recipes feature healthy and delicious vegan food that you can enjoy now or freeze for future meals.

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