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Spicy Cheez-It Snack Mix is the perfect blend of crunchy, cheesy, and spicy flavors that make for an addictive snack. This mix combines Cheez-Its with a variety of other crispy treats, like pretzels, nuts, and maybe even some additional cheesy crackers, all tossed in a zesty seasoning mix that includes spices like chili powder, cayenne, and garlic. The result is a bold, flavorful snack that satisfies any craving for something savory with a little kick.
I first made this snack mix when I was craving something spicy but still wanted the familiar crunch of Cheez-Its. The seasoning mix comes together quickly, and once it’s baked in the oven, it transforms into the most deliciously addictive snack. The Cheez-Its stay wonderfully cheesy, while the spice mix adds just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or just as a snack to munch on throughout the day. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to stop reaching for more!
Perfect for:
- Game day snacks
- Movie marathons
- Family gatherings
- Cocktail parties
- Cheese and spice lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Spicy Cheez-It Snack Mix will become your go-to snack:
- Bold and Flavorful: The combination of cheesy goodness and spicy heat makes each bite irresistible.
- Crunchy Perfection: The Cheez-Its provide the perfect amount of crunch, making it impossible to stop snacking.
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, this snack mix comes together in no time.
- Spicy Kick: The cayenne pepper adds a nice heat without overwhelming the flavor.
- Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences by adding more or less cayenne.
- Perfect for Sharing: This snack mix is perfect for parties or gatherings, where everyone can dive in.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the snack mix in advance, making it great for busy days.
- Versatile: Feel free to add or swap out your favorite snacks, such as pretzels or popcorn.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a holiday party, this snack mix is always a hit.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors is guaranteed to please a crowd, keeping everyone coming back for more.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Snack Mix:
- 4 cups Cheez-Its
- 2 cups pretzels
- 1 cup popcorn (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Ingredient Highlights
- Cheez-Its: The star of the snack mix, offering rich, cheesy flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the mix.
- Cayenne Pepper: Gives the mix its signature spicy kick.
- Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky richness that complements the heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Snack Mix:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Snacks: In a large bowl, combine Cheez-Its, pretzels, and popcorn (if using).
- Make the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Toss the Snack Mix: Drizzle the spice mixture over the snack mix, tossing everything until evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the snack mix onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
Serve:
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the spicy Cheez-It snack mix in a bowl and enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Spicy Cheez-It Snack Mix:
- As a Party Snack: Perfect for casual get-togethers or game nights.
- As an Appetizer: Serve as a crunchy appetizer before dinner or cocktails.
- For Movie Nights: A must-have snack for movie marathons with friends or family.
- With Dips: Serve alongside a creamy dip like ranch or sour cream for extra indulgence.
- In Snack Bags: Portion the mix into individual snack bags for easy on-the-go treats.
- On a Snack Platter: Include other crunchy snacks like chips and crackers for variety.
- As a Picnic Snack: Bring along for a picnic, along with fresh fruit and sandwiches.
- For Road Trips: Pack in a resealable bag for an easy road trip snack.
- As a Gift: Package the snack mix in a mason jar for a fun homemade gift.
Additional Tips
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder kick, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder. For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use Fresh Seasonings: For a more vibrant flavor, opt for freshly ground black pepper or freshly minced garlic for added depth.
- Add Some Sweetness: A touch of brown sugar or honey can balance the spice with a subtle sweetness, creating a sweet-and-spicy snack mix.
- Include Other Cheesy Snacks: Mix in some cheese crackers or cheese-flavored pretzels for more texture and cheesy goodness.
- Add a Crunch: Boost the crunch factor with roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, or peanuts.
- Try Different Cheez-It Flavors: Experiment with different Cheez-It varieties, such as hot & spicy, white cheddar, or even pizza-flavored, for unique twists.
- Toss With Olive Oil: Lightly tossing the snack mix with olive oil helps the seasonings stick better and adds a touch of richness.
- Add Dried Fruit: A handful of dried cranberries or raisins can add a chewy contrast to the crispy snack mix.
- Use a Baking Sheet for Even Toasting: Spread the snack mix in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even toasting and prevent burning.
- Serve With Dip: Pair your spicy Cheez-It snack mix with a cool ranch or creamy dip to balance out the heat and add an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet and Spicy Mix: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar to balance the heat with sweetness.
- Cheesy Jalapeño Snack Mix: Add jalapeño seasoning or fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused Snack Mix: Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Vegan Version: Swap out the Cheez-Its for a dairy-free cheese cracker option.
- Extra Crunch: Add in roasted nuts like almonds or cashews for added texture.
- Barbecue Spiced Snack Mix: Use barbecue seasoning in place of paprika for a smoky, sweet flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan Mix: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder for a savory option.
- Lemon Zest Kick: Add a little lemon zest for a tangy, refreshing contrast to the spice.
- Nut-Free Version: Skip any nuts to keep it nut-free but still packed with flavor.
- Buffalo Style: Toss the snack mix with a little buffalo wing sauce for a spicy, tangy version.
Special Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For spreading and baking the snack mix evenly.
- Mixing Bowls: To combine the snack mix and the spice mixture.
- Whisk: For mixing the seasoning blend.
- Spatula: For tossing and turning the snack mix while baking.
- Airtight Container: To store the snack mix for later enjoyment.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can substitute the Cheez-Its with any cheese cracker of your choice. - How long does this snack mix last?
The snack mix will last up to 1 week in an airtight container. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the snack mix ahead of time and store it for later. - Can I freeze the snack mix?
Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the crackers. - Can I make this snack mix spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the spice mixture for extra heat. - Can I add other snacks to the mix?
Yes, feel free to add nuts, other crackers, or even crispy cereal for variety. - What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or a dash of hot sauce can be used as a substitute. - Can I skip the oil?
The oil helps the seasoning stick to the snacks, but you can try omitting it for a lighter version. - Can I make this snack mix gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free crackers and pretzels to make the snack mix gluten-free. - How do I make the snack mix less salty?
Reduce the amount of salt and Worcestershire sauce for a milder flavor.
Conclusion
Spicy Cheez-It Snack Mix is the perfect blend of bold flavors and crunch, making it an irresistible snack for any occasion. Packed with the signature cheesy goodness of Cheez-Its, this mix takes it up a notch with a spicy kick. The addition of hot seasoning, cayenne pepper, or chili powder gives it just the right amount of heat, while a variety of savory ingredients like pretzels, nuts, and crackers add texture and variety. It’s a snack that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.
This mix is perfect for movie nights, parties, or as an afternoon pick-me-up. You can adjust the level of spice to suit your taste and even add extras like a dash of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for a unique twist. It’s a quick and easy snack to prepare in advance, and it stores well, so you’ll always have something tasty on hand.
I can’t wait to see how your Spicy Cheez-It Snack Mix turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your flavorful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own!
