Snack Mix Recipes

Snack mix recipes are common among serious hikers. They are easy to carry and hold up in the hot or cold weather. Most recipes are made with somewhat healthy ingredients like whole grain cereals. Sweeter versions include different candies which add to a hiker’s energy. Long distance hikers require many more calories than one does when not hiking. It is actually difficult to consume enough calories to sustain one when hiking for days especially through mountainous areas. Snack mixes make it easy to eat all along the way without stopping.


Some snack mix recipes are referred to as “gorp recipes”. I am not sure who came up with this term but there are many possible explanations. The most logical to me is due to some common ingredients found in many of the snack mix recipes. Serious hikers will create their own recipes which they feel will fit their needs. Granola, oatmeal, raisins and peanuts (GORP) are some of these very common ingredients. This is easy to mix together simply by adding as much of each ingredient you want.


Granola is a snack mix all alone. I really like granola better as a dry snack than when eaten like cereal with milk. Many snack mix recipes are mixed economically with popped corn. Instead of mixing the popped corn with cereals, crackers, pretzels or the like, try mixing the popped corn with various spices and cheeses. Sauces like Worcestershire, soy, hot sauce and others add a delicious flavor when tossed with popped corn. Do not overlook the many Chex recipes which include many snack mix recipes along with other types. I have some below but I am not sure they are original since I received them hand written from friends and family.


Commercial producers found snack mix recipes to be popular so now many different ones are available for sale. If you are ever in shops around the Appalachian Trail, you will find a selection of these mixes in even the smallest little stores. To tell you how popular these mixes are, I have hundreds of recipes. People love to serve them as appetizers before dinner, at cocktail parties, for game day parties, holiday parties and simply for a family snack. Depending on what ingredients used, they are relatively inexpensive and most recipes make a lot.


Many snack mix recipes require little or no cooking which is another benefit in this very busy world. They are really good tasting and pleasing to most guests. The variety of flavors is another benefit so you can adjust the recipe to fit your taste buds. If you know someone is coming which cannot eat peanuts just substitute the peanut with another nut or leave them out altogether. These are just great recipes and that is why people love them.


NOTE: Store cooled snack mix recipes in airtight containers at (cool) room temperature.

PARTY MIX RECIPE

Party Mix RecipeParty Mix Recipe

This is a typical recipe for unsweetened snack mix recipes.

  • ½ Cup melted butter
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ Teaspoon garlic salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon hot sauce
  • 3 Cups corn chips
  • 3 Cups cheese crackers (Little ones)
  • 1 Can (12 Ounces) mixed nuts
  • 3 Cups popped corn

Preheat oven to 250F degrees.

Combine and mix butter, Worcestershire, garlic and hot sauce; set aside.

Combine corn chips, crackers, nuts and popcorn in a large roasting pan.

Pour butter mixture over top of corn chip mixture tossing to coat.

Bake 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes; spread on paper towels to cool.

Makes about 8 cups.

ASIAN CRUNCH MIX 

Asian Crunch MixAsian Crunch Mix

Soy sauce contributes to making a delicious Asian taste.

  • 4 Cups crisp oat cereal squares
  • 2 Cups crisp corn cereal squares
  • 2 Cups crisp rice cereal squares
  • 1 Can (5 Ounces) chow mein noodles
  • 1 Cup mixed nuts
  • ½ Cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ Cup soy sauce
  • 1 ¼ Teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ¼ Teaspoons onion powder

Preheat oven to 250F degrees.

Combine all cereals, noodles and mixed nuts in a roasting pan.

In a bowl combine the oil, soy sauce, garlic and onion powders.

Pour oil mixture over cereal mixture; stir to evenly coat.

Bake for 1 hour stirring every 20 minutes; cool.

Store in airtight container; makes about 10 cups.

HOW TO MAKE GRANOLA?

Ramen noodles are an unexpected ingredient to add to snack mix recipes.

  • 2 Packages (3 Ounces each) ramen noodles
  • 4 Cups uncooked old fashioned oats
  • 1 Jar (2 ½ Ounces) sesame seeds
  • 1 Package (3.75 Ounces) sunflower kernels
  • ½ Cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 1/3 Cup brown sugar
  • ¼ Cup honey
  • ¼ Cup vegetable oil
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ Cup raisins

Preheat oven to 325F degrees

Remove seasoning pack from noodles and save for another use.

Break noodles into small pieces in a large bowl; add oats and next 3 ingredients.

In another bowl combine and mix the brown sugar, honey oil and vanilla.

Pour the brown sugar mixture over the noodle mixture; stir well.

Spread mixture evenly in a jelly roll pan (15X10 inches); bake for 30 minutes.

Stir in the raisins; cool and store in airtight container.

Make 8 ½ cups.

SOUTHERN CARAMEL CRUNCH

Great snack mix recipes often add candy like caramels.

  • 2 Quarts popped corn
  • ¾ Cup pecan halves
  • ½ Cup candy corn
  • ½ Pound candy caramels
  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • Butter

Combine and mix the popped corn, pecans and candy corn in a large bowl.

Combine the unwrapped caramels, water and sugar in top of double boiler.

Place over simmering water; stir frequently until melted and smooth.

Pour caramel mixture over the popped corn mixture; toss to coat.

Spread on a large buttered tray to cool; break apart and store covered container.

FANCY SWEET SNACK RECIPE

Different flavors of baking chips, nuts and fruits make delicious snack recipes.

  • 1 Package (16 Ounces) candy coated chocolate pieces
  • 1 Jar (12 Ounces) unsalted roasted peanuts
  • 1 Can (6 Ounces) salted natural almonds
  • 1 Package (6 Ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Package (6 Ounces) butterscotch chips
  • 1 Cup raisins

Combine all ingredients, stirring gently.

Store in an airtight container; makes 2 quarts.

GRANOLA SNACK MIX RECIPE

Common snack mix recipes are not sweetened with any candy or fruit.

  • 2 Cups granola 
  • 1 Cup salted peanuts
  • ½ Cup toasted sunflower seeds
  • ½ Teaspoon garlic salt
  • ¼ Cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.

Combine and mix granola, peanuts, sunflower seeds and garlic salt in a large bowl.

Pour butter over mixture tossing until well coated; spread in ungreased jelly roll pan.

Bake 10 minutes; cool

Store in tightly covered container at room temperature; makes about 3 cups.

NATURAL HOLIDAY SNACK RECIPE

Coconut is a good ingredient to add to snack mix recipes.

  • 1 Cup coarsely chopped pecans
  • 1 Cups dried flaked coconut
  • 1 Cup dried apricots (Cut in quarters)
  • 1 Cup raisins
  • 1 Cup carob bits or semisweet chocolate chips

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl; toss to mix well.

Store in an airtight container in a cool place (Not refrigerator).

Makes about 4 ½ cups.

TEX MEX MIX

Popcorn makes a very economical ingredient to make large batches of snack mix recipes.

  • 2 Quarts popped corn (Popped in vegetable oil)
  • 2 Teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 Teaspoons paprika
  • 2 Teaspoons cumin
  • 1 Cup diced Monterey Jack cheese

Preheat oven to 250F degrees.

Keep popped corn warm in oven.

Combine chili powder, paprika and cumin in a small bowl.

Sprinkle spice mixture over the popped corn; toss to blend.

Add the cheese and mix well; serve immediately.

Makes 2 quarts.

CEREAL, NUTS AND PRETZELS

Chex cereal squares are common for making snack mix recipes.

  • 9 Cups corn cereal squares (Toasted)
  • 4 Cups small pretzels
  • 1 ½ Cups roasted peanuts
  • 1 Cup brown sugar
  • ½ Cup butter
  • ½ Cup light corn syrup
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ Teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 Cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ Cups raisins

Preheat oven to 250F degrees.

In a large bowl combine cereal, pretzels and nuts.

Divide mixture evenly between 2 baking pans (9X13 inches).

Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in a medium saucepan.

Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly.

Boil without stirring for 5 minutes; remove from heat.

Stir in the vanilla and baking soda; pour over cereal mixture.

Toss mixture in each pan until coated; stir every 15 minutes for 45 minutes.

Cool completely in pans stirring frequently to break apart.

Add and stir in chocolate chips and raisins; store in airtight container.

TOASTED CEREAL SNACK

Make unsweetened snack mix recipes with cereal squares and pretzel sticks.

  • 4 Cups oat cereal squares
  • 2 Cups pretzel sticks
  • 1 Cup Spanish peanuts
  • ¼ Cup butter (Melted)
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 Teaspoon paprika

Preheat oven to 275F degrees.

Combine and mix cereal, pretzels and peanuts in 9X13 inch baking pan.

Combine melted butter, Worcestershire, garlic and paprika.

Pour butter mixture over cereal mix tossing to coat thoroughly.

Bake for 30 minutes stirring occasionally; makes about 7 ½ cups.

CHOCOLATE CHIP PARTY MIX

Try mixing different cereal squares to make snack mix recipes.

  • 9 Cups cereal squares (Wheat, rice, corn or mixed)
  • 2 Cups shredded coconut
  • 1 Cup peanuts
  • 1 Cup brown sugar
  • ½ Cup butter
  • ½ Cup light corn syrup
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ Teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 Cups semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ Cups raisins

Preheat oven to 250F degrees.

Combine cereal, coconut and peanuts in a large shallow roasting pan.

Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in medium saucepan.

Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly.

Boil 5 minutes without stirring; stir in vanilla and baking soda.

Pour hot mixture over cereal mixture stirring until evenly coated.

Bake for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes; cool completely.

NOTE: Stir frequently to break apart.

Stir in chocolate chips and raisins; store in airtight container.

REINDEER SNACK MIX

Commercially made crackers and snacks are often added to snack mix recipes.

  • 2 Cups Bugles
  • 2 Cups Cheez-it
  • 2 Cups pretzel sticks
  • 1 Cup corn Chex cereal
  • 1 Cup bite size shredded wheat
  • 1 Cup pecan halves
  • ½ Cup melted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ¾ Teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • ¼ Teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 250F degrees.

Combine in a large bowl the Bugles, Cheez-its and corn Chex cereal.

Add and mix together the shredded wheat and pecans.

In another bowl combine butter, syrup, Worcestershire, Cajun and cayenne.

Pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat; transfer to 15X10 baking pan.

Bake uncovered for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes; makes about 9 cups.

CEREAL SNACK MIX

Easy to make snack mix recipes usually include some type of cereal.

  • 1 Package (13 Ounces) Golden Honey Graham cereal
  • 1 Package (12.3 Ounces) Crispix cereal
  • 1 Package (17 Ounces) sweetened Cracklin Oat Bran cereal
  • 1 Can (12 Ounces) mixed nuts
  • 1 Package (7.5 Ounces) pretzel chips
  • 1 Cup melted butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon seasoned salt

Preheat oven to 225F degrees.

Combine cereals, nuts and pretzels in a large plastic bag.

Combine butter, Worcestershire and seasoned salt in saucepan; cool.

Pour butter mixture into bag; seal bag and shake until well coated.

Divide mixture into 2 large roasting pans; place in oven.

NOTE: Place pans in oven at same time on different racks.

Bake 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes; spread on paper towels to cool.

Store in airtight containers; makes 8 quarts.

SWEET SPICEY POPCORN FRUIT MIX

  • 10 Cups popped corn
  • 3 Cups honey graham cereal
  • 2 Cups miniature marshmallows
  • 1 ½ Cups golden raisins
  • ½ Cup butter
  • ¼ Cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ Teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ Teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 325F degrees.

Combine popped corn and next 3 ingredients in a large roasting pan.

Combine butter and next 4 ingredients in a small saucepan.

Cook and stir over low heat until butter melts; pour over pop corn mixture.

Bake for 20 minutes stirring every 5 minutes; pour on parchment paper to cool.

Makes about 3 quarts.

BARBEQUE POPCORN MIX

Delicious snack mix recipes can be made with spicy chili seasoning.

  • 2 Teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons lemon pepper
  • 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ Teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¼ Teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • 18 Cups popped corn
  • 6 Cups fish shaped crackers
  • 3 Cups pretzel sticks
  • 3 Cups peanuts
  • ¼ Cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 250F degrees.

Combine onion powder and next 6 ingredients in small bowl; set aside.

In large roasting pan combine popped corn and next 3 ingredients.

Stir popcorn mixture until well mixed; drizzle melted butter over top.

Toss popped corn mixture until well coated; sprinkle spice mixture over all.

Toss mixture again until well coated with spices; bake for 45 minutes.

NOTE: Stir mixture every 15 minutes while baking; makes about 30 cups.

HIKERS MUNCH RECIPE

Many hikers love snack mix recipes with a little sweet and a little salty taste.

  • 6 Cups Chex corn squares cereal
  • 1 Cup salted peanuts
  • 3 Tablespoons melted butter
  • 3 Tablespoons honey
  • ½ Cup chopped dried apricots halves

Preheat oven to 300F degrees.

Combine cereal and peanuts in a 9X13 inch cake baking pan.

Combine butter and honey; drizzle over top of cereal mixture.

Toss mixture in pan gently to coat; bake 10 minutes stirring 1 time.

Add apricots and bake 10 minutes longer stirring 2 times.

Place contents on parchment paper to cool; makes about 6 cups.