“Can you show me where that party at, dirty? Somewhere where it’s crackin’ right around one-thirty?” – Nelly
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Welcome Party People!
You’ve done it. You’ve found our very first post and it’s a banger! (Want more? Check out our second recipe ever here)
Party mix is a simple but elegant appetizer perfect for watching the big game, movie nights, or for no reason.
You might think I’m overselling, but “No.” Not this time. There is no embellishing here. It’s the Best Party Mix Ever! Hands down. We go through a batch at my house (4 people- 2 adults and 2 kids) within 36 hours, at most!
The beauty is in its simplicity. That doesn’t mean a few of you knuckleheads out there won’t find a way to jack it up! So, listen closely and you won’t go wrong.
What should you put in the party mix?
You might ask yourself “Self, what should I put in my party mix?”
The answer: Choose your own adventure!
A lot of combinations can work. You might add in some cheddar goldfish, experiment with different pretzels, throw in some chocolate–You be you, boo!
There are plenty of store-bought options, but they can’t touch a great batch of homemade!
The truth is, you don’t need many ingredients to make a great mix. Sometimes simplicity is better. What’s even more awesome is that it doesn’t require a lot of time. The prep takes under ten minutes and once you get it in the oven, it’s just a matter of paying attention to the timer.
What you see if the recipe below is our go-to combination.
When should you make a party mix?
We like to make it during the holidays. With a fun side dish, you can be the party’s hero. It’s also budget-friendly when feeding a large group.
Aside from the holidays, it’s great for tailgating or watching football all day.
The Backstory
Party mix, the crunchy snack we all love, has a history as fun as its taste. It all started in America in the mid-1900s, when families wanted something special to serve at parties. At first, people made it at home by mixing things like cereal, nuts, and pretzels. They added simple flavors like Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder to make it tasty. This homemade treat became a favorite because it was easy to make and perfect for sharing.
In the 1950s, cereal companies noticed how popular party mix was becoming. They started putting recipes for it on cereal boxes and in cookbooks. This inspired more people to try making their own versions. Over time, people added new ingredients, like cheesy crackers or spicy chips, to match their tastes. This is one reason why party mix stayed so popular—it could be made to fit anyone’s flavor preferences.
How Has It Changed Over Time
As the years went by, party mix became even easier to enjoy. Companies started selling it in bags, so people didn’t have to make it themselves. They also created new kinds, like gluten-free or organic options, for those who wanted healthier snacks. Fun flavors like ranch or spicy sriracha became popular, making the mix a hit with younger snackers. Even with all these changes, party mix stayed true to what made it great: a mix of crunchy, tasty treats perfect for any gathering.
Today, party mix is more than just food; it’s a part of our culture. Seeing it at a party makes people feel happy and connected, knowing they’ll share something delicious with friends or family. Whether you like the classic recipe or a bold new flavor, party mix is here to stay because it brings people together and never goes out of style.
The Best Party Mix Ever!
Equipment
- 1 Roasting Pan with Lid
- 1 Wooded Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 box Crispix
- 1 box Corn Chex
- 1 can Cocktail Peanuts
- 1 bag Salted Stick Pretzels
- 2 sticks Salted Butter If you would like more control over the salt content, use unsalted butter.
- 4 tbsp Garlic Salt
Instructions
- Melt the two sticks of butter in a pan on low heat
- Add 1 TBSP of garlic salt and stir for 60 seconds before turning off the heat.
- Pour corn chex, crispix, peanuts, and stick pretzels into the roasting pan and mix it gently with the wooden spoon.
- Drizzle the melted butter mixture all over the ingredients in the pan and mix gently.
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
- Cover the roasting pan and put it in the oven for 30 minutes. At the 10 min mark pull the pan out and add 1 tbsp of garlic salt and mix. Do it again at 20 mins with another tbsp of garlic salt and mix.
- When the 30 mins is up, pull the pan out of the oven and add additional garlic salt to taste and mix. Let cool for 10 mins before enjoying!