Buffalo Pretzel Snack Mix Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

This recipe was developed to yield 9 servings. All ingredients have been adjusted accordingly, but cooking times and steps remain the same. Note that some recipes may not scale perfectly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups crispy rice cereal squares (such as Rice Chex)
• 2 cups crispy honey corn cereal squares (such as Honey Nut Chex)
• 2 cups mini pretzel twists
• 2 cups Cheddar goldfish crackers
• 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (such as Franks Red Hot Wings Sauce)
• 1 ounce dry ranch dressing and seasoning (such as Hidden Valley)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Sprinkle of sea salt flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250F (120C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and set them aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex, Honey Nut Chex, pretzels, Cheddar crackers, and peanuts.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, Buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Pour the butter mixture over the snack mix and stir thoroughly until everything is well-coated.

Step 5: Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, stirring halfway through the baking time, until the mixture is crisped and golden.

Step 7: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired, and let it cool completely before serving.

Cooks Note

The sweet Honey Nut Chex provides a great contrast to the spicy Buffalo sauce. You can swap the Cheddar goldfish for other small Cheddar crackers. If you prefer homemade ranch seasoning, a store-bought packet is approximately 2 tablespoons.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 600
• Total Fat: 22g (29% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (40% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 27mg (9% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 858mg (37% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 98g (36% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 64g
• Protein: 9g (19% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 11mg (12% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 66mg (5% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (16% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 290mg (6% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Buffalo Pretzel Snack Mix

The Buffalo Pretzel Snack Mix, a vibrant fusion of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, has its roots deeply embedded in American snack culture. Inspired by the iconic Buffalo wing sauce, which originated in Buffalo, New York, this mix combines traditional game-day ingredients like pretzels and Chex cereals with the bold heat of hot sauce. The idea of transforming classic finger foods into a crunchy, shareable snack gained popularity in the late 20th century, aligning with the rise of tailgating, casual entertaining, and home-based snack innovations.

Regional Variations

While the base recipe is quintessentially American, regional twists highlight local tastes. In the Midwest, additional nuts such as cashews or smoked almonds are sometimes added for a richer flavor. Southern versions may incorporate spicier sauces or a hint of barbecue seasoning, reflecting the regions preference for bolder, smoky flavors. Coastal adaptations often include dried seafood snacks or regional crackers, providing a unique local flair while preserving the snacks characteristic crunch and heat.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Snacks

Unlike standard Chex Mix or plain pretzel mixes, Buffalo Pretzel Snack Mix is distinguished by its combination of Buffalo hot sauce and ranch seasoning. This dual flavor profile creates a balance between tangy, spicy, and savory notes, which is rarely found in traditional snack mixes. Additionally, the use of mini pretzel twists and cheddar crackers provides a distinct texture contrast, making each bite a dynamic experience that stands out from conventional snack offerings.

Typical Serving Occasions

This snack mix is commonly served at sporting events, parties, and casual gatherings. Its portability and shareable nature make it ideal for tailgating, movie nights, or holiday buffets. Often presented in large bowls or individual snack bags, it caters to both large crowds and personal indulgence. Many households also use it as a festive treat during game day celebrations, where the mixs bold flavors complement the energy of social occasions.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• Buffalo sauce, the key flavor in this mix, was invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, originally for chicken wings.
• The combination of sweet cereals and spicy sauce highlights a modern culinary trend: balancing contrasting flavors in snacks for a more complex taste profile.
• Although marketed as a game-day snack, the mix has gained popularity year-round due to its easy preparation and customizable nature.
• Many snack enthusiasts experiment with variations, adding ingredients like pretzel rods, cheese curls, or flavored nuts to create signature versions of this classic.

Buffalo Pretzel Snack Mix is a celebration of American creativity in snacking, merging textures, tastes, and regional influences into a single bowl of flavorful delight. Its enduring appeal lies in the perfect combination of heat, crunch, and savory-sweet balance that makes it irresistible at any gathering.

FAQ about Buffalo Pretzel Snack Mix Recipe

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