Whether you call it a snack mix recipe, a trail mix or even a party mix, it doesn't really matter to me. This nutty, salty, fruity handful of goodness is enough to satisfy me-at least until the next bite!
I spotted this snack mix recipe from Edward Lee way back in 2014. That's how long it's been in my recipe drawer collecting dust and other myriads of clippings piled on top.
To say I have way more recipes to try and not enough time is a bit of an understatement.
So it was when I decided the kids were coming home and we needed snacks. Anything with bacon always catches my eye and since I had most of the ingredients on hand it was time to give this trail mix recipe a ride.
Table of contents
More on Snacks
Trail mix generally contains nuts, dried fruit and seeds. My trail mix, also known as GORP because it contains good old raisins and peanuts, adds in M and M's. Trail mix is meant for eating when you need quick energy-like all those times I go hiking up the trail! Snack mix, more commonly known as Chex mix, contains lots of different prepared snacks such as pretzels, crackers, bagel chips and cereal. My Asian version remains my favorite.
Party mix is all of the above and served at a party. Perfect with cocktails, beer or wine, a salty sweet snack mix makes the drinks go down faster!
Snack Mix Ingredients
This Barbecue trail mix recipe contains barbecue sauce and other spices that highlight the flavors of the ingredients.
hI must say this party mix recipe is definitely perfect for a party. This may not be a kid's favorite, but the adults will scarf this down.
It also may not be the cheapest party mix to make, but the decadent ingredients make this something special.
Bacon - Use more or less depending on the bacon lovers in the crowd. Basically you are making bacon jerky and if you don't want to take the time to make bacon jerky use your favorite kind of jerky-about ¾ cup.
Cacao Nibs - Cacao nibs are crushed, roasted cacao beans. They add an earthy, nutty, hint of chocolate flavor to this snack mix. Are they needed? No. However you will find if you have them in the pantry they are great sprinkled over yogurt or ice cream, added to granola or even chocolate chip cookies-for that little something extra.
Sesame Sticks - I think these were my favorite ingredient in this snack mix. Don't substitute for anything else as these really add their own flavor profile.
Nuts - Cashews, Marcona Almonds and Pecans are what's called for, but choose your favorites. I didn't have Marcona almonds so I used hickory smoked almonds. Truth be told though I think I would have preferred Marconas. I also used pistachios because I didn't have pumpkin seeds.
Seasonings - These are pretty straight forward but if you have a favorite barbecue seasoning and don't feel like mixing this up use about 2 ¼ teaspoons added with the butter, sugar and salt. Kosher salt varies in saltiness. Use Diamond and if you choose a saltier flavor, add more after tasting.
Barbecue sauce - Use your favorite!
Dried Fruit - I used dried cherries instead of dried figs. Dates would also be a great substitute.
What I Learned Making This Party Mix
This is a very adapable recipe. Make it your own with your favorite ingredients.
If substituting be sure to add the same amounts such as ½ c cashews is equivalent to ½ c peanuts.
Do not over bake. Truthfully, I toasted this mixture a bit to long in the skillet and to long in the oven. Though this was still devoured quickly, the flavor would have been better if I hadn't overbrowned everything!
When I first looked at this party mix snack I thought it sounded complicated with to many steps for what should be something simple.
Truth is this savory snack mix recipe was simple and with some of the suggestions I gave it can be even simpler.
How To Serve Snack Mix
This adult version is made to be served for happy hour. My favorite drink goes well with this!
It's made to be taken on a trail or on a long car ride.
Or just put it in a large mason jar and pretend to discover it every time you need a snack!
I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!
Please share a review or rate the recipe,
and be sure to tag me on social!
Recipe
Snack Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Cuisine: American
Description
Whether it's a snack mix, a trail mix or even a party mix, it doesn't really matter to me. This nutty, salty, fruity handful of goodness is enough to satisfy me-at least until the next bite!
Ingredients
4 slices bacon or buy some jerky!
1 T maple syrup
½ c cashews
1 /2 c pecans
½ c sesame sticks
¼ c cacao nibs
½ c Marcona almonds
¼ c pumpkin seeds
2 T butter
2 t sugar
1 t kosher salt (Diamond)
½ t fresh ground black pepper
½ t garlic powder
½ t smoked paprika
¼ t cayenne
¼ t ground cinnamon
¼ t ground cumin
¼ c barbeque sauce
6 dried apricots, thinly sliced
⅓ c dried sliced figs, cherries, or dates
Instructions
Heat oven to 250. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and top it with a wire rack. Place bacon on rack and brush with maple syrup. Bake until fat has rendered and the bacon is dry with a texture similar to jerky, 1 to 1.5 hours.
Cool and chop into ½" pieces. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 300.
Heat a 12" skillet over medium heat. Toast cashews, pecans, sesame sticks, cacao nibs, almonds and pumpkin seeds until fragrant and beginning to color, about 3-5 minutes.
Add butter, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, cinnamon and cumin; toss all together until butter has melted.
Remove from heat and stir in barbecue sauce. Spread evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake, stirring ocaasionally, until mixture is dry and toasted, about 25 minutes. Stir in reserved bacon, apricots and cherries. Bake 15 minutes more.
Let cool completely before serving. Can be stored up to 1 month in an airtight container.
Notes
See post for substitutions.
More Snack Ideas
Chex Mix with Biscuit Croutons
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