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Here I come with another confession: I do not love Chex Mix. I know it's a huge holiday thing people love to make and gift, but there's something about it that I just don't love. And I LOVE snacking. So a few weeks ago I got the idea to make a super savory, buttery mix of a bunch of mini crackers and maybe some pretzels. No cereal, nothing even remotely sweet, was allowed. Mini saltines, Cheez-its, oyster crackers, the cutest holiday pretzels, Ritz crackers (I could not find minis - grumble grumble), and mini Triscuits! I think I squealed a little when I found the mini Triscuits because I didn't even know they existed. Give this Garlic Parmesan Cracker Snack Mix recipe a try! It's great to have on hand for snacking through the holidays and for gifting! Oh, and it would be great for game day!

garlic parmesan snack mix recipe in fluted tart pan and filling various glass jars

I love snack mixes with lots of variety and this one definitely fits that bill. I'm sure I looked a little crazy with my 6 varieties of crackers. My daughter even gave me a little side eye when we were unloading the grocery bags. I did not add nuts to this mix, but you totally could. I think it's a weird mind-block from my childhood, but I also do not enjoy nuts in snack mixes. I love spiced or candied nuts, just not mixed with other things. Anyway, moving on from my weird aversions.

snack mix recipe in fluted tart pan and a variety of glass jars

Here's what you'll need for this snack mix recipe:

2 generous cups each of:

Ritz Crackers - if mini Ritz exist you should find them and use them. I couldn't, but the big ones worked well.
Pretzels - any kind you like from mini twists to sticks, to the super tiny ones. I used holiday pretzels because 'tis the season.
Cheez-it crackers - or any cheddary cracker you like. I used original, but you could use a different flavor variety.
Mini Saltine Crackers - the cutest. I have a deep love of saltines and these mini ones just steal my heart. But again, you could use regular saltines.
Mini Triscuits - same as above. I love them and they remind me of my grandma. She always had a box in her cupboard when I was a kid. Always a little stale because my grandpa never closed the bag, but I loved them anyway.
Oyster crackers - same as above again. I love them thanks to my grandparents and they make such a cute, kind of unexpected addition to a snack mix. Don't skip them!

Now keep in mind, this is what I chose based on my favorite snacking preferences. You can use any crackers you love. Bagel chips would be good, mini club crackers, I think even thick potato chips would work. I mean seriously let your imagination run wild. Just wander down the cracker/chip aisle and toss things in your cart with wild abandon like I did.

close up of garlic parmesan cracker snack mix

For the garlic butter mixture:

Butter
Dried Parsley
Garlic Powder
Paprika
Black Pepper
Grated Parmesan

And same for the spices; Use what you love. I went heavy on the garlic and didn't add anything hot-spicy but you totally could if you wanted a spicier mix. I used regular paprika but smoked or hot would be great.

That's it - use your biggest bowl and 2 large sheet pans. Be prepared for the incredible cheesy, buttery aroma. One of our boys came downstairs while this was in the oven and asked, "what's that heavenly smell?" I can't make this stuff up!

Once it's cooled, package it in the prettiest jars you can find for gifting. I love anything from Le Parfait or Weck and of course Mason jars are a tried-and-true classic. But make sure to keep some for yourself - it is SO GOOD! xo - Anita

Garlic Parmesan Cracker Snack Mix

Here's what you'll need for this snack mix recipe:

For the garlic butter mixture:

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