Name: Christmas Savory Snack Mix Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Shreddies cereal, original flavour; 4 cups mini pretzels; 2 cups salted mixed nuts; 3 cups cheese crackers (Cheese Nips or Cheese Its); 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 3 teaspoons dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 17 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for the festive season, you’ve got to try my Christmas Savory Snack Mix Recipe. It’s that kind of snack mix that fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and keeps guests happily munching all evening long. Seriously, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for the usual chips and dip. Stick with me — I’m about to share everything you need to know to get it right and make it your own!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The mix of melted butter, olive oil, and two types of vinegar creates a tangy, rich coating that clings perfectly to each bite.
Crunch Variety: Combining Shreddies cereal, pretzels, nuts, and cheese crackers delivers multiple textures — from crispy to crumbly to chewy.
Herb and Spice Blend: Garlic, onion, basil, oregano, parsley, and just a hint of chili flakes add a warm, festive spice profile that wakes up your taste buds.
Easy to Make & Store: One hour and fifteen minutes in a low oven with gentle tossing means you can prep this ahead and it keeps beautifully at room temperature.

Christmas Savory Snack Mix, festive savory snack mix, holiday party snack ideas, easy holiday snack recipe, flavorful Christmas snack mix - A close-up of a mix of snacks piled in a bowl lined with white parchment paper, sitting on a white marbled surface; the mix shows layers of light orange square crackers with a smooth texture, dark brown woven cereal pieces with a rough texture, golden pretzels with a shiny surface and salt specks, and small pale yellow peanuts scattered throughout. The background has a colorful checkered cloth with red, turquoise, and beige squares, adding contrast to the snack pile. Some of the snack mix is spilled outside the bowl onto the marbled surface, with two white bowls partially visible containing more of the same snack mix. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Christmas Savory Snack Mix Recipe uses simple pantry staples, but each one plays a key role in giving you a festive and addictive snack. When you shop, look for quality ingredients–that really makes the difference.

Christmas Savory Snack Mix, festive savory snack mix, holiday party snack ideas, easy holiday snack recipe, flavorful Christmas snack mix - Flat lay of a small heap of original Shreddies cereal, a handful of mini pretzels, a small pile of salted mixed nuts, a cluster of cheese crackers, a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl each containing dark balsamic vinegar and clear rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, tiny white ceramic bowls with garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, dried red chili flakes, salt, and ground black pepper, and a small mound of finely grated parmesan cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and naturally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shreddies Cereal: The base of the mix, its crispy, slightly sweet texture contrasts beautifully with savory elements.
Mini Pretzels: Bring salty crunch and that classic pretzel flavor that everyone loves.
Salted Mixed Nuts: Nuts add warmth and richness — plus a little punch of protein.
Cheese Crackers: I use Cheese Nips or Cheese Its for cheesy depth and extra crunch.
Butter & Olive Oil: The fat combo carries the spices and helps everything toast up nicely without drying out.
Balsamic & Rice Vinegar: Dual vinegars give a bright tang, balancing the richness of the butter.
Worcestershire Sauce: This gives a subtle umami kick that makes the mix downright addictive.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, & Dried Herbs: Classic aromatic herbs and spices that bring a warm, savory personality.
Dried Red Chili Flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance and round out all those flavors built into the mix.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Added at the end for salty, nutty richness and a slightly creamy finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Christmas Savory Snack Mix Recipe is. Feel free to make it your own by swapping nuts, changing the herbs, or adjusting the heat level. It’s super forgiving, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Variation: Once, I added smoked paprika instead of chili flakes for a warm smoky flavor that guests raved about. If you’re a fan of smoky snacks, give it a shot.
Nut Allergies: I’ve swapped mixed nuts for roasted chickpeas with great success, keeping the crunch and protein without triggering allergies.
Herb Variations: Fresh rosemary or thyme works beautifully if you want a more piney, Christmas-y aroma.
Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes depending on your crowd; I’ve made a milder version for kids by cutting them in half.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Savory Snack Mix Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. I always line my large baking sheet with aluminum foil — it makes cleanup a breeze. Once your oven’s ready, spread the cereal, pretzels, nuts, and cheese crackers evenly on the pan, then gently toss them together so they’re mixed but not crushed.

Step 2: Mix the Magic Coating

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and olive oil first—that’s your silky base. Then add balsamic and rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, parsley, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to combine all those seasonings evenly in the oil. This is where the flavor really builds, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Coat and Bake

Pour the flavorful oil and butter mixture evenly over the cereal and nuts. Toss gently but thoroughly to make sure every bit is coated—this step is key for even flavor. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, but be sure to pull it out every 15 minutes to toss gently — this prevents burning and helps everything toast evenly. I set a timer because it’s easy to forget when you’re busy prepping other things!

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan

Once the bake time is up, pull the snack mix out and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over and give it one last toss so the cheese melts slightly and sticks to every bite. This final touch is what takes the mix from great to unforgettable.

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Savory Snack Mix Recipe

Use Your Timer: Don’t skip the 15-minute tosses—this keeps the mix from burning and ensures even coloring.
Melt Butter First: I learned the hard way that if the butter isn’t fully melted, it won’t coat properly, leaving dry bits.
Gentle Tossing Technique: Use a big spoon or your hands to toss gently so the crackers don’t break up too much.
Cool Before Parmesan: Letting it cool a bit before adding cheese helps it melt just right instead of clumping.

How to Serve Christmas Savory Snack Mix Recipe

Christmas Savory Snack Mix, festive savory snack mix, holiday party snack ideas, easy holiday snack recipe, flavorful Christmas snack mix - Two small white bowls with red festive patterns are filled with a snack mix. The mix in the front bowl has layers of orange square crackers, light brown round pretzels with salt, light beige cashew nuts, and small dark brown pieces of cereal with a waffle-like texture. The bowl in the back contains mostly the dark brown cereal pieces, pretzels, and peanuts with a reddish-brown color. Both bowls sit on a dark navy textured surface, with some snack pieces scattered around them. A colorful cloth in green and pink hues is partially visible behind the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top when serving because it adds a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I toss in a little extra parmesan right before serving if I’m feeling cheesy. For a festive touch, try scattering some dried cranberries or small bits of dried apricot alongside for a slight sweet contrast.

Side Dishes

This snack mix is fantastic on its own but works beautifully alongside a cheese board with olives, cured meats, and fruits. I often serve it with a wedge of your favorite brie or gouda, plus a glass of good red wine or sparkling cider. It’s awesome for cocktail parties or as a nibble while cooking Christmas dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love to serve this snack mix in a large clear glass bowl so you can see all the colorful components. I also like portioning it into mini festive cups or mason jars tied with ribbon—it makes a great hostess gift or party favor! Sometimes I layer it in a trifle dish with layers of nuts and dried fruit for a fun twist on a party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, transfer your Christmas Savory Snack Mix recipe to an airtight resealable bag or container. I keep mine at room temperature and it stays crisp and fresh for up to a week—perfect for snacking throughout the holidays without worrying about spoilage.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this snack mix in an airtight container a few times and it works well. Just thaw it at room temperature for a couple hours before serving. The texture holds up surprisingly well, though the parmesan might be less fresh, so I usually freshen it up with a sprinkle of extra grated cheese after thawing.

Reheating

If you want to bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop the mix into a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes—just be sure to spread it out on a baking sheet to avoid sogginess. Toss gently after reheating to redistribute heat evenly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other cereals instead of Shreddies for this snack mix?

Absolutely! While I love Shreddies for their texture and flavor, you can swap in other cereals like Cheerios, Chex, or Wheat Squares. Just watch the baking time, as some cereals may toast faster or slower.
Is there a way to make this snack mix nut-free?

Yes! Simply replace the mixed nuts with extra pretzels, roasted chickpeas, or even crunchy seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to maintain that satisfying crunch without the nuts.
Can I prepare this Christmas Savory Snack Mix Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. It actually tastes better after resting a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container once cooled and give it a gentle toss before serving.
How spicy is this snack mix?

The red chili flakes provide a mild kick—not overwhelming but enough to add depth. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or leave them out entirely for a mild version.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Savory Snack Mix Recipe has become my go-to festive treat—it’s easy, flavorful, and always disappears fast whenever I bring it out. There’s something so cozy about warming your hands on that bowl and picking out a handful during holiday movie nights or cocktail parties. I really hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your seasonal traditions!