Perfect Homemade Nuts and Bolts Snack Mix Recipe

This nuts and bolts snack mix is a savory, garlicky, crunchy treat made with homemade nuts, cereals, and pretzels. Perfect for the holiday season, Christmas gifts, or snacking during football games.

There’s something special about the holiday season.

The kitchen smells different, the house feels warmer, and there’s always a crunchy snack on the coffee table ready to be shared. 

Jump to:

• Nuts and bolts snack mix
• Mom’s nuts and bolts recipe
• Ingredients
• Nuts and bolts seasoning
• Equipment
• How to make the best nuts and bolts
• Pro tips
• Variations
• Serving ideas
• Storage
• Best nuts and bolts recipe
• Start your own nuts and bolts tradition
• Recipe for Nuts and Bolts
• Other recipes you may enjoy
• Tried this recipe? We’d love your review!

Nuts and bolts snack mix

For me, one treat has always stood out — nuts and bolts snack mix.

If you’ve never had it before, think of it as the Canadian cousin of the Chex mix recipe — a party mix of homemade nuts, pretzel sticks, and cereal.

It’s tossed in a buttery blend with garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce, then baked until irresistibly crisp.

It’s the kind of easy snack that disappears faster than you think.

The great thing about this original recipe is how flexible it is. 

You can make a double batch for holiday gatherings, pack it in an airtight container as Christmas gifts, or simply keep a jar at room temperature on the kitchen counter for everyday munching.

Mom’s nuts and bolts recipe

I grew up with this snack as a staple of the Christmas season. 

My own family and extended family members all had their version. Mom’s recipe was always balanced — not too salty, just enough spice. 

Aunt Sheila went heavy on the garlic, while Aunt Donna preferred a lighter touch with the seasoning salt.

The good thing about these differences? Every batch felt like a new discovery.

Some versions had different cereals, others featured the best nuts they could find. 

And during the 80s, when margarine was common, using even a little butter felt like a luxury.

Ingredients

This nuts and bolts recipe starts with a base of different cereals. A shredded cereal is essential because it soaks up the butter mixture beautifully. 

It’s what gives this snack mix that satisfying, savory punch in every bite. 

Then come the pretzel sticks, which add crunch and saltiness, and the mixed nuts for richness and variety.

1. Shredded cereal – essential for absorbing flavors
2. O’s cereal – for light crunch
3. Pretzel sticks – or mini pretzels for smaller pieces
4. Cheddar crackers – my pick is from Trader Joe, but any will work
5. Mixed nuts – choose your favorite blend for the best nuts experience

Nuts and bolts seasoning

The seasoning blend is where the flavor really comes alive. 

The classic combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce brings a savory depth. 

You can even make a vegetarian-friendly sauce swap if you like.

I like to melt the butter on low heat so the flavors infuse gently. 

You can also replace butter with olive oil for a lighter, vegan twist, but the only problem is you lose some of that rich, nostalgic taste that makes mom’s recipe so memorable.

Equipment

To make a double batch or more, you’ll want the biggest bowl or roasting dish you own. You’ll also need:

1. Measuring spoons for spices
2. A small saucepan for the butter mixture
3. A large roasting pan or baking dish for baking the cereal mixture

If you don’t have a roasting pan, spread the mix across two baking sheets. 

Just remember to stir often so everything bakes evenly.

How to make the best nuts and bolts

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2. In your biggest bowl, combine the cereal mixture, pretzel sticks, mixed nuts, and cheddar crackers.
3. Melt the butter over low heat, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Pour half the butter mixture over the dry mix, toss thoroughly, then add the rest. Make sure every piece is coated.
5. Spread the mix in a roasting dish and bake for 20 minutes. Stir, bake another 15 minutes, stir again, then bake for a final 15 minutes until crisp.
6. Let the mix cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Variations

1. Try adding mini corn chips, Bugles, or pita chips.
2. Swap olive oil for butter for a dairy-free option.
3. Experiment with different varieties of Chex mix-style cereals.

Serving ideas

1. Perfect for holiday gatherings or football games.
2. A small bowl on the coffee table is irresistible to guests.
3. Pair with sparkling cider, or hot chocolate for a cozy snack spread.

Storage

Store your nuts and bolts snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

For longer storage, keep in a zip-top bag in the freezer. The good thing is that it thaws quickly, so you can always have snack mixes ready.

Best nuts and bolts recipe

This isn’t just another store-bought version. It’s the kind of recipe that connects you to your own family, your American friends, and even strangers who have never tried it before. 

The recipe is simple, but the love baked into it is what makes it unforgettable.

The great thing? It’s an easy snack you can make ahead, and it doubles as a thoughtful gift. 

You can even handwrite the recipe card to tuck inside the jar — just be prepared for people to ask for it again next year.

Start your own nuts and bolts tradition

This bolts recipe is more than a crunchy snack. It’s a piece of the holiday season, a warm memory on the kitchen counter, and a tradition worth keeping. 

Whether you make it for holiday gatherings, as Christmas gifts, or simply to have a good thing to snack on during football games, it’s sure to become one of your holiday staples.

Make a double batch — because the only problem is, once you start eating, it’s hard to stop!

Other recipes you may enjoy

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