Let me introduce you to my absolute must-make holiday treat: the Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix. This festive medley is everything you want in a holiday nibble — crunchy, buttery, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re hosting family, curling up for a Christmas movie marathon, or packing goodie bags for friends, this snack mix always steals the show. Each batch disappears in a flash, and the best part? It’s easy enough to throw together even when the kitchen is buzzing with holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix starts with a handful of pantry staples, each one playing a key role in flavor and texture. Gather everything ahead — the mix of crispy, salty, cheesy bits ensures every handful is a burst of holiday happiness.
- Mini pretzels: Add that iconic crunch and a touch of saltiness every snack mix needs.
- Chex cereal (rice or corn): These light, airy squares soak up the seasoned butter and provide a satisfying base.
- Roasted nuts (almonds, cashews, or peanuts): For hearty texture and a toasty, nutty flavor that balances the mix.
- Cheese crackers: Bring in a sharp, cheesy bite for extra fun and color.
- Bagel chips, broken into pieces: Intensely crunchy, they stand up well to the seasoning and bring rustic charm.
- Unsalted butter, melted: The luscious base that coats every morsel with rich, buttery flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Savory and slightly tangy, it adds classic snack mix depth.
- Garlic powder: Boosts aroma and brings sharp, warm undertones that are irresistible.
- Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and savoriness that rounds out the spice blend.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and pretty red color to the mix.
- Salt: Essential to highlight all the blend’s flavors—don’t skip it.
- Black pepper: A little bit of heat provides a perfect background note.
How to Make Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
To start, get your oven nice and cozy at 250°F (120°C). Low and slow is the key here—it allows all those flavors to mingle without burning anything. While the oven preheats, line a large baking sheet with parchment for easy mixing (and even easier cleanup!).
Step 2: Gather and Combine Your Dry Mix
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and pour in the mini pretzels, Chex cereal, roasted nuts, cheese crackers, and bagel chips. Toss them together gently so they’re evenly mixed, making sure each bite will have a little of everything. This is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Stir Up the Seasoned Butter
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This buttery, boldly seasoned liquid is what makes the difference between a basic snack mix and an irresistible Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Pour the seasoned butter mixture slowly and evenly over your snack base, gently tossing as you go. The goal is for every piece to get glistening and flavorful, so don’t rush! Toss from the bottom, making sure the savory magic reaches every nook and cranny.
Step 5: Bake Low and Slow
Spread the coated mix in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Slide it into the oven and set a timer for 45 minutes. Here’s a pro tip: every 15 minutes, give the mix a gentle stir—this helps everything toast evenly and allows that seasoning to cling just right.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Once your timer dings, take the snack mix out and let it cool completely right on the sheet. This helps it crisp up beautifully. Once it’s cool, transfer to an airtight container. Your Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix is now ready for snacking, gifting, or late-night munching!
How to Serve Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix
Garnishes
For even more holiday flair, try sprinkling a handful of red and green M&M’s over the cooled mix just before serving. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also adds a sweet counterpoint to the savory base that kids (and grownups) will adore. You could also toss in some dried cranberries or wasabi peas for extra texture and a little surprise.
Side Dishes
Turn your snack spread into a true holiday grazing board! Pair the Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix with sliced cheeses, tangy pickles, or a bowl of spiced nuts. Add some fresh apple or pear slices for a refreshing bite between savory handfuls, and watch your guests come back for seconds (and thirds).
Creative Ways to Present
This snack mix shines in festive bowls for a big party or scooped into small mason jars with ribbons for sweet little gifts. Fill paper cones or holiday-themed treat bags for an easy, mess-free setup. For a rustic touch, serve the mix in a wooden tray lined with parchment—perfect for passing around as everyone gathers ‘round the fire or tree.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix stores beautifully. Just let it cool fully, then scoop it into an airtight container or large resealable bag. It’ll stay crispy and fresh for up to a week at room temperature, which means you can keep sneaking a handful whenever the craving strikes!
Freezing
If you’ve made a double batch (good thinking!), this snack mix freezes surprisingly well. Divide into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour or two before serving—easy as pie!
Reheating
Want to revive that straight-from-the-oven crunch? Spread the snack mix on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes. This will take away any extra moisture and leave every bite perfectly crisp, as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just choose gluten-free pretzels, bagel chips, and cereal. Many stores feature gluten-free versions now, so it’s easy to adapt without sacrificing crunch or flavor.
What’s the best way to package this mix as a gift?
Fill festive tins, clear cellophane bags, or small mason jars, then tie with a ribbon or add a handwritten tag. Guests will love the personal touch, and the airtight packaging keeps the mix fresh for gifting.
Can I switch up the seasonings?
Of course! Feel free to swap in ranch seasoning, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of dried herbs for your own signature twist. This mix is endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to play with flavor profiles.
Is this Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix spicy?
Not at all—the warmth comes from the smoked paprika and black pepper, but it’s super gentle. If you want some real heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture before tossing.
How far ahead can I make the mix?
You can easily whip up this snack mix up to a week in advance. Just make sure it’s completely cool and sealed in a container, and it’ll stay fresh, crisp, and ready to go for your holiday festivities.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings on holiday smiles quite like a big bowl of Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix. I hope it becomes as much a part of your tradition as it is in mine—it’s festive, foolproof, and just plain fun. Go on, give it a try this season, and let the merry snacking begin!
Print
Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix is the perfect blend of salty, crunchy, and flavorful snacks that are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite nuts and seasonings, this homemade snack mix is a great make-ahead option for festive snacking.
Ingredients
Snack Mix:
- 3 cups mini pretzels
- 2 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- 1 cup roasted nuts (almonds, cashews, or peanuts)
- 1 cup cheese crackers
- 1 cup bagel chips broken into pieces
Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Mix the snacks: In a large bowl, combine the mini pretzels, Chex cereal, roasted nuts, cheese crackers, and bagel chips.
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the snack mix: Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the snack mix and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the mix on a large baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even toasting.
- Cool and store: Remove from the oven, cool completely, and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Notes
- Add festive color by mixing in a handful of red and green M&M’s right before serving for a sweet touch.
- This mix makes a perfect make-ahead snack for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
