The Ultimate Nuts & Bolts Recipe
If there’s one party snack that checks every box, it’s this Nuts & Bolts Recipe. This snack mix is sweet, salty, crunchy, and totally addictive. Great for holiday parties, cozy gatherings, or any event that needs tasty snacks. Pack some in mason jars or baggies for on-the-go treats!
This nuts and bolts recipe reminds me of family holiday parties, where we always stocked the snack table with these goodies. Shoutout to my family friend Rob Billard—a true grill master and the king of making the best Nuts & Bolts I’ve ever had.
What’s great about this simple snack is that it’s easy to make. You need to cook it for a little while, and you can change it to match your tastes. Mix in your favorite snack mix items and spices to put your own twist on this classic!
My favorite mix has Cheerios, Shreddies, pretzel sticks, peanuts, Goldfish, Cheez-Its, and pecans. I add a good splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tasty, savory kick.
The History of Nuts and Bolts
The history of nuts and bolts goes back to the early 1950s. It began with the creation of Wheat Chex cereal by Ralston Purina in the late 1930s.
In 1951, the Chex box introduced the recipe for party mix. This mix included Chex cereal, nuts, Worcestershire sauce, butter, and garlic salt. This combination of ingredients quickly became a classic, found on snack tables at parties across North America.
The term “nuts and bolts” in snacks goes back to the 1950s. However, it also has industrial roots. It connects to the Industrial Revolution and the invention of the screw thread. This name fits well for a mix of nuts, bolts, and various treats combined together!
Building the Perfect Snack Mix
Creating a balanced nuts and bolts snack mix is all about choosing ingredients that blend well in both flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Worcestershire Sauce is the key flavor that brings everything together. It adds a rich, savory, and slightly tangy taste that coats each piece perfectly.
- Seasoning Salt & Garlic Salt: These add the perfect level of salty, garlicky goodness. If you like extra garlic flavor, feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder.
- Pretzel Sticks & Goldfish: The crunch from these salty snacks adds texture and variety.
- Salted Mixed Nuts: From pecans to peanuts, salted mixed nuts add richness and satisfyingly crunchy texture.
- Chex Mix Cereal or Shreddies: These soak up the seasoning and make the mix feel hearty. Add Cheerios if you like a touch of sweetness.
Tips for Nailing This Nuts and Bolts Recipe
Here are a few pro tips for getting the perfect nuts and bolts recipe every time:
- Coat everything evenly. Ensure that you fully cover each piece with the mixture of seasoning salt, melted butter, and Worcestershire sauce. This is essential for achieving that classic flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: For this nuts & bolts recipe, keep your oven at a low temperature, around 250°F. High temperature environments will scorch the delicate cereal and nuts. Instead, let the mix bake for about an hour. Stir it every 20 minutes to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Let It Cool Completely: Once baked, let the mix cool before storing it in airtight containers. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the nuts and bolts that addictive crunch.
- Make the heat to your liking. If you like it spicy, add some hot sauce or a little red pepper flakes to the butter mixture before mixing.
Customizing Your Nuts & Bolts Recipe
The beauty of this snack mix is that it’s endlessly customizable. Here are some of my favorite additions:
- Hot Sauce: For a spicy kick, add a dash or two of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. It pairs surprisingly well with the Worcestershire sauce and gives your mix a bold flavor.
- Different Cereals: Try swapping Chex Mix with Shreddies or even a mix of Goldfish and Cheerios. This combination adds extra variety to each bite.
- Pecans and Other Nuts: Salted mixed nuts are a classic choice. You can also add favorites like walnuts or almonds for more texture and flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: For a touch of sweetness, add a handful of dried cranberries. The sweet and salty contrast is a nice touch for holiday parties.
How to Serve and Store Nuts and Bolts
Once your nuts and bolts are baked and cooled, there are a ton of ways to serve and store them. Pack them in mason jars or festive bags as holiday gifts, or serve them in large bowls at parties for an easy crowd-pleaser. Store any leftovers in airtight containers, where they’ll stay fresh for weeks.
If you’re taking your nuts & bolts on the go, toss them in a grocery store resealable bag for a convenient, portable snack.
Why This Nuts & Bolts Recipe is the Perfect Party Snack
This nuts and bolts recipe is the perfect party snack because it’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, and garlic salt create a tasty base that adds flavor to each piece. The mix of textures makes every bite enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a simple snack for a family gathering, this nuts & bolts mix has you covered.
This snack takes little time to prepare and has a nostalgic taste that brings back memories. A great addition to any gathering. And don’t forget: feel free to make it your own with different flavors, spices, and add-ins. Click here for the full recipe and enjoy making a batch of this classic nuts and bolts mix for your next party!
Other recipes to check out!
If you liked the sound of the these Nuts and Bolts here are a few other great snack recipes to check out!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups Cheerios
- 2 cups Shreddies or crispix
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 2 cups roasted peanuts
- 1 cup goldfish
- 1 cup cheezits
- 1 cup pecans
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 2 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 tbs maple syrup
Instructions:
- Here we go! First things first, in a large bowl mix together the Cheerios, Shreddies, pretzels, peanuts, cheezits, pecans and goldfish. Set aside.
- Pre-heat the oven to 250F.
- Next, melt the butter, mix in the Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, paprika, chilli powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk until incorporated.
- Place the dry cereal mixture in a large roasting pan, and pour the melted butter mixture over everything. Using a spatula and your hands, toss until the whole mixture is coated with the melted butter.
- Place the roasting pan into the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, tossing the mixture with a spatula every 25 minutes.
- After the mixture is done baking, remove pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Now, eat!
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