Sweet Texas Trash Recipe Easy Snack Mix for Any Occasion

Sweet Texas Trash is a beloved Southern treat that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors in one irresistible snack mix. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or want to bring a homemade gift to a gathering, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

The magic lies in the combination of pretzels, nuts, cereal, and a rich buttery caramel coating that clings to every bite.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize, making it a favorite for all ages. It’s perfect for game days, holiday celebrations, or even just a cozy night in.

Plus, with just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes. Get ready to indulge in a sweet and salty explosion that will quickly become your go-to snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Texas Trash offers the best of both worlds: sweet caramel goodness and crunchy, salty snacks all in one bowl. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for sharing, yet so addictive you might want to keep it all to yourself.

The recipe is straightforward and requires no baking skills, which makes it perfect for beginners. It also allows for flexibility by swapping in your favorite nuts or cereals.

Moreover, this snack mix stores well, so you can prepare it ahead of time for parties or gift-giving. Its unique texture and flavor combo will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

• 6 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
• 2 cups pretzel twists
• 2 cups roasted peanuts or mixed nuts
• 1 cup M&Ms or chocolate candies (optional)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Combine the dry mix: In a large bowl, mix the Chex cereal, pretzels, and roasted peanuts. If you’re using M&Ms, hold off adding them until the end to prevent melting.
3. Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
4. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up—this is normal and helps create a lighter caramel coating.
5. Pour the caramel sauce over the cereal mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until all pieces are evenly coated with the caramel.
6. Spread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and baking. This step helps the caramel crisp up and adhere perfectly.
8. Remove from oven and allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break it into clusters.
9. If using M&Ms, gently fold them in after the mix has cooled to prevent melting.
10. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks or share immediately with friends and family!

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the caramel sauce for a sweet-heat combo that’s unforgettable.

You can easily swap pretzels for cheese crackers for a different salty twist. Similarly, try walnuts, cashews, or almonds instead of peanuts to modify the nut profile.

For a gluten-free version, ensure the cereal and pretzels are certified gluten-free. You can also add other mix-ins like dried cranberries or coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Feel free to explore Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for more creative snack ideas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Texas Trash is incredibly versatile. Serve it in a large bowl as a party snack or package it in small mason jars or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for delightful homemade gifts.

It pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or your favorite iced tea. For a festive twist, sprinkle some holiday-themed sprinkles or swap the M&Ms with seasonal candies.

Looking for more snack recipes? Check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas for a healthy, refreshing option.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about Sweet Texas Trash — it’s a nostalgic treat that brings people together with its irresistible blend of textures and flavors. This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a quick, homemade snack that’s both sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy.

Its simplicity and customizable nature make it a staple for countless celebrations and casual snacking alike.

Whether you’re new to Southern snacks or a seasoned fan, this recipe will become a favorite in your repertoire. Don’t forget to try experimenting with different nuts and mix-ins to make it your own!

And if you love this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other flavorful dishes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a hearty meal option.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Sweet Texas Trash Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A sweet and crunchy snack mix combining salty and sugary flavors for the perfect party treat. Easy to prepare and loved by all ages.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“6 cups cornflakes cereal”, “2 cups pretzel twists”, “1 cup salted peanuts”, “1 cup M&M’s candy”, “1 cup mini marshmallows”, “1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips”, “1/2 cup unsalted butter”, “1/2 cup packed light brown sugar”, “1/4 cup light corn syrup”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 250\u00b0F (120\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring mixture to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine cornflakes, pretzels, and peanuts.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir to coat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and let cool completely.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Once cooled, mix in M&M’s, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Store in an airtight container.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250”, “proteinContent”: “4g”, “fatContent”: “12g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “33g”}}