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Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser to munch on this holiday season, I’ve got you covered with my Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of crunchy, salty, and savory bites that will have your guests coming back for more. Trust me, this mix isn’t just any snack – it’s my go-to festive nibble that’s perfect for cozy nights and lively parties alike. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this fan-freaking-tastic treat!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Crunch: The mix of Shreddies, pretzels, nuts, and cheese crackers creates a satisfying texture in every bite.
  • Balanced Flavors: A blend of aromatic spices and tangy vinegars adds depth without overpowering.
  • Easy Prep: Minimal chopping or fancy techniques—mostly tossing and baking, making it a stress-free snack.
  • Crowd Friendly: This mix is versatile enough to please picky eaters and adventurous snackers alike.
Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix, holiday snack mix, festive snack ideas, savory holiday nibbles, easy Christmas party snacks - 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 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe shines because each ingredient plays its part: the cereal and pretzels create crunch, the nuts bring richness, and the cheese crackers add savory goodness. Plus, the seasoning oil blends everything together with a perfect herby and tangy kick. Here are some tips to nab the best versions of these ingredients.

Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix, holiday snack mix, festive snack ideas, savory holiday nibbles, easy Christmas party snacks - 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: Go for the original flavor; its sturdy texture holds up well in the oven, so no soggy bits!
  • Mini Pretzels: The smaller size ensures they toast evenly and mix nicely without overpowering.
  • Salted Mixed Nuts: A combo of almonds, cashews, or peanuts works great — just stick to salted for that perfect salt balance.
  • Cheese Crackers: Cheese Nips or Cheese Its add that nostalgic, cheesy punch—don’t skip these!
  • Butter & Olive Oil: The butter adds richness and helps the spices stick, while olive oil keeps things smooth and balances flavors.
  • Balsamic Vinegar & Rice Vinegar: They add a subtle tang and complexity; don’t worry, the taste won’t be too sharp.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This secret umami bomb makes your snack mix irresistibly savory.
  • Herbs & Spices: Garlic, onion powder, basil, oregano, parsley, chili flakes, salt, and pepper—they bring that holiday warmth and a little heat.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adding it at the end ensures it stays flavorful without melting into the mix.
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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste buds or dietary needs. Maybe you prefer a spicier kick or want to swap out nuts for seeds—both work beautifully. Don’t hesitate to play around and make it truly yours!

  • Nut-Free Variation: I once made this for a friend’s kid with nut allergies—I replaced the nuts with extra pretzels and roasted pumpkin seeds, and it was just as delicious.
  • Extra Heat: Crank up the chili flakes if you’re a spice lover like me—I’ve doubled it on occasion when hosting game night!
  • Cheese-Free Option: Skip the cheese crackers and parmesan for a dairy-free snack mix that’s still savory and crunchy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe

Step 1: Gather & Prep Everything

First things first, pull out all your ingredients and make sure you have your baking sheet lined with foil. This little trick saves you from scrubbing later, and trust me, you want to enjoy your party, not your cleanup! Arrange the Shreddies, pretzels, nuts, and cheese crackers on the sheet and give them a gentle toss — you want an even spread but don’t crush those delicate crackers.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavor Bomb

Next, whisk the melted butter and olive oil together—it’s the base for your seasoning. Add the balsamic and rice vinegars, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. I like to whisk until it’s fully combined and fragrant—that aroma gets me every time! This mix is what brings all your ingredients to life.

Step 3: Coat & Toss Well

Pour your seasoning oil evenly over the cereals and crackers, then toss gently but thoroughly. This step can be a little messy but is so worth it—the secret to that perfect, balanced flavor in every bite is making sure every piece gets coated.

Step 4: Bake Low & Slow

Pop your tray in the oven at 250°F (120°C) and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Every 15 minutes, take it out briefly to toss the mix gently—this keeps everything browning evenly and prevents burning. This bit of attention really pays off with the best texture and flavor.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

After baking, let the snack mix cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle on the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Toss once more so the cheese mingles but doesn’t melt into a clump. That cheesy finish is the ultimate festive touch!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Foil Lining: Always line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  • Gentle Tossing: Toss carefully to avoid breaking the crackers and cereal, but don’t be afraid to coat evenly.
  • Don’t Skip the Toss Mid-Bake: It might be tempting to ignore, but stirring every 15 minutes is what gives a consistent crunch.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: I’ve learned pre-grated cheese just doesn’t deliver the same hit of flavor or texture.

How to Serve Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe

Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix, holiday snack mix, festive snack ideas, savory holiday nibbles, easy Christmas party snacks - 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 usually keep the garnishes simple for this snack mix because the flavors speak for themselves. However, a light sprinkle of extra parmesan or some chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely touch of color and freshness. If you’re feeling clever, adding a pinch more red chili flakes right before serving amps up the excitement.

Side Dishes

This mix pairs beautifully with a cheese platter or alongside a warm bowl of soup during Christmas Eve. It’s great as a nibble while waiting for dinner or with cocktails—your guests can’t resist reaching for more!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love serving this Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe in festive bowls or clear glass jars tied with a ribbon. Mini chalkboard labels listing the ingredients make it approachable for guests with dietary concerns. And if you’re gifting it, pack it in mason jars or cellophane bags with a homemade tag. Everyone appreciates something homemade and thoughtful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your snack mix cools completely, store it in an airtight resealable bag or container at room temperature. I’ve found that it stays crispy and flavorful for up to a week, which is perfect because usually, it disappears way before then!

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this mix much because it vanishes fast, but if you want to prep early, freezing in an airtight container is doable. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to avoid moisture. When thawed, toss it gently to refresh the texture.

Reheating

If the mix softens after storage, a quick 5-7 minute toast in a 300°F oven helps bring back the crunch. Keep an eye on it and stir once or twice to re-crisp evenly without burning.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Substitute the Shreddies and pretzels with gluten-free alternatives and ensure the cheese crackers are gluten-free as well. The seasoning and nuts are naturally gluten-free, so the flavor stays just as amazing.

  2. How spicy is this snack mix?

    The recipe has just a subtle heat from the red chili flakes, perfect for most palates. If you like more spice, feel free to increase the chili flakes to match your comfort level.

  3. What’s the best way to toss the mix while baking?

    I recommend using a large spatula or gently lifting the edges of the foil and shaking the pan carefully. This prevents breaking the crackers yet ensures everything browns evenly.

  4. Can I prepare this snack mix in advance?

    Yes! You can mix and bake it a day or two ahead of Christmas Eve. Stored properly at room temperature, it will keep all its flavor and crunch until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe has become a staple in my household’s holiday celebrations — simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for sharing. I love the way it gets everyone chatting and nibbling, adding to the festive vibe. If you try just one new holiday snack this year, I’m betting this one will win you over. Give it a go and make your Christmas Eve extra special this season!

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Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

A festive and flavorful Christmas Eve Savoury Snack Mix combining crunchy cereals, pretzels, mixed nuts, and cheese crackers tossed in a savory herb and spice butter mixture, baked to perfection and topped with parmesan cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a snack to enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Main 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)

Seasoning and Sauce

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing it for low-temperature baking.
  2. Prepare Baking Sheet and Mix Dry Ingredients: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the Shreddies cereal, mini pretzels, salted mixed nuts, and cheese crackers onto the baking sheet. Toss gently to mix all dry ingredients evenly and set aside.
  3. Whisk Wet Ingredients and Spices: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and olive oil. Add balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to combine all seasonings into the wet mixture.
  4. Coat Snack Mix: Pour the butter and oil seasoning mixture evenly over the cereal and cracker mixture on the baking sheet. Toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
  5. Bake the Snack Mix: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Every 15 minutes, remove the tray and gently toss the mix to promote even baking and prevent burning.
  6. Add Parmesan Cheese: After baking, remove the snack mix from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Then sprinkle the finely grated parmesan cheese over the warm mixture and toss to combine.
  7. Serve and Store: Serve the savoury snack mix warm or at room temperature. To store, allow the mix to cool completely, then transfer to a resealable bag and keep at room temperature for freshness.

Notes

  • One serving is equal to one cup of the snack mix.
  • Use aluminum foil on the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
  • Stirring every 15 minutes while baking helps the seasoning distribute evenly and prevents burning.
  • Store the snack mix in an airtight resealable bag to maintain crispness.
  • Parmesan cheese adds savory flavor but can be omitted or substituted with a dairy-free option for dietary preferences.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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