SuSu’s Cereal Snack Mix: A Beloved Family Tradition for Every Occasion
The holidays truly wouldn’t be complete without a generous jar of SuSu’s Cereal Snack Mix gracing the kitchen counter! This scrumptious, salty, and utterly irresistible treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone, from the youngest grandchild to the oldest family member, adores. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a taste of home, a hallmark of cherished memories, and a recipe passed down through love.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit and Cherished Family Traditions
Happy Holidays to all! I sincerely hope your recent Thanksgiving celebration was a truly wonderful one, overflowing with an abundance of delicious food, the warmth of family and friends, and countless moments of pure joy and fun. For many of us, myself included, this particular time of year holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a season dedicated to slowing down, connecting with loved ones, making new memories, and fully immersing ourselves in all the beautiful traditions and offerings the holidays bring.
During the festive season, our family often finds ourselves journeying up to Oklahoma, where my wonderful parents reside. All six of us, along with the whirlwind of grandchildren, descend upon their home, instantly making ourselves comfortable as if it were our own. And thankfully, my parents seem to relish every moment of the joyful chaos! Their home is a sanctuary of comfort, where traditions, both old and new, are lovingly woven into the fabric of our gatherings, bringing immense happiness to us all.
SuSu’s Cereal Snack Mix: A Tradition Woven into Our Lives
While some family traditions have emerged with the delightful arrival of grandchildren, many others have been a constant in my life for as long as I can recall. Among these time-honored customs, one stands out as an absolute certainty, a ritual everyone eagerly anticipates: a large, inviting jar of my mom’s (affectionately known as SuSu) famous cereal snack mix, perpetually waiting on the kitchen counter. It’s a testament to its irresistible appeal that the moment we walk through the door, virtually everyone instinctively reaches for a generous handful. And then, almost without fail, each time we pass the jar thereafter, another handful magically finds its way into eager hands. It’s not just a snack; it’s a delicious rite of passage, a comforting constant in our holiday celebrations and beyond.
Mmmm…mmmm! This snack is a symphony of textures and flavors: salty, buttery, incredibly crispy, wonderfully crunchy, and undeniably irresistible. It’s the kind of snack that satisfies every craving and keeps you coming back for more, mouthful after delicious mouthful.
What Makes “SuSu’s Cereal” Truly Special?
There’s an undeniable magic about “SuSu’s Cereal” – as all the grandkids affectionately call it – that elevates it far above any other snack mix you might encounter. It possesses a certain je ne sais quoi, a distinct quality that makes it profoundly more delicious and memorable.
Perhaps it’s the carefully measured, yet seemingly generous, touch of Worcestershire sauce that infuses each piece with a deep, savory umami. Or maybe it’s the lavish abundance of mixed nuts, thoughtfully including premium pistachios, which adds a delightful variety of textures and rich, earthy flavors. And then there’s the masterful execution that ensures an overall assurance of perfect crispiness throughout, a texture that holds up beautifully, never succumbing to sogginess. These elements combine harmoniously to create a snack that is simply unparalleled.
What began as an exclusive holiday tradition, eagerly awaited each year, has honestly evolved into an everyday staple in our lives. Our collective love for this snack mix is so profound that SuSu diligently keeps a fresh batch readily available in our favorite airtight glass jars on her kitchen counter at all times. This constant availability is nothing short of a victory for all of us!
Effortless Preparation: The Secret to This Savory Delight
One of the many charms of SuSu’s Cereal Snack Mix is its remarkable simplicity to prepare. Beyond its ease, the process of making it fills the entire house with the most amazing, intoxicating savory aroma imaginable. It’s an scent that instantly conjures feelings of comfort and anticipation, making your home feel wonderfully inviting.
The magic begins with a simple yet potent sauce. You start by gently melting unsalted butter in a saucepan. To this golden base, you stir in a generous amount of Worcestershire sauce, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright counterpoint, seasoned salt for an all-around flavor boost, and garlic salt for that irresistible savory depth. This aromatic blend is then poured over a delightful medley of Crispix cereal, a generous assortment of mixed nuts (don’t forget those pistachios!), and crispy pretzels. The next crucial step is to toss everything together to ensure every single piece is evenly coated in that flavorful sauce. SuSu, with her seasoned touch, prefers to get right in there and mix it with her hands, guaranteeing a perfect, uniform coating. However, if you prefer, a large spoon will work just as well! The goal is to ensure every component is thoroughly embraced by the savory butter mixture.
The Magic of Low and Slow Baking
Once coated, the mixture is spread evenly onto baking sheets and gently slides into the oven. The key to achieving that signature, perfect crispiness is baking it low and slow at 300°F for approximately 45 minutes. During this crucial baking time, it’s essential to stir the snack mix gently every 15 minutes. This ensures that every piece receives equal exposure to the heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the textures to transform uniformly. The anticipation builds as the aroma intensifies, promising a truly delectable outcome.
The transformation that occurs in the oven is nothing short of pure magic. As the cereal, nuts, and pretzels slowly absorb the buttery, savory sauce, they begin to crisp up beautifully. The baking process deepens the flavors, caramelizes the butter, and creates an unparalleled crunch. The moment it emerges from the oven, golden brown and radiating an intoxicating aroma, is a true culinary delight.
More Than Just a Holiday Treat: Versatility for Any Day
SuSu’s Cereal Snack Mix isn’t just reserved for the holidays. While it shines brightly during festive gatherings, its universal appeal makes it a fantastic snack to put out for game day, movie nights, casual get-togethers, or truly, any day you desire a savory, satisfying crunch. It’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly, no matter the occasion. Its delightful balance of flavors and textures makes it suitable for packing in lunchboxes, taking on road trips, or simply enjoying as an afternoon pick-me-up. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become a year-round favorite!
Enjoy every irresistible bite, and perhaps, begin a new cherished tradition in your own home with this wonderful recipe!
xoxo,
SuSu’s Cereal Snack Mix
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- Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 40-45 servings
- Category: Appetizer
Description
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a big jar of SuSu’s scrumptious cereal snack mix to eat! A salty treat everyone loves!
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) box Crispix cereal (12 cups)
- 3 cups mixed nuts
- 1 cup pistachios
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 7 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, mixed nuts, pistachios, and pretzels.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and then stir in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, seasoned salt and garlic salt. Bring to a simmer and then remove from heat. Pour sauce over cereal mixture and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Spread mixture evenly out onto two 13×9-inch rimmed baking sheets. Bake for 45 minutes, rotating baking sheets and stirring the snack mix every 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread out onto paper towels to cool completely before storing.
Notes
For optimal freshness and crispiness, store SuSu’s Cereal Snack Mix in a jar with a tightly fitting lid, a resealable bag, or any other airtight container. This will help maintain its delightful crunch for days.
Recipe by Susan Miller/Photography by Madison Mentesana and Maegan Brown