Tennessee Road Trip Snack

Tennessee Road Trip Snack is a sweet, salty, and crunchy mix inspired by Southern flavors—perfect for fueling your next long drive or enjoying as a quick bite on the go. Packed with pecans, crunchy cereal, pretzels, and a brown sugar glaze, this snack mix delivers a caramelized crunch with a hint of spice and Tennessee charm in every handful.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pecans (halves or pieces)corn or rice chex cerealmini pretzelsbutterbrown sugarsaltcayenne peppervanilla extract

directions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine pecans, cereal, and pretzels. Toss to mix evenly.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook until smooth and bubbling, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Pour the glaze over the snack mix and toss until everything is well coated.

Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Let cool completely, then break into clusters and store in an airtight container.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 cups of snack mix.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 25 minutesCooling time: 15 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add mini marshmallows or chocolate chips after baking for a sweet touch.

Swap pecans for peanuts or almonds if preferred.

Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for extra Tennessee flavor.

Add popcorn or cheese crackers for variety in texture and taste.

Mix in dried cranberries or banana chips for a fruity note.

storage/reheating

Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.To re-crisp, bake briefly at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes if needed.Not recommended for freezing, as texture may be affected.

FAQs

Can I make this mix spicy?

Yes, increase the cayenne or add a pinch of chili powder for more heat.

Is this snack kid-friendly?

Absolutely—just adjust the spice level to suit their taste.

Can I make it nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the pecans and replace with more cereal or pretzels.

What kind of cereal works best?

Corn or rice Chex are ideal, but any crunchy, unsweetened cereal will do.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use two baking sheets or bake in batches for even cooking.

Does it travel well?

Perfectly—it stays crunchy and fresh, making it ideal for road trips and lunch boxes.

How do I keep it from sticking together?

Let it cool completely before storing to maintain the crisp texture.

Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?

You can, but it may create a slightly stickier texture.

Can I add bacon?

Yes, crisp cooked bacon bits can be added after baking for a savory-sweet twist.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pretzels and cereal to make it a gluten-free snack.

Conclusion

Tennessee Road Trip Snack is the ultimate travel-ready treat—crunchy, sweet, and just a little bit spicy. With its Southern roots and addictive flavor, it’s perfect for munching on the go, sharing with friends, or keeping on hand for whenever snack cravings hit. Whip up a batch before your next adventure and take a taste of Tennessee wherever you roam.

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