This 'million dollar' mix costs $3 to make but uses six different cheddar products plus Parmesan for maximum cheese overload.
Million Dollar Snack Mix
Elevate your snacking game with this irresistible Million Dollar Snack Mix! Bursting with crunchy pretzels, zesty cheese crackers, and a hint of sweet chocolate, this mix combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whip it up in minutes for a deliciously addictive treat that will have you feeling like a snack superstar!
Prep
10
min
Cook
15
min
Serves
8
people
Level
beginner
The Story
This American bar snack chaos was born in 1950s Wisconsin taverns when German-immigrant brewers needed something salty to keep customers drinking—they grabbed whatever Nabisco crackers were behind the bar, doused them in olive oil like their Mediterranean competitors, and accidentally created the Midwest's answer to Italian aperitivo spreads that now dominates Super Bowl parties from Milwaukee to Miami.
Regional Twist
In New Orleans' French Quarter, they swap the olive oil for bacon drippings and toss in the mini saltine crackers with cayenne-spiked Creole seasoning, creating a proper Louisiana fire-bomb.
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 2 cups (473 ml) bite-size cheddar cheese crackers
- 2 cups (473 ml) cheddar cheese flavored snack mix
- 2 cups (473 ml) cone-shaped nacho cheese flavored corn snacks
- 2 cups (473 ml) fish-shaped cheddar cheese crackers
- ½ cup (118 ml) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (237 ml) pretzel twists
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- crushed red pepper (to taste)
- freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- garlic powder (to taste)
- 2 cups (473 ml) mini saltine crackers
- olive oil (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Gather all ingredients.
- 2
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
- 3
Toss together all ingredients in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- 4
Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet, spreading into an even layer.
- 5
Bake in preheated oven until lightly toasted and cracker mixture is mostly dry, about 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- 6
Serve and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toast at exactly 250°F because higher temperatures will cause the cheese powders to burn and turn bitter before the oil fully penetrates the crackers.technique250°F
- ✓Use a 3:1 ratio of oil to cheese (1/3 cup oil to 1/2 cup Parmesan) to create proper fat distribution that prevents sogginess while ensuring even coating.ingredient3:1 ratio
- ✓Stir exactly once at the 7-8 minute mark to prevent over-mixing which breaks delicate crackers while ensuring even browning on all surfaces.timing7-8 minutes
- ✓Use a rimmed half-sheet pan (18x13 inches) to maintain single-layer depth of 1/2 inch maximum, allowing proper air circulation for even toasting.equipment1/2 inch depth
- ✓Add crushed red pepper after the oil coating but before baking so capsaicin oils bloom in heat without burning the delicate pepper flakes.technique
Share this recipe
Prep
10
min
Cook
15
min
Serves
8
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
This 'million dollar' mix costs $3 to make but uses six different cheddar products plus Parmesan for maximum cheese overload.
Million Dollar Snack Mix
Elevate your snacking game with this irresistible Million Dollar Snack Mix! Bursting with crunchy pretzels, zesty cheese crackers, and a hint of sweet chocolate, this mix combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whip it up in minutes for a deliciously addictive treat that will have you feeling like a snack superstar!
The Story
This American bar snack chaos was born in 1950s Wisconsin taverns when German-immigrant brewers needed something salty to keep customers drinking—they grabbed whatever Nabisco crackers were behind the bar, doused them in olive oil like their Mediterranean competitors, and accidentally created the Midwest's answer to Italian aperitivo spreads that now dominates Super Bowl parties from Milwaukee to Miami.
Regional Twist
In New Orleans' French Quarter, they swap the olive oil for bacon drippings and toss in the mini saltine crackers with cayenne-spiked Creole seasoning, creating a proper Louisiana fire-bomb.
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 2 cups (473 ml) bite-size cheddar cheese crackers
- 2 cups (473 ml) cheddar cheese flavored snack mix
- 2 cups (473 ml) cone-shaped nacho cheese flavored corn snacks
- 2 cups (473 ml) fish-shaped cheddar cheese crackers
- ½ cup (118 ml) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (237 ml) pretzel twists
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- crushed red pepper (to taste)
- freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- garlic powder (to taste)
- 2 cups (473 ml) mini saltine crackers
- olive oil (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Gather all ingredients.
- 2
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
- 3
Toss together all ingredients in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- 4
Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet, spreading into an even layer.
- 5
Bake in preheated oven until lightly toasted and cracker mixture is mostly dry, about 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- 6
Serve and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toast at exactly 250°F because higher temperatures will cause the cheese powders to burn and turn bitter before the oil fully penetrates the crackers.technique250°F
- ✓Use a 3:1 ratio of oil to cheese (1/3 cup oil to 1/2 cup Parmesan) to create proper fat distribution that prevents sogginess while ensuring even coating.ingredient3:1 ratio
- ✓Stir exactly once at the 7-8 minute mark to prevent over-mixing which breaks delicate crackers while ensuring even browning on all surfaces.timing7-8 minutes
- ✓Use a rimmed half-sheet pan (18x13 inches) to maintain single-layer depth of 1/2 inch maximum, allowing proper air circulation for even toasting.equipment1/2 inch depth
- ✓Add crushed red pepper after the oil coating but before baking so capsaicin oils bloom in heat without burning the delicate pepper flakes.technique