Taco Snack Mix Recipe (2024)

HomeRecipe ListAppetizersTaco Snack Mix Recipe

Posted by Aimee 22 comments
Published: Apr 16, 2021 Last Updated: Mar 11, 2024

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Taco Snack Mix is a spicy chex mix that’ll take your snacking game to new heights! Perfect for a party, movie night or munching on throughout the day, this chex mix is inspired by taco flavors.

For more flavors, try this delicious Ranch Oyster Cracker recipe. Same great technique, with an addictive flavor! Or sweeten up your chex cereal and make a batch of the classic Puppy Chow!

Taco Snack Mix Recipe (1)

Why Make Spicy Chex Mix

Making homemade snack mix is a great way to cut costs. You can buy the cheese crackers and mix them with pretzels, oyster crackers and inexpensive chex cereal.

It stretches the good stuff further and also makes a fun change from your typical snack time go-tos.

And this recipe is even more affordable when you use generic or store brand crackers and cereal in place of the brand name!

This recipe is even better than a traditional chex mix, in my opinion.

Why? Because it has TACO SEASONING!

You can make your own taco seasoning or use store bought for this recipe.

It instantly transforms plain chex mix into a spicy salty snack that’ll make your taste buds dance with happiness.

The other reason I like this more than original homemade chex mix? You don’t have to turn on the oven.

Love making your own? Try our sweet chex mix recipe next!

Taco Snack Mix Recipe (2)

How to make Taco Snack Mix

Here’s what I put in my snack mix:

  • Chex cereal
  • Oyster crackers
  • Cheese crackers
  • Vegetable oil
  • Mini pretzel twists
  • Taco seasoning

Just dump all the ingredients in a paper bag, shake it to distribute the oil and seasoning and let it sit for a few hours. This allows the oil to drain down to the bottom of the bag.

The paper bag will get greasy so I highly recommend putting it a sheet of foil or wax paper to avoid an oily counter top.

Serve this mix right away or transfer to an airtight container.

Taco Snack Mix Recipe (3)

Substitution Ideas

This combination of crackers and pretzels makes a tasty combination but there’s no reason you couldn’t mix it up!

  • Peanuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to this if you like some nuttiness in your spicy chex mix.
  • Instead of pretzel twists, try using mini pretzel sticks or pretzel nuggets!
  • Want even more spice in your Taco Chex Mix? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bag along with the taco seasoning.
  • On the flip side, if it’s a little too much heat for your taste, reduce the amount of taco seasoning to your liking.
  • Popcorn. Homemade microwave popcorn would be a delicious addition!

Recipe FAQs

Is Chex Mix gluten free?

Rice and Corn Chex cereal are naturally gluten free. Substitute crackers and pretzels for nuts and gluten free crackers or pretzels.

How do you store homemade chex mix?

Keep homemade spicy chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four weeks.

Taco Snack Mix Recipe (4)

More Snack Recipes

  • Bruschetta
  • Hummus
  • Artichoke Dip
  • Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Pico de gallo

Taco Snack Mix

4.89 from 9 votes

By: Aimee

Taco Snack Mix is a spicy chex mix that'll take your snacking game to new heights! Perfect for a party, movie night or munching on throughout the day, this chex mix is inspired by taco flavors.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 16 cups

Ingredients

  • 4 cup chex cereal
  • 4 cup oyster crackers
  • 4 cup cheese crackers
  • 4 cup pretzels twists mini
  • cup vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup taco seasoning mix

Instructions

  • In large paper bag, double lined, dump all ingredients. Fold top of bags down and shake about 20 times until everything is mixed and coated.

  • Let sit for about one hour until oil has been absorbed (bottom of bag will be greasy, so be sure to put it on a piece of wax paper or foil).

  • Pour into airtight container. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage- store in airtight container (or ziploc bag) for up to 4 weeks.
  • Peanuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to this if you like some nuttiness in your spicy chex mix.
  • Want even more spice in your Taco Chex Mix? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bag along with the taco seasoning. If it’s a little too much heat for your taste, reduce the amount of taco seasoning to your liking.
  • Gluten Free: choose gluten free crackers and pretzels. Rice and Corn chex are naturally gluten free.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/4 cup, Calories: 80kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 243mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Taco Snack Mix Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you use taco mix? ›

I use this taco seasoning for a variety of things - I use it as marinade with lime juice and extra garlic on chicken, beef, pork on the grill, use it with hamburger for regular tacos, in the pressure cooker with beef, bake chicken with it, have used it as seasoning with mayonnaise for a southwest pasta salad, made ...

What does taco seasoning mix contain? ›

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

How many Chex mix flavors are there? ›

In total, General Mills produces 13 varieties of Chex Mixes, not including limited editions. These flavors can be broadly divided into three categories: savory, chocolate (usually marketed as "Muddy Buddies"), and sweet 'n salty. Sometimes, limited edition varieties of Chex Mix are released.

Do you need to add water to taco mix? ›

Without it, the meat would be very dry and crumbly, and it could spill out of your taco shell instead of holding together, an issue you've probably noticed if you make your own taco seasoning blend.

What do you need with taco kit? ›

Each taco kit includes 5 Old El Paso Stand 'N Stuff Crunchy Corn Taco Shells, 5 Old El Paso Soft Flour Tortillas, 1 Old El Paso Taco Spice Mix, and 1 Old El Paso Tomato Salsa. Just add 600g of lean beef mince, 1 onion, lettuce, and avocado to enjoy classic Mexican style tacos in less than 30 minutes.

How much taco seasoning should I use for 1 pound of beef? ›

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

What can I use if I don't have taco seasoning? ›

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

Does Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix have MSG? ›

This product is likely msg free.

Is it cheaper to buy Chex mix or make your own? ›

Homemade Chex Mix is cheaper AND better tasting than anything you can buy at the store. Does homemade Chex Mix need to be refrigerated? You can store homemade Chex Mix at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

What is the fancy name for Chex mix? ›

First off this recipe can be found under many names besides Party Mix such as Chex Mix, Nuts and Bolts, TV Mix, or Snack Mix.

What's the difference between muddy buddies and puppy chow? ›

Muddy Buddies is actually the official name of the recipe marketed by General Mills, the maker of Chex cereal. Names like “puppy chow” and others have become layman's terms for homemade versions like this one.

Do you add taco seasoning before or after draining? ›

Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Pour water and seasoning mix over beef; stir to combine.

How to use a taco kit? ›

Prep Instructions
  1. Cook beef in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat 6 to 7 minutes, breaking up and stirring; drain. Stir in water and Seasoning Mix; heat to boiling. ...
  2. Remove tortillas from bag. To heat in MICROWAVE, place stack of tortillas on microwavable plate. ...
  3. Spoon beef filling onto tortillas.

How much taco seasoning to use per pound of ground beef? ›

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

Can you use taco seasoning without cooking? ›

Use taco seasoning to boost yogurt or sour cream dip.

You can eat it instantly, but I find 30 minutes of rest after mixing — in the fridge or at room temperature depending on your dinner plans — makes for a slightly more flavorful and thick instant dip.

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