Sourdough Cheez-Its Snack Mix

There's something irresistibly satisfying about a snack mix that combines homemade charm with bold, savory flavor. This Sourdough Cheez-Its Snack Mix brings together the tangy richness of sourdough discard crackers, the crunch of roasted nuts, and the salty bite of pretzels—all tossed in a buttery, spiced glaze. Whether you're hosting a party, packing snacks for a road trip, or simply craving something crunchy and flavorful, this mix delivers layers of texture and taste in every handful. The secret? Homemade sourdough Cheez-Its that transform leftover starter into golden, sharp cheddar squares with a delightful tang.

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The beauty of this snack mix lies in its balance. The homemade sourdough Cheez-Its bring a bright, cheesy punch that's both tangy and buttery, while the pretzels add salt and structure. Mixed nuts contribute richness and crunch, and the seasoned butter coating—infused with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce—ties everything together with layers of umami and warmth. It's a recipe that rewards a little effort with big, bold flavor that you simply can't find in a store-bought bag.

Ingredients

• Sourdough Cheez-Its: 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons (16 g) whole wheat flour (optional), 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 1 cup (110 g) sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded), 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 cup (60 g) sourdough starter (discard or active), 2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)
• Snack Mix Components: 2 cups (100 g) mini pretzels, 1 cup (110 g) mixed roasted nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans, or your choice), 1 cup (30 g) cheese crackers (homemade or store-bought), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons (30 g) melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Make the Sourdough Cheez-Its

In a food processor, pulse together the flour, butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and baking powder until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the sourdough starter and pulse until a dough forms. If too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough out to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 1-inch squares and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a skewer to poke a hole in the center of each cracker. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.

Assemble the Snack Mix

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooled Cheez-Its, pretzels, and mixed nuts. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Pour the seasoned butter over the snack mix and toss to coat thoroughly. Spread the mix onto a large baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until toasted and fragrant. Cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the crispiest crackers, roll the dough as thin as possible—about 1/8-inch or even thinner if you can manage it. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents the butter from melting too quickly during baking. When assembling the snack mix, make sure the Cheez-Its are completely cooled before tossing with the seasoned butter, as this helps them stay crisp. Stirring the mix halfway through the final bake ensures even toasting and prevents any burning. Store the finished mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, though it's unlikely to last that long.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap in different nuts or use gluten-free pretzels and flour for a gluten-free version. Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, or try swapping smoked paprika for regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder. You can also experiment with different cheeses in the Cheez-Its—try white cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend. For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce to the seasoned butter mixture. If you prefer a sweeter-savory balance, toss in some dried cranberries or a light drizzle of honey before the final bake.

Serviervorschläge

This snack mix pairs wonderfully with crisp lagers, sparkling cider, or a chilled glass of white wine. Serve it in bowls at parties, pack it into jars for gifts, or portion it into snack bags for lunchboxes and road trips. It's also a perfect companion for movie nights, game days, or casual gatherings. For an elevated presentation, serve alongside cheese boards, vegetable crudités, or a selection of dips like hummus or ranch.

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This Sourdough Cheez-Its Snack Mix is proof that homemade snacks don't have to be complicated to be extraordinary. With a little effort and your sourdough discard, you'll create a crunchy, tangy, deeply flavorful mix that's miles ahead of anything from a package. Whether you're feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is a keeper—one you'll return to again and again whenever the craving for something savory and satisfying strikes.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives the Cheez-Its their tangy flavor?

The sourdough starter adds a subtle tang and depth to the cheesy crackers, enhancing their overall flavor.

→ Can I use different nuts in the mix?

Yes, feel free to swap mixed nuts with almonds, cashews, pecans, or your preferred varieties to suit your taste.

→ How should I store the snack mix for freshness?

Store the cooled snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness for several days.

→ Is there a way to make this mix gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour and substitute gluten-free pretzels to accommodate gluten-free needs.

→ What drinks pair well with this snack?

Crisp lagers or sparkling cider complement the savory, tangy flavors of the snack mix perfectly.