This snack mix combines the bold, extra-cheesy crunch of Goldfish Xtra Cheddar crackers with the salty bite of pretzels, all tossed in a buttery, savory seasoning that clings to every piece. It’s the ultimate party bowl or game-day nibble, ready in about 15 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. The mix of textures and flavors makes it far more interesting than eating either snack straight from the bag.
Ingredients
- 6 cups (about 170 g) Goldfish Xtra Cheddar crackers
- 4 cups (about 120 g) mini pretzel twists (or pretzel sticks)
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste, but note the crackers are already salty)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, combine the Goldfish Xtra Cheddar crackers and pretzels. Gently toss to mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt.
- Pour the butter mixture over the crackers and pretzels. Use a spatula or your hands (clean!) to toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then stir the mixture gently with a spatula. Continue baking for another 5–7 minutes, until the coating is dry and the crackers are warm and fragrant. (Total baking time is about 10–12 minutes; watch closely to prevent burning.)
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The coating will crisp up as it cools.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or store in an airtight container.
Tips
- Don’t over-bake: The crackers can go from perfectly toasted to scorched quickly. Keep an eye on them and stir halfway through. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
- Use unsalted butter: Goldfish and pretzels are already salty, so unsalted butter helps keep the mix from becoming overly salty. If you only have salted butter, skip the added salt in the recipe.
- Make it ahead: This mix tastes even better the next day, as the seasoning has time to meld. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Double the batch: This recipe easily doubles for a crowd. Use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this snack mix in a large bowl at parties, movie nights, or as a lunchbox treat. It pairs wonderfully with cold beverages like lemonade or iced tea. For a game-day spread, set it out alongside other salty snacks like popcorn or roasted nuts. You can also portion it into small paper cups for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Variations
- Spicy Ranch: Swap the Worcestershire and smoked paprika for 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix and add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
- Sweet & Salty: Add 1 cup of honey-roasted peanuts or a handful of dried cranberries after baking for a sweet-savory twist.
- Cheesy Herb: Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs along with the butter mixture.
- Everything Bagel: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning over the coated crackers before baking.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cooled snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you live in a humid climate, the mix may lose its crunch; refresh it by spreading it on a baking sheet and warming in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes, then cool completely before serving again. Do not refrigerate, as the moisture will make the crackers soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular Goldfish instead of Xtra Cheddar? Yes, regular Goldfish work fine, but the Xtra Cheddar version gives a more intense cheese flavor that stands up well to the pretzels and seasoning.
Can I make this in an air fryer? Absolutely. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C), place the coated mix in the basket in a single layer (you may need to work in batches), and air fry for 3–4 minutes, shaking halfway. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Why did my mix turn out soggy? Sogginess usually happens if the butter mixture is too hot when poured over the crackers, or if the mix is stored before it’s completely cool. Let the butter cool slightly before tossing, and ensure the mix is fully cooled before sealing in a container.
Can I reduce the butter? You can cut the butter to 1/3 cup (75 g) for a lighter coating, but the seasoning may not adhere as well. If you reduce it, consider adding an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to help the spices stick.
Is this recipe gluten-free? No, both Goldfish crackers and traditional pretzels contain wheat. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cheddar crackers and gluten-free pretzels, and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some brands are).
How can I make it less salty? Use unsalted butter, omit the added salt, and choose unsalted pretzels if available. You can also rinse the pretzels quickly in cold water and pat them dry before using, but this will soften them slightly.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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