Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tennessee Road Trip Snack is a sweet, salty, crunchy mix perfect for munching on while cruising down scenic highways or relaxing at a rest stop. It captures the comforting, homey flavors of the South with a combination of nuts, dried fruits, pretzels, and a hint of spice. Easy to prepare and packed with energy, this snack is a must-have for road trips, hikes, or any time you need a satisfying bite on the go.

ingredients

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

pretzel sticks or mini twistsroasted peanutspecans or candied pecansdried cranberries or raisinscheddar cheese crackerscorn chips (like Fritos)honeybuttercinnamoncayenne pepper (optional)salt

directions

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

In a small saucepan, melt butter and honey together over low heat. Stir in cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and cayenne pepper if desired.

In a large bowl, combine pretzels, peanuts, pecans, cheddar crackers, and corn chips.

Drizzle the warm honey-butter mixture over the dry ingredients and toss well to coat evenly.

Spread the coated mix onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mixture is golden and slightly crispy.

Remove from oven and let it cool completely.

Once cooled, mix in the dried cranberries or raisins.

Store in an airtight container for snacking anytime.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 cups of snack mix.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 20 minutesCooling time: 15 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer flavor.

Add chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolates after baking for a sweet twist.

Use smoked almonds or BBQ-flavored nuts for extra Southern flair.

Swap in mini marshmallows or caramel bits for a dessert-style version.

storage/reheating

Store Tennessee Road Trip Snack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.To refresh crispiness, bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well and even tastes better the next day.

Is it too spicy with cayenne?

The cayenne is optional and just adds a subtle kick. Feel free to skip or adjust to taste.

Can I use other nuts?

Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or walnuts work great too.

Can kids eat this?

Yes, just avoid the cayenne pepper if serving to little ones.

Can I double the batch?

Yes, just use two baking sheets or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pretzels and crackers to easily adapt the recipe.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Make sure it cools completely before storing, and don’t skip the baking step.

Conclusion

Tennessee Road Trip Snack is the ultimate travel-friendly treat, blending bold Southern flavors into a crunchy, crave-worthy mix. It’s easy to customize, easy to pack, and even easier to love. Whether you’re heading to the Smoky Mountains or just down the road, this snack is the perfect companion for your journey.