Hitting the road and need the perfect snack to keep you fueled and happy? This Tennessee Road Trip Snack is the ultimate mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and downright addictive flavors. Whether you’re cruising down scenic highways, exploring charming small towns, or just need a snack for movie night, this mix is easy to make, totally customizable, and absolutely delicious. Trust me—once you start munching, you won’t stop!
Why You’ll Love Tennessee Road Trip Snack
This isn’t just a snack—it’s a road trip essential. Packed with bold flavors and textures, it’s the kind of mix that keeps your taste buds entertained from mile one to mile 500. Here’s why it’s a must-have:
Perfectly Balanced: A mix of crunchy, sweet, and salty in every bite.
No-Mess & Easy to Pack: No melting, no sticky fingers—just grab and go!
Energy-Boosting: Packed with protein, fiber, and good carbs to keep you going.
Totally Customizable: Make it sweet, spicy, nutty, or cheesy—whatever you love!
Great for Sharing: Whether you’re road-tripping with friends or family, this snack mix is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Tennessee Road Trip Snack
This mix is all about bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Here’s what makes it so good:
Pretzels: Classic road trip snack! Salty, crunchy, and perfect for balancing sweet ingredients.
Honey Roasted Peanuts: A little sweet, a little salty, and packed with protein.
Candied Pecans: A nod to the South—sweet, buttery, and irresistible.
Cheese Crackers: Adds a savory, cheesy crunch that keeps you reaching for more.
Popcorn: Light, airy, and great for adding texture.
Mini Chocolate Chips or M&Ms: Because a little chocolate makes everything better!
Banana Chips: A Tennessee-inspired twist—sweet, crispy, and totally road-trip-worthy.
BBQ Seasoning (Optional): Want a little smoky kick? Toss in a dash of BBQ seasoning for extra Southern flair.
Instructions
Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine pretzels, peanuts, candied pecans, cheese crackers, popcorn, mini chocolate chips (or M&Ms), and banana chips.
Season (Optional)
If you love a little extra flavor, sprinkle with BBQ seasoning and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Store for the Road
Transfer the mix into airtight containers or resealable snack bags for easy packing.
Snack & Enjoy
Grab a handful and enjoy your road trip without the boring gas station snacks!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 5 minutes
How to Serve Tennessee Road Trip Snack
This mix is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Pair with fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes for a refreshing contrast.
- Add to yogurt for a crunchy topping.
- Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness.
- Serve with coffee or iced tea for the ultimate snack break.
Additional Tips
- Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Swap the nuts for seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) for a nut-free version.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity touch.
- Use caramel popcorn for extra sweetness.
- Double the batch because trust me, it disappears fast!
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this mix ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
2. Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, or cashews work great too.
3. What’s the best way to pack this for a road trip?
Use resealable snack bags for individual portions or a large container for easy sharing.
4. Can I add something spicy?
Yep! Try spicy peanuts, chili lime seasoning, or even wasabi peas.
5. How do I keep popcorn from getting stale?
Make sure it’s completely cool before storing and use an airtight container.
6. Can I make a healthier version?
Sure! Swap cheese crackers for whole-grain crackers and use dark chocolate chips instead of M&Ms.
7. What can I add for extra crunch?
Try toasted coconut flakes, granola, or even sesame sticks.
8. Can I make this mix nut-free?
Yes! Replace nuts with seeds, pretzel sticks, or extra banana chips.
9. Can I add more chocolate?
Of course! Try chocolate-covered pretzels or peanut butter chips.
10. Will this melt in the heat?
Not if you stick to M&Ms instead of regular chocolate chips!
Conclusion
This Tennessee Road Trip Snack is everything you need for the perfect road trip—crunchy, sweet, salty, and totally addictive. Whether you’re hitting the highway or just need a fun snack for movie night, this mix will keep you munching happily. So go ahead, pack up your bags (and your snack mix), and get ready for an adventure full of delicious bites!
Print
Tennessee Road Trip Snack
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked/Roasted
- Cuisine: American (Southern)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty snack mix is bursting with the smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors of Tennessee barbecue. Featuring a blend of mixed nuts, crunchy pretzels, and corn chips all coated in a tangy, glazed seasoning, it’s the perfect portable treat for your next road trip.
Ingredients
– 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
– 1 cup pretzels, broken into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup corn chips (or tortilla chips)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed nuts, pretzels, and corn chips.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, barbecue sauce, honey, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt.
4. Pour the glaze over the snack mix and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the mix is golden and fragrant.
7. Allow the snack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
– Adjust the level of heat by increasing or reducing the hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
– For a crunchier texture, bake a few minutes longer—keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
– Store in an airtight container for up to a week, making it perfect for road trips or as a party snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~30 grams
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg