Texas Trash Recipe (Quick and Easy Homemade Chex Party Mix)

This Texas Trash recipe is the ultimate snack mix for game days, parties, holidays, or just casual munching on the couch. It’s a savory, salty mix of pretzels, nuts, cheese crackers, and Chex cereal, all tossed in a buttery Worcestershire and spice mixture that coats every bite. The whole thing comes together in just a few minutes, no baking required, and it’s dangerously addictive. Once you start snacking, it’s hard to stop!

Why I Love This Flavorful Chex Party Mix Recipe

I first came across Texas trash at a family gathering, and it was love at first bite. The combination of crunchy textures and bold flavors instantly won me over, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can easily swap out the nuts or cereal based on what you have in your pantry.

The mix of Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and hot sauce gives it a kick that’s just right, making it a crowd-pleaser every time I serve it. Whether I’m hosting friends for a movie night or need a quick snack for the kids, this Texas trash recipe never disappoints.

Everyone seriously loves this homemade snack mix. Look at what a fellow reader had to say about it: 

This was a delicious snack mix! I had family over and put it out as a pre-dinner snack and everyone kept asking where I got it and wished it came in a bag at the grocery store. -Pam L.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Texas trash:

• 6 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 cup pretzels
• 1 cup pretzel sticks
• 1 cup nuts of choice
• ½ cup cheese crackers (Cheez-Its or similar)
• 2 cups rice Chex
• 2 cups corn Chex

How To Make Texas Trash

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Mixture

Melt the butter in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and hot sauce until fully combined.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, pretzel sticks, nuts, cheese crackers, rice Chex, and corn Chex.

Pour the butter mixture over the top and toss everything together until the mix is evenly coated.

Step 3: Cool and Serve

Let the mix cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the butter to set and the flavors to meld. Once cooled, serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips for The Best Texas Trash

• Use a variety of textures: Texas Trash is all about that crunchy, snacky mix. Combine different shapes and textures like Chex cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers, bagel chips, and nuts. The contrast is what makes every handful interesting and addictive.
• Go bold with the seasoning: This is not the time to be shy. The butter and Worcestershire mixture is the flavor engine, so taste it before you pour it on. You want it to taste a little extra salty and punchy, because it will spread across a lot of cereal and snacks. If it tastes bland in the bowl, it will definitely taste bland on the mix.
• Warm the butter mixture so it blends smoothly: Melt the butter completely, then whisk in Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and any other spices until everything is fully dissolved. A smooth, well mixed butter blend gives you better, more even flavor than one with undissolved clumps of seasoning.
• Pour in stages and toss well: Instead of dumping the butter mixture in one spot, drizzle it over the mix in stages, tossing in between each pour. This helps ensure every piece gets some of that seasoned butter and prevents soggy pockets where the liquid pooled.
• Aim for an even, single layer in the pan: Spread the mix in a fairly even layer on your baking sheet or roasting pan. If it is piled too high, the pieces in the middle can steam instead of toast, and you will not get that crisp, dry finish. For a big batch, use two pans.
• Stir frequently while baking: Texas Trash is at its best when every piece is lightly toasted and dry. Stir the mixture every 10–15 minutes in the oven so it toasts evenly and the seasoning keeps redistributing. This step is key for that signature crunchy finish.
• Adjust bake time to your oven and pan: Every oven runs a bit differently. Use the time in the recipe as a guide, but pay attention to signs it is done, the mix should look dry to the touch, lightly toasted, and smell fragrant. If it still feels damp, give it a few more minutes, stirring again.
• Cool completely before storing: Let the mix cool completely on the pan before you transfer it to containers or bags. If you seal it while it is even slightly warm, the trapped steam can make it lose its crunch.
• Play with heat and flavor add-ins: If you like a spicy Texas Trash, add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chili powder to the butter mixture. You can also sprinkle in ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning for fun twists. Just keep the total amount of seasoning in balance so it does not taste too salty.
• Double the recipe for holidays and parties: Texas Trash disappears fast at Christmas parties and game days. The recipe doubles easily, and it stores really well in airtight containers or bags. Make a big batch, stash some for snacking, and portion the rest into jars or bags for easy holiday gifts.

Texas Trash Recipe FAQS

How long does Texas Trash stay fresh?

This Texas Trash snack mix keeps really well. Store it in an airtight container or zip-lock bag at room temperature, and it will stay fresh and crunchy for about 5–7 days. It’s perfect to make ahead for parties, game day, or Christmas snacking all week.

Do I have to bake this Texas Trash mix?

No, this quick and easy version is designed to be no-bake. The pretzels, nuts, cheese crackers, and Chex are already crisp right out of the box, so all you need to do is melt the butter with Worcestershire and seasonings, pour it over the mix, and toss until everything is coated. You can serve it immediately once it’s evenly coated.

Can I bake it for an extra toasty flavor?

If you prefer a more “classic Chex mix” vibe, you can bake it, though it’s optional. After tossing with the butter mixture, spread the Texas Trash in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 20–30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until lightly toasted and dry to the touch. Let it cool completely before storing.

Can I make Texas Trash ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s a great make-ahead snack. You can melt the butter and toss the mix earlier in the day, or even 1–2 days before you need it, then store it in airtight containers. The flavors actually meld as it sits, so it often tastes even better the next day. If it gets soggy, spread the mix on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 10–20 minutes.

Can I freeze Texas Trash?

Yes, you actually can freeze Texas Trash. Once it has cooled completely, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving. If it ever feels a little soft after thawing, you can crisp it back up in a low oven for a few minutes.

Can I change the mix ins?

Definitely, that is one of the best parts of Texas Trash. You can swap or mix and match different cereals, crackers, pretzels, and nuts based on what you like or what you have on hand. Just keep the overall quantity about the same so the amount of seasoned butter still coats everything evenly.

How do I make spicy Texas Trash?

For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne, crushed red pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the butter and seasoning mixture. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more if you want extra heat. You can also use spicy cheese crackers or seasoned nuts for another layer of spice.

Is Texas Trash gluten-free?

Traditional Texas Trash is not gluten-free because most of the cereals, crackers, and pretzels contain wheat. However, you can easily create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free Chex-style cereal, gluten-free pretzels, and gluten-free crackers. Always double-check labels on your mix-ins and seasonings to be sure.

What is the best way to serve Texas Trash?

Texas Trash is great in big bowls for holiday parties, tailgates, or movie nights. You can also portion it into small bags or jars for snacking on the go or gifting during Christmas. It pairs really well with other finger foods, a cheese board, or a dessert spread.

My Final Thoughts

This Texas trash is a must-have snack for any occasion at my house, and it’s so easy to make that I find myself whipping it up regularly. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit with everyone who tries it, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy making—and eating—this Texas trash as much as I do. As always, let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

More Snack Recipes To Try

If you’re looking for more snack inspiration, check out these popular recipes on the blog:

• Cinnamon sugar pretzels
• Ranch oyster crackers
• Pickled okra
• Cream cheese sausage balls
• Taco Bell nacho fries
• Tangulu
• Fried plantains