Ingredients:

  • 4 cups tortilla chips (choose your favorite brand)
  • 2 cups pretzel sticks (mini pretzels work best)
  • 2 cups crunchy cheese crackers
  • 1 cup corn chips
  • 1 cup roasted peanuts (skin-on or without, as preferred)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ¼ cup hot sauce (your favorite; adjust heat to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (for extra kick; reduce if you prefer milder)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus extra to adjust after tasting)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory finish)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a large bowl, combine tortilla chips, pretzel sticks, cheese crackers, corn chips, and roasted peanuts.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in hot sauce, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese until the flavors meld.
  5. Pour the warm seasoning over the dry mix and toss gently to ensure even coating.
  6. Spread the mix in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway; garnish with parsley if desired.