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This crunchy pizza-inspired snack mix packs the bold, cheesy flavors of your favorite pie into a handy treat. It’s my go-to when I want something tasty and filling without reaching for chips or candy during movies, road trips, or afternoon munchies.
I put this mix together for a game night with my family, and everyone kept grabbing seconds. It feels fancy but actually couldn’t be easier to fix.
What You Need
- Dried Italian herbs: a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme that gives familiar pizza smells—pick one with chunky bits instead of a fine powder for stronger aroma
- Sea salt: naturally brings out all the flavors; garlic and onion powders add savory depth without being too strong
- Sun-dried tomatoes: little bursts of tang that remind you of pizza sauce; use oil-packed ones and drain well so your snack doesn’t get oily
- Olive oil: helps everything stick and adds a light smoothness—choose fruity extra virgin for best flavor
- Walnuts: give earthy crunch that adds interesting texture to the mix
- Cashews: bring creamy softness while almonds add a bit of sweet crunch
- Nutritional yeast: gives that cheesy, savory vibe essential to nailing the pizza taste—make sure it’s fresh so it doesn’t clump
How To Make It
- Start By Preheating Your Oven
- Get your oven going at 325°F so nuts toast nicely without burning.
- Mix Up The Seasoning
- In a small bowl, stir together nutritional yeast, dried Italian herbs, sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combo packs all the pizza flavors into one spot.
- Get The Nuts Ready
- Put cashews, almonds, and walnuts into a medium bowl. Give them a gentle stir so they’re mixed well.
- Coat The Nuts
- Pour olive oil over the nuts and sprinkle the seasoning blend on top. Mix thoroughly so each piece is covered and won’t be dry.
- Spread On A Baking Sheet
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to stop sticking and spread the nuts out in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan or they’ll roast unevenly.
- Bake Till Golden
- Put the tray in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch closely so nuts don’t burn. They’re done when they smell amazing and have a deep golden color.
- Let Cool Then Add Tomatoes
- Take the nuts out and cool them fully so they get crisp. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes once cooled so they keep their chewy texture and don’t burn.
- Store It Up
- Put your snack mix into an airtight container to keep it fresh and easy to carry around.
The best part for me is the nutritional yeast. It turns simple nuts into cheesy little bites and takes me back to experimenting with this snack on fun pizza nights.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep your mix in a cool, dry spot inside a sealed container so it stays crunchy and the nuts don’t soak up moisture. If your kitchen gets warm, pop it in the fridge and just let it warm up to room temp before munching.
Alternative Ingredients
Switch out walnuts for pecans if you want a sweeter, buttery taste. Try pistachios for a different earthy flavor. You can also swap the sun-dried tomatoes with finely chopped roasted red peppers to change things up.
Ways To Enjoy
Pair this snack with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh bite. It’s also yummy sprinkled over salads for crunch or alongside a mild cheese spread when guests come over.
I learned roasting time and heat really matter. Too long and nuts get bitter, too short and they stay soft. Also, toasting the spices first wakes up their aroma and taste big time. A little attention here makes this simple snack something you’ll crave all the time.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Can I swap out the nuts?
For sure, you can switch in pecans or pistachios or mix different nuts to get the taste and crunch you like.
- → What does nutritional yeast do here?
It adds a light cheesy and nutty flavor that lifts the pizza vibe without being too strong.
- → How should I store this mix?
Keep it at room temp in a sealed container, out of sunlight to stay crunchy and fresh for about two weeks.
- → Can I make it spicy?
Yep, toss in some red pepper flakes or cayenne before baking to get a little spicy kick that balances the flavor.
- → Why do we bake the nut mix?
Baking lightly toasts the nuts and mixes the flavors well, making it crunchier and tastier.