Tennessee Road Trip Snack
If you’re gearing up for a scenic road trip through Tennessee, you’re going to need a snack that’s easy to pack, full of flavor, and keeps you energized for the ride. This Tennessee Road Trip Snack is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy—a must-have for any adventure. Whether you’re cruising down the Great Smoky Mountains, exploring Nashville’s music scene, or driving along the Tennessee River, trust me, this snack will keep you satisfied!
Why You’ll Love Tennessee Road Trip Snack
Versatile: Perfect for road trips, movie nights, hiking, or even just snacking at home.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: No baking required—just mix, pack, and go!
Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate for a personal touch.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults will love the irresistible sweet-and-savory combo.

Ingredients
Ingredients in Tennessee Road Trip Snack
This snack is all about textures and flavors that come together perfectly.
Salted Pretzels: The crunchy, salty base that pairs well with everything.
Candied Pecans: A nod to Tennessee’s famous pecans, adding sweetness and crunch.
Mini Peanut Butter Cups: Because chocolate + peanut butter = happiness.
Dried Apple Slices: A Tennessee classic, adding chewy texture and natural sweetness.
Honey Roasted Peanuts: A sweet, nutty crunch that ties everything together.
Popcorn: Light and airy, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Just a little chocolatey goodness for extra indulgence.
Instructions
This snack mix comes together in just minutes!
Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the pretzels, pecans, peanut butter cups, dried apples, honey roasted peanuts, popcorn, and chocolate chips.
Toss to Mix
Gently toss everything together until evenly distributed. Make sure the chocolate isn’t clumping in one spot—you want a perfect bite every time!
Store for the Road
Transfer the mix into airtight containers or resealable snack bags. This makes it easy to grab a handful while driving without making a mess.
Enjoy!
That’s it! Your Tennessee Road Trip Snack is ready to fuel your adventure.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approx. 250
(Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
How to Serve Tennessee Road Trip Snack
- Pack it in individual snack bags for easy portion control.
- Pair it with a cold sweet tea for the ultimate Southern snack experience.
- Sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert twist.
- Take it on hikes, road trips, or to the office—it’s great anywhere!
Additional Tips
- Make it nut-free by swapping peanuts and pecans for pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- For extra crunch, add toasted coconut flakes or granola.
- Want it spicy? Toss in a handful of chili-lime cashews for a kick.
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to a week.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use different nuts?
Yes! Almonds, cashews, or walnuts would work great, too.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make a big batch and store it for up to a week.
3. How do I keep the popcorn from getting stale?
Store in a sealed container and try to eat it within a few days.
4. Can I use fresh apple slices instead of dried?
Dried apples work best because they last longer and don’t get mushy.
5. What’s a good chocolate alternative?
Try yogurt-covered raisins or white chocolate chips for a different twist.
6. Is this snack mix kid-friendly?
Yes! Just cut larger ingredients into smaller pieces for little ones.
7. Can I add a protein boost?
Mix in roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds for extra protein.
8. Can I make this snack mix gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pretzels and popcorn to make it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
9. What’s the best way to store it on a road trip?
Use a resealable bag or airtight container to keep it fresh and mess-free.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just increase the ingredients and mix everything in a big bowl.
Conclusion
This Tennessee Road Trip Snack is the perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, salty, and satisfying. It’s easy to make, super portable, and guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re on the road, at work, or just chilling at home. So go ahead—pack it up, hit the road, and snack happy!
Print
Tennessee Road Trip Snack
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 8 servings (perfect for a road trip snack mix) 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This snack mix is a mouthwatering blend of crunchy pretzels, nuts, and crispy cereal, all tossed in a tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet seasoning inspired by Tennessee’s famous barbecue flavors. It’s easy to make, perfect for road trips, and sure to satisfy your hunger between stops!
Ingredients
Snack Mix Base:
- 4 cups mini pretzels
- 2 cups peanuts (or mixed nuts)
- 2 cups Chex cereal (or your favorite corn cereal)
- 1 cup corn nuts or crispy rice crackers
- (Optional) 1 cup bite-sized crackers
Seasoning Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Tennessee-style BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the mini pretzels, peanuts, Chex cereal, corn nuts, and (if using) bite-sized crackers. -
Prepare Seasoning:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Tennessee BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth. -
Combine:
Drizzle the seasoning mixture over the dry snack mix. Toss gently but thoroughly so that all pieces are evenly coated. -
Bake:
Spread the mix in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring once or twice halfway through. The mix should become fragrant and slightly toasted, but be careful not to overbake.
-
Cool and Serve:
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Store in an airtight container and enjoy this delicious, portable snack on your next road trip!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the mix by swapping in your favorite nuts, cereal, or crackers.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning.
- This mix is best enjoyed at room temperature. It keeps well for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 cup of snack mix
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Sugar: ~8 g
- Sodium: ~250 mg
- Fat: ~7 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Protein: ~4 g
- Cholesterol: ~10 mg