Tennessee Road Trip Snack

There’s something special about a road trip—whether you’re cruising down winding highways, taking in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, or just soaking up the open road, you need a snack that’s going to fuel your adventure. Enter the Tennessee Road Trip Snack—an irresistible blend of sweet, salty, and just the right amount of crunch. This snack combines everything you need to keep you going, from the perfect combo of nuts and dried fruits to a dash of Southern flair that’ll have you smiling all the way to your next pit stop. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love the Tennessee Road Trip Snack

Let me tell you, this isn’t just any snack—it’s the snack for your next adventure. Here’s why it’s a must-have on your next road trip:

Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

There’s something magical about the balance of salty and sweet in this snack mix. From the crunchy pretzels and nuts to the chewy dried fruit, every bite offers the perfect amount of contrast. You’ll be reaching for handful after handful.

Travel-Ready

This snack is made for the road. Easy to pack, super portable, and no mess—it’s the ideal option when you’re on the go. Whether you’re in the car, hiking, or taking a break at a scenic overlook, this snack will keep you satisfied.

Customizable

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Love chocolate? Add some chocolate chips. Prefer a different nut? Go for pecans or almonds. This snack is totally up to you!

Crowd-Pleasing

No one can resist a good snack mix. It’s always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s like the ultimate travel companion that everyone in the car can enjoy, no matter how long the drive is.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Tennessee Road Trip Snack:

• Pretzels: Mini pretzels or pretzel sticks work best. They add the perfect amount of saltiness and crunch.
• Nuts: A mix of peanuts, cashews, and pecans gives you a great variety of textures and flavors. These nuts are packed with protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Dried Fruit: Raisins, dried cranberries, or dried apricots bring a chewy sweetness to the mix. Feel free to get creative with the dried fruits based on what you like best!
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese cubes are a classic addition that brings a savory richness to balance out the sweetness. You could also try string cheese if you’re on the move!
• Caramelized Pecans or Candied Nuts: If you want to add a bit of Southern sweetness, throw in some caramelized pecans or candied nuts for a touch of extra flavor.
• M&Ms or Chocolate Chips: For that little bit of indulgence, a handful of M&Ms or chocolate chips makes the snack extra fun and satisfying.
• Granola: A little crunch with some sweetness, granola adds a delightful bite to the mix and boosts the texture.

(Note: Exact measurements will be in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Making this snack is as easy as tossing a few ingredients together. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, nuts, dried fruit, and granola. You want everything to be evenly distributed, so give it a good toss.

Step 2: Add the Cheddar Cheese

Cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes and toss it into the mix. Make sure it’s spread out among the other ingredients for a savory bite with every handful.

Step 3: Add Sweet Touches

If you’re using caramelized nuts or chocolate, add them to the mix now. The M&Ms or chocolate chips go in last so they don’t melt into everything (unless you’re okay with a little extra sweetness!).

Step 4: Store and Pack

Store the snack in an airtight container or small snack bags for easy portability. This snack mix stays fresh for days, so you can make it ahead of time and have it ready for your next adventure.

Step 5: Hit the Road!

Once it’s all mixed, pack it in your bag, and you’re ready to go! Whether you’re enjoying it during a long drive, a road trip pit stop, or a hike, this Tennessee Road Trip Snack will keep you energized and satisfied.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 270mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 8%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve the Tennessee Road Trip Snack

This snack is designed to be enjoyed on the go, but here are a few fun ideas to elevate your snack game:

• With a Cold Drink: Pair it with a chilled iced tea, lemonade, or a fizzy soda for a refreshing combo.
• Roadside Picnic: Take your snack to the next level with a quick roadside picnic. Grab a blanket and some fresh fruit, and enjoy your snack mix in the great outdoors.
• For Movie Night: This snack mix is perfect for a movie marathon at home. Grab a big bowl and share it with family and friends.

Additional Tips

• Make It Sweeter: If you have a serious sweet tooth, feel free to add more chocolate or sprinkle some sugar over the nuts before adding them to the mix.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can swap the M&Ms for dark chocolate chips and use unsweetened dried fruit.
• Storage Tips: This snack mix stores wonderfully in an airtight container for up to a week. You can even pre-pack individual portions for easy access while on the road.
• Portion Control: While it’s hard to stop snacking, portioning out your snack into small bags will help you avoid overindulging on those long drives.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can prep this snack mix a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to a week.

Q2: What other nuts can I use?
A2: You can use any nuts you like! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios would all be great additions to the mix.

Q3: Can I make this snack mix gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free pretzels and check that the granola is gluten-free.

Q4: Is there a nut-free version?
A4: Absolutely! You can skip the nuts entirely and replace them with additional granola, seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds), or even some crunchy chickpeas for a little protein.

Q5: How long does this snack last?
A5: The snack mix will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Q6: Can I add fresh fruit instead of dried?
A6: Fresh fruit will add extra moisture and isn’t ideal for this mix. Stick with dried fruit for the best texture and shelf life.

Q7: Can I add savory seasonings?
A7: Yes! You can add a dash of seasoning like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra flavor. It’s totally customizable to your taste.

Q8: What is the best way to pack this for a road trip?
A8: Pack the snack mix in resealable snack bags or small containers to make it easy to grab while on the go.

Q9: Can I make this snack mix vegan?
A9: Yes! Just use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether, and you’ll have a tasty, vegan-friendly version.

Q10: Is this snack mix kid-friendly?
A10: Absolutely! Kids will love the sweet and salty combo, and it’s a great option for long drives or school lunches.

Conclusion

The Tennessee Road Trip Snack is the perfect travel companion. With its balance of salty, sweet, and crunchy goodness, it’s a snack mix that will keep you satisfied no matter where the road takes you. So pack up your bag, hit the highway, and enjoy the journey with this delicious and easy-to-make snack!

Print