Parmesan Munchie Mix

While in L.A. this week, we stopped in to visit my folks, and Mom greeted us with a glass of wine and a big bowl of this Parmesan Munchy Mix. Good Mom. This stuff was so very good; so very very addicting. She got the recipe from her Taste of Home magazine, and I applaud the good sense she had to make it for us. There are very few ingredients, and it goes together in a snap. I love this kind of stuff…it’s quintessential bar food…popcorn, cheddar goldfish, pretzels, Cheerios (surprisingly good in this) all brought together with a little melted butter, garlic salt and parmesan cheese. Next time I might throw in a few peanuts or cashews or something.

While munching away, I was thinking of all the possible fun applications for this tasty little mix. Kids would love this stuff as an after-school snack, and it’s portable – good car food. I can imagine that a handful of this could chase away those afternoon hunger pangs and more than a handful would be great while watching the Olympics.

This recipe makes about 10 cups of mix, which although seems like a lot, it’s not nearly enough.

For a printable recipe, click here

8 cups popped corn

4 cups Cheerios

3 cups mini pretzels or sticks

1 6.6 oz pkg cheddar goldfish

1/3 cup melted butter

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp garlic salt

In an ungreased roasting pan, combine the popcorn, Cheerios, pretzels and crackers. Combine the remaining ingredients; pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat.

Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.