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–+ servings
Tid Bits
Tid-Bits are a classic mid-century party snack, the kind that quietly appeared on tables at card clubs, holiday gatherings, and potlucks long before snack mixes were sold in bags. Built from simple pantry cereals and peanuts, this version is bound together with a bold, savory sauce of butter, bacon drippings, Worcestershire, and Tabasco, then slowly baked until every piece is deeply toasted and seasoned. The low oven and frequent stirring create an evenly crisp, craveable mix that’s rich, salty, and gently spicy. It’s the kind of snack that disappears faster than expected, remembered as much for its aroma as its addictive crunch.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients
  

Snack Mix:

  • ½ box Rice Chex (about 3 cups)
  • ½ box Wheat Chex (about 3 cups)
  • ½ box Cheerios (about 3 cups)
  • 1 cup peanuts

Sauce:

  • 1 stick butter ( or oleo, melted)
  • ½ cup bacon drippings (melted)
  • 1 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1 tsp onion salt
  • 2 tbsp Tabasco sauce
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a very large bowl, combine Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, Cheerios, and peanuts.
  • Toss gently to distribute evenly.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  • In a saucepan, melt butter and bacon drippings together over low heat.
  • Stir in garlic salt, celery salt, onion salt, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Mix until fully blended.

Step 3: Combine

  • Pour the warm sauce over the cereal mixture.
  • Stir carefully until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake Slowly

  • Spread mixture in a large roasting pan.
  • Bake at 250°F for 1 hour.
  • Stir every 15 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

  • Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  • Store in an airtight container once fully cooled.

Tips

  • Add pretzel sticks for extra crunch.
  • Use mixed nuts instead of peanuts for variety.
  • Reduce Tabasco for a milder version.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
  • Try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
  • Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
  • Make a double batch for large gatherings.
  • Store up to one week in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 6gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 0.6mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 3.2mg
Keyword baked snack, comfort snack, party mix, potluck food, retro recipe, savory, vintage snack
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