Party Snacks – Nuts and Bolts Recipe

Nuts and bolts are a classic snack and a throw back to when our parents partied hard in the 70’s, long before store bought snack mixes like bits and bites hit the shelf.

blue bowl of nuts and bolts

Let’s just make sure we’re all on the same page. If you look closely at the mix in the bowl above, you’ll notice there are no nuts in nuts and bolts. As you probably are aware, that’s because the name is a mechanical reference – the pretzels are like bolts that fit into the cheerios which are the nuts. Get it. Traditionally, there are no nuts in nuts and bolts! But hey – if you want to add nuts, go for it! Just give anyone with a nut allergy a heads up.

fish crackers in nuts and bolts

By the way, I don’t think fishy crackers are traditional either, but these little guys just lined up and jumped into the bowl!  Just goes to show, you can customize this party snack any way you want.

Recipe for Nuts and Bolts

blue bowl of nuts and bolts
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Nuts and Bolts

A classic savoury snack food for a crowd that's also perfect for bundling up as gifts from the kitchen. Easy to prepare and just as easy to kick up the spice level if you'd like!
Prep : 10 minutes
Cook : 1 hour
Servings: 16 cups

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Toasted O’s
  • 2 1/2 cups Whole wheat squares
  • 2 cups Rice cereal squares
  • 1 cup Spoon-sized shredded wheat
  • 1 cup Whole grain cheddar cheese fish crackers
  • 4 1/2 cups Pretzel sticks
  • Spice Mix
  • 3/4 cup Butter
  • 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic powder
  • 2 tsp Celery salt
  • 1 Tbsp Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  • In a very large bowl, combine cereal, crackers and pretzels.
  • Combine spice mix ingredients in a saucepan and heat until melted and well mixed.
  • Pour over mixture a bit at a time stirring well each time.
  • Stir to coat well.
  • Spread on ungreased rimmed baking sheets or large roasting pans.
  • Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour or butter has baked on thoroughly.

Notes

Change up proportions of each ingredient as you prefer. 
Yield 16 cups (one ice cream pail)
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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 441kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 1103mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 7g | Iron: 20mg
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bits and bites, cereal, nuts and bolts

I bet you know someone in your circle that prefers savoury over sweet any day of the week. Homemade nuts and bolts would make an ideal gift from the kitchen for them. Just package up a bunch in a large baggy or jar and you’ll win them over for life! They’ll appreciate it just as much as your sweets loving friend appreciates a stack of cookies or brownies.

gift wrapped nuts and bolts
Perfect gift from the kitchen for those who prefer savoury over sweet.

More Savoury Snacks

For even more Gifts from the Kitchen, see the list of all 50 ideas here.

nuts and bolts close up

Sign up to get articles by Getty delivered to your inbox. You’ll get recipes, practical tips and great food information like this. Getty is a Professional Home Economist,  speaker and writer putting good food on tables and agendas.  She is the author of Manitoba’s best-selling Prairie Fruit Cookbook, Founder of Fruit Share, a mom and veggie gardener.

2 Comments

  1. I just saw you on CTV this morning for the 1st time – I really like your techniques, recipes and your presentation! I also signed up for your newsletter and I’m looking forward to following more innovative ideas from your kitchen – thank you so much for this delightful surprise :-))

    1. Awe,thanks Teresa! I’m glad you found me and my blog and hope you’ll find recipes and information that you’ll try and enjoy! All the best. Getty

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