Nuts n’ bolts are a classic go to party snack. This recipe is a healthier vegan and GF spin on that same crunchy and deliciously salty treat.

If you’re not gluten free than you don’t have to worry about getting GF pretzels or using tamari instead of soy sauce.

To make this recipe vegan we are obviously using vegan butter in place of regular butter. If you cant find vegan butter its totally fine to use a refined coconut oil. I say refined because the virgin coconut oils have a coconut smell and flavor that you don’t want in this savory recipe. If you dont mind that coconut flavor, feel free to use virgin coconut oil if that all that you have on hand.

As previously mentioned, if you’re not GF, go ahead and use soy sauce or nama shoyu in place of tamari. When buying tamari, always read the label, as some brands may contain gluten.

When it comes to cheerios, the brand name ones aren’t technically vegan. They are fortified with vitamin D that is derived from wool grease. Yes, I sounds totally gross, but it is what it is. In this case, I just buy cheerio like cereals that are vegan. If you are oaky with using regular cheerios that works too.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp nutritional yeast

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp tamari

1 tsp onion powder

 1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup vegan butter of choice or coconut oil

4 cups Chex cereal or similar cereal, I use chex gluten free

2 cups vegan Cheerios cereal or similar cereal

2 cup pretzels, make sure they’re vegan and GF if you need (I use GF)

3/4 cup pumpkin seeds, almond, or whatever seeds or nuts you like

3/4 cup cashews

Procedure:

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl mix together the chex cereal, cheerios, pretzels, pumpkin seeds, and cashews. Set aside.

In a small pot or pan, melt vegan butter or coconut oil over medium heat. Once its melted, add the next 5 ingredients. Stir until everything is completely combined. This only takes about 20-30 seconds.

Remove from heat and pour directly over the snack mixture. Gently toss together until everything is evenly coated with the butter mixture. I usually just use my hands to do this but a spoon or rubber spatula work as well.

Spread everything onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring mixture every 15 minutes.

The mix should turn evenly golden and crisp up. This may seem like a long time and a low temperature, but it is all totally necessary. The low temp allows everything to evenly toast without anything burning. Frequent 15 minute stirring intervals assure this party mix will be fully crunchy, no soggy bits, and it will be evenly seasoned.

Remove from oven. Let cool before serving or storing in an airtight container. Enjoy! 😀