Savory pizza trail mix

This pizza trail mix is a savory snack that brings the bold flavors of a classic pizza into a crunchy, easy-to-carry form perfect for movie nights, road trips, or midday cravings. It’s my top choice when I want something flavorful and satisfying without reaching for chips or sweets.

I whipped this mix up during a family game night and everyone kept going back for more. It’s the kind of snack that feels special but is actually super simple to make.

Ingredients

• Nutritional yeast: adds a cheesy, savory touch so essential to capturing the pizza vibe. Look for a fresh, vibrant batch to avoid clumping
• Dried Italian seasoning: brings in the familiar blend of oregano, basil, and thyme—choose one with visible bits instead of a fine powder for better aroma
• Sea salt: enhances all the flavors naturally, and garlic and onion powder offer depth without overpowering
• Cashews: provide creaminess and softness, while almonds add crunch and a subtle sweetness
• Walnuts: contribute earthiness and texture that gives complexity to each handful
• Olive oil: helps the seasoning stick and adds a light richness—opt for a fruity extra virgin variety
• Sun-dried tomatoes: are the star little bursts of tomato flavor that evoke the pizza sauce; choose oil-packed and drain to keep the mix from getting greasy

Instructions

Begin By Preheating Your Oven:

Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a moderate heat that toasts nuts evenly without burning.

Prepare The Seasoning Blend:

Whisk nutritional yeast, dried Italian seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder together in a small bowl. This mix creates all the pizza flavor notes in one.

Combine The Nuts:

Place cashews, almonds, and walnuts in a medium bowl. Stir gently to mix them so every bite has a good variety.

Coat Nuts in Olive Oil and Seasoning:

Drizzle olive oil over the nuts then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly. Stir thoroughly so the coat covers every nut and prevents dryness.

Arrange On Baking Sheet:

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and spread your nut mixture in a single layer. Crowding will cause uneven roasting.

Bake Until Toasted:

Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye to prevent burning; nuts should smell fragrant and be deep golden.

Cool Then Add Sun-dried Tomatoes:

Remove the nuts and let them cool completely to crisp up. Fold in the sun-dried tomatoes after cooling so they do not burn and retain their chewy texture.

Pack and Store:

Transfer your finished mix into an airtight container for freshness and portability.

My favorite part of this mix is the nutritional yeast which transforms ordinary nuts into cheesy morsels that instantly remind me of Saturday pizza nights when I experimented with this snack for the first time.

Storage tips

Store your trail mix in a cool, dry place inside a tightly sealed container to keep it crunchy and prevent the nuts from absorbing moisture. If your kitchen is warm, the refrigerator works well; just bring it back to room temperature before snacking.

Ingredient swaps

If you want a different nut profile try pecans instead of walnuts for a sweeter, buttery note or pistachios for a hint of earthiness. You can also swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers chopped finely to mix things up.

Serving ideas

Serve alongside sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing snack break. This mix also works great sprinkled over salads for added texture or paired with a mild cheese platter for entertaining.

I learned the hard way that the timing and temperature for roasting nuts matters. A few minutes too long and they get bitter, too short and they stay soft. Also, never skip toasting the spices before tossing because it wakes up their aroma and flavor. A little care here turns a simple snack into something you crave over and over.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different nuts in this mix?

Yes, feel free to substitute or add nuts like pecans or pistachios to tailor the texture and flavor to your liking.

→ How does nutritional yeast affect the flavor?

Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy, nutty depth that enhances the pizza-inspired profile without overpowering the mix.

→ What’s the best way to store this trail mix?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, to maintain its crunch and freshness for up to two weeks.

→ Can I add a spicy kick to the mix?

Absolutely, a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper stirred in before baking adds a pleasant heat to balance the savory flavors.

→ What’s the purpose of baking the nut mixture?

Baking gently toasts the nuts and melds the seasoning, developing richer flavors and a more satisfying crunch.