Cheesy taco goldfish snack mix is the perfect crunchy and salty snack for Taco Tuesday – or any day that your kids need something to munch.
This post was originally sponsored through Collective Bias, Inc. in 2016. It was updated in 2021 with additional ingredients.
After-school snacks are a must in my house. Sitting down to take a break between school and homework gives me a chance to ask my kids about their day and gives them a boost of energy so they can focus. This cheesy taco Goldfish® snack mix is a great option. It’s easy to make and everyone will love it.
My kids are getting older, but with one in fifth grade and one in seventh grade, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed since kindergarten. When they get home from school, they’re both tired and hungry.
I love having a yummy snack ready for them, especially if we have another activity later in the evening. Simple semi-homemade recipes are the best because they require little effort, but feel special.
After-school conversation starters
Most afternoons, we all sit down at the dining table and chat about everyone’s day while snacking. I ask the hard questions, like “What did you do today?” If your kids are like mine, they will probably say that they didn’t do anything or can’t remember it.
I’ve found that being very specific helps, even if I’m just asking yes-or-no questions. That gets the ball rolling for follow-up questions they’re happy to answer.
- Did you go to the library today? What book did you get?
- Was your lunch good today? Who did you sit by?
- Were you able to go outside for recess? What did you play?
- Do you think you did well on your math test? What did you do after the test?
When kids are tired and hungry, it’s easy for them to forget the details or not care about them. (Adults are the same way.) Fill their tummies and you will at least hear a few details.
I came up with this cheesy taco Goldfish snack mix recipe for a snack that’s big on flavor but easy to make. These little crackers always put a smile on my kids’ faces.
This recipe makes a pretty big batch, but I have a feeling they’ll disappear pretty quickly.
It also uses my favorite homemade taco seasoning blend, which I use in a lot of other recipes too.
How to make taco Goldfish snack mix
Ingredients
- taco seasoning mix:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups Xtra Cheddar Goldfish crackers
- 3 cups Parmesan Goldfish crackers
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup rye chips
- 1 cup oyster crackers
Instructions
Start by combining the 7 ingredients for the taco seasoning mix in a jar with a lid. Shake to mix and set aside.
In a large pot on the stove, melt the butter. You could also do this in the microwave if you have a large enough microwave-safe bowl, but I like to use my giant pot because it’s easier to stir.
Next, add all of the taco seasoning mixture to the melted butter and stir to combine thoroughly. Turn off the stove burner and preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add both types of Goldfish crackers, pretzels, rye chips, and oyster crackers to the pot. Toss gently to thoroughly mix the seasoning with the crackers.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour out the snack mix. Spread it evenly on the baking sheet. If it’s really full, you might want to divide it between two baking sheets.
Put the snack mix in the oven and bake at 250 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring carefully at the halfway point.
When it comes out of the oven, let the snack mix cool for about 15 minutes and then remove it from the pan. If you’re serving it right away, a big bowl is nice. It can also be stored in an air-tight container until snack time and should keep for several days at room temperature.
This crunchy cheesy Goldfish snack mix is great by itself or alongside other snacks, like fresh fruit.
Printable recipe
Cheesy taco Goldfish® snack mix
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups Xtra Cheddar Goldfish® crackers
- 3 cups Parmesan Goldfish® crackers
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup rye chips
- 1 cup oyster crackers
taco seasoning mix:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all 7 ingredients for the taco seasoning mix in a jar with a lid. Shake to combine and set aside.
- In a large pot on the stove, melt the butter.
- Add all of the taco seasoning mix to the melted butter and stir to combine thoroughly. Turn off the stove burner and preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add both types of Goldfish crackers, pretzels, rye chips, and oyster crackers to the pot. Toss gently to thoroughly mix the seasoning with the crackers.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and pour out the snack mix. Spread it evenly on the baking sheet. If it's really full, you might want to divide it between two baking sheets.
- Put the snack mix in the oven and bake at 250 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring carefully at the halfway point.
- When it comes out of the oven, let the snack mix cool for about 15 minutes and then remove it from the pan. Serve right away or store in an air-tight container at room temperature.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
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