My Texas Grandma’s Secret to the Holiday Snack Mix She’s Been Making for Decades

Some memories stick with us forever—like the smell of Grandpa’s chili or the taste of Mom’s chicken casserole. Certain foods don’t just live in our taste buds; they find a place in our hearts. For me, one of those unforgettable foods is my grandma’s party mix. You might know it as Chex Mix, but the name varies depending on where you’re from. Some call it “Nuts & Bolts,” others simply “Party Mix.” I even have a friend whose family calls it “Junk.” In the South, many folks refer to it as “Trash,” possibly because it’s often mixed and stored in large disposable containers or bags. My grandma, being the proud Texan she is, dubbed it “Texas Trash” because, as she says, “you can throw anything into it.”

No matter what you call it, Chex Party Mix has been a holiday party staple for decades. When I was a kid, my grandma would make this in a huge turkey roaster and bag it up for all her “grandbabies.” Even after we moved to a different state, she kept the tradition alive by mailing us bags of her famous mix. One year, she even managed to get it through New Zealand’s infamously strict customs department when I was living there, forever cementing her legendary grandma status.

My Grandma’s Secret to the Best-Ever Chex Party Mix

Everyone I know has their own Chex Mix iteration they’re proud of, adding everything from bagel chips to Cheerios to my family’s favorite—Bugles. And with so many Chex cereal flavors available now, the flavor possibilities are endless. But nothing beats my grandma’s secret ingredient: bacon grease.

Most traditional recipes for Chex Mix include butter, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned salt, but bacon grease takes it to a whole new level. I discovered her secret after finding her recipe in her church’s “Jubilee Cookbook” from 1996.

I had always wondered what made Grandma’s version so irresistible, but I just assumed it was “Grandma magic.” Turns out, Grandma’s magic is bacon grease.

Why Does Bacon Grease Make Chex Party Mix Better?

It’s no secret that bacon makes everything better, but have you ever considered why? What makes it such a flavor powerhouse in everything from biscuits to green beans? In culinary school, we learned that “fat equals flavor.” Fat carries and enhances other flavors by coating your taste buds and prolonging the deliciousness.

Bacon is also an umami bomb of sorts, delivering rich, savory flavor while amplifying the depth of other ingredients. Its smokiness adds complexity and a touch of earthiness.

All of these factors (plus a generous helping of nostalgia) come together to make an ordinary snack mix unforgettable. Even if you don’t regularly cook with bacon, it’s a natural fit for holiday breakfasts. So while you’re whipping up something like Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Sandwiches or a Spinach & Bacon Quiche, remember to save those bacon drippings. Store them in a mug or jar in the fridge for up to three months, and they’ll be ready the next time you make Chex Party Mix.

I can’t promise your batch will survive international customs, but I can assure you it will be the best party mix you’ve ever tasted.