Short Description
This Sweet and Salty Holiday Snack Mix is the perfect festive treat, combining crunchy, salty, and sweet ingredients for an irresistible bite. It’s great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply snacking during the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make in under 30 minutes
- A perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
- Ideal for holiday parties, movie nights, or gifts
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins
- No baking required
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pretzels
- Chex cereal (corn or rice)
- Popcorn
- Peanuts or mixed nuts
- Holiday-themed M&Ms
- White chocolate or almond bark
- Sprinkles (optional for extra festive flair)
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients by spreading pretzels, Chex cereal, popcorn, and nuts on a large baking sheet.
- Melt the white chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the snack mix, tossing gently to coat.
- Add M&Ms and sprinkles while the chocolate is still warm.
- Let the mix set at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Break into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 10–12 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 15–20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy-Sweet Mix: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or cinnamon to the chocolate for a kick.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap nuts for sunflower seeds or extra cereal.
- Extra Crunchy: Add broken-up graham crackers or caramel corn.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?
Yes! It stays fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.
What type of chocolate works best?
White chocolate or almond bark melts well and coats evenly, but you can use dark or milk chocolate too.
Can I use a different cereal?
Absolutely! Cheerios, Golden Grahams, or any crunchy cereal work well.
How do I prevent the mix from clumping?
Toss gently while the chocolate is setting to avoid large clumps.
Can I use colored candy melts?
Yes, red and green candy melts add a fun holiday touch.
Is this mix gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pretzels and cereal for a gluten-free version.
What’s the best way to package this for gifts?
Fill holiday-themed bags or jars and tie them with festive ribbons.
Can I add dried fruit?
Yes! Dried cranberries or raisins add a chewy texture.
How can I make this mix healthier?
Use whole-grain cereal, dark chocolate, and unsalted nuts.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, just spread the mix over multiple trays for easy coating.
Conclusion
This Sweet and Salty Holiday Snack Mix is a festive and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or packaging it as a homemade gift, its crunchy, chocolatey goodness is always a hit. Try different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy a holiday snack everyone will love!
PrintSweet and Salty Holiday Snack Mix
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet and Salty Holiday Snack Mix is the ultimate festive treat! It combines crunchy pretzels, popcorn, nuts, and cereal with sweet chocolate and candy pieces for the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a party, holiday movie night, or gifting in cute jars, this mix is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 3 cups mini pretzels
- 3 cups popcorn (plain or lightly salted)
- 2 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (or mixed nuts)
- 1 cup holiday-colored M&M’s
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips (optional)
- 1 cup melted white or dark chocolate (for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for extra saltiness)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Mix:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pretzels, popcorn, Chex cereal, nuts, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, marshmallows, and peanut butter chips (if using).
-
Melt the Chocolate:
- Melt white or dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
-
Drizzle & Toss:
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the mix and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired for an extra flavor boost.
-
Set & Serve:
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden.
- Once set, break into chunks and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Make it extra festive! Use holiday-themed M&M’s, sprinkles, or colored chocolate drizzles.
- For a healthier version: Swap M&M’s for dark chocolate chips and reduce the chocolate drizzle.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Gifting Idea: Package in mason jars or holiday bags with a festive ribbon for a fun homemade gift!
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