Pin This A festive, crunchy snack mix with a sweet apple-cider glaze, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
This snack mix has always been a hit at our family gatherings, bringing everyone together over a bowl of this sweet and crunchy treat.
Ingredients
- Dry Mix: 3 cups rice cereal squares (such as Rice Chex), 2 cups mini pretzels, 1 cup honey roasted peanuts, 1 cup dried apple chips broken into bite-sized pieces, 1 cup popcorn (plain air-popped)
- Cider Glaze: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar packed, 1/4 cup sparkling apple cider (non-alcoholic), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts, apple chips, and popcorn Gently toss to mix
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat Stir in brown sugar, sparkling cider, cinnamon, and salt Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, for 2 3 minutes until slightly thickened Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract
- Step 4:
- Immediately pour the cider glaze over the dry mix Toss gently with a spatula until evenly coated
- Step 5:
- Spread the mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet
- Step 6:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the mix is golden and crisp
- Step 7:
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet The mix will crisp as it cools
- Step 8:
- Once cooled, break into clusters if needed and serve or store in an airtight container
Pin This This recipe has brought joy to every holiday when the family gathers around to snack and share stories.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or swap honey roasted peanuts with candied pecans Substitute apple chips with dried cranberries for a tangy twist This mix pairs well with sparkling cider or festive mocktails
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, saucepan, baking sheet, parchment paper, spatula
Nutritional Information
Calories 255 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 4 g per serving
Pin This Enjoy this festive snack mix at your next party for a crunchy sweet treat that guests will love
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I substitute any ingredients in the mix?
Yes, you can replace honey roasted peanuts with candied pecans for a sweeter crunch or swap dried apple chips for dried cranberries to add a tangy flavor.
- → How do I achieve the perfect crispiness?
Bake at 300°F for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Allow the mix to cool completely to develop a crisp texture.
- → Is it necessary to use sparkling cider in the glaze?
Sparkling cider adds a unique fizzy sweetness and depth, but you can try using plain apple cider for a similar effect.
- → How should I store the mix to keep it fresh?
Store the cooled mix in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve its crunch and flavor.
- → Are there common allergens in this snack mix?
This mix contains peanuts, milk (from butter), and gluten (from pretzels and cereal). Check labels for specifics if needed.