Save A festive, crunchy snack mix with a sweet apple-cider glaze, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
Preparing this mix always gets everyone excited at family get-togethers and holiday celebrations.
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.
Save We always enjoy making this mix together and sharing stories while the sweet aroma fills the kitchen.
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
Save This Party Mix makes for a delightful snack that keeps guests coming back for more.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives the snack mix its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from a glaze made with brown sugar, sparkling apple cider, and a touch of vanilla extract.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients in the dry mix?
Yes, dried apple chips can be swapped for dried cranberries, and honey roasted peanuts can be replaced with candied pecans for different flavors.
- → How do I ensure the snack mix stays crunchy?
Bake the coated mix until golden and crisp, then allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking into clusters.
- → Is this snack mix suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin, making it vegetarian-friendly.
- → What allergen information should be considered?
This mix contains peanuts, milk (from butter), and gluten (from pretzels and possibly cereal). Check labels if needed.