Festive Sweet and Salty Holiday Snack Mix Recipe for Joy!

Crafting a holiday snack mix that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors for instant crowd-pleasing delight.

Crunchy pretzels and chocolate-drizzled nuts create an irresistible combination that sparks festive cheer.

Unexpected ingredients mingle in this addictive treat, promising a memorable snacking experience.

Every handful delivers a delightful texture explosion that keeps you reaching for more.

holiday gatherings demand something special, and this mix checks all the boxes.

Guests will marvel at your culinary creativity and beg for the recipe.

You won’t be able to stop munching on this irresistible seasonal sensation.

Why Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix Is Addictively Good

• Festive Flavor Explosion: This snack mix delivers an irresistible combination of sweet chocolate, salty pretzels, and crunchy nuts that dance perfectly on your taste buds during holiday celebrations.
• Super Easy Preparation: Mix all ingredients in one bowl without any complicated cooking steps, making it ideal for quick holiday entertaining or last-minute gatherings with minimal effort required.
• Kid and Adult Crowd-Pleaser: The colorful mix of M&Ms, marshmallows, and crunchy elements creates a universal treat that appeals to all ages, from children to grandparents, ensuring everyone enjoys the same delightful snack.
• Customizable Crowd Delight: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding personal favorites, allowing you to create a unique version that matches your family's specific taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

• Chex Cereal: Classic crispy base that adds crunch and texture to the snack mix.
• Pretzels: Salty component that provides a satisfying crunch and contrast to sweet elements.
• Peanuts: Adds protein, nutty flavor, and extra crunchiness to the mix.

• M&Ms, Mini Marshmallows: Colorful candy pieces that bring sweetness and playful texture.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart and chewy fruit that offers a holiday-inspired flavor profile.

• None mentioned in the recipe instructions.

Quick Instructions For Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

Step 1: Prep Your Mixing Station

Grab a spacious mixing bowl that gives you plenty of room to toss and combine ingredients. Make sure your bowl is clean and dry.

Step 2: Pour in the Crunchy Base

• Chex cereal
• Pretzels
• Peanuts

Step 3: Sprinkle in the Sweet Delights

• M&Ms
• Mini marshmallows
• Dried cranberries (optional)

Step 4: Mix and Mingle

Use a large spoon or clean hands to carefully mix all the ingredients. Ensure that each piece gets a chance to dance with the others, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the snack mix to a serving bowl or individual snack bags. This festive treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or just a delightful munching experience.

Storage Tip:

Keep the snack mix in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness. It stays fresh for up to a week at room temperature.

• Swap out M&Ms for chocolate chips
• Add white chocolate drizzle
• Include roasted coconut flakes
• Experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews

Enjoy your delectable holiday snack mix!

Pro Tips For Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

• Customize Your Mix: Swap out ingredients based on dietary preferences or allergies, like using gluten-free pretzels or nut-free alternatives for a personalized snack.
• Perfect Texture Balance: Ensure an even distribution of ingredients by gently folding the mix to prevent crushing delicate items like marshmallows.
• Maintain Freshness: Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to preserve its crispy and chewy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the mix in advance for holiday gatherings, allowing flavors to meld and saving time during busy entertaining moments.
• Portion Control Pro: Use small mason jars or festive bags to create individual servings, making it easy to pack as gifts or party favors.

How To Store And Reheat Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

• Refrigerate: Store leftover snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping it crisp and fresh.
• Prevent Staleness: Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain the crunch of pretzels and cereal.
• Room Temperature: Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve the texture of marshmallows and chocolate M&Ms.
• Freezing Option: Seal the mix in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 weeks, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn.

Tasty Pairings For Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

• Craft a Chocolate Drink Companion: Pair this sweet and salty snack mix with a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The creamy chocolate balances the crunchy, tangy mix perfectly.
• Select a Festive Wine Match: Grab a light-bodied Pinot Noir that complements the mix's sweet and salty profile. Its subtle fruitiness enhances the cranberries and chocolate elements.
• Brew a Seasonal Coffee Partner: Prepare a vanilla-infused latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The warm, smooth coffee creates a delightful contrast to the mix's textured crunch.
• Spark a Sparkling Beverage Twist: Choose a crisp prosecco or sparkling apple cider. The bubbles cut through the snack's richness while adding a festive holiday touch.

Twists To Try With Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

• Sweet Crunch Holiday Blend: Swap M&Ms with white chocolate chips and add crushed candy canes for a festive winter-themed mix.
• Nutty Winter Medley: Replace peanuts with pecans or almonds, and include toasted coconut flakes for extra richness and texture.
• Tropical Holiday Splash: Substitute dried cranberries with dried pineapple chunks, add macadamia nuts, and sprinkle in some coconut shavings for a Hawaiian-inspired snack.
• Chocolate Lover's Holiday Treat: Mix in dark chocolate chunks, add cocoa-dusted almonds, and include chocolate-covered espresso beans for an indulgent version with a caffeine kick.

Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix FAQs

• Can I use different types of cereal in this mix?

Absolutely! You can swap out Chex for Cheerios, Rice Krispies, or any similar crispy cereal that holds up well in a snack mix.

• Is this snack mix kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the colorful M&Ms and sweet marshmallows. It’s a fun treat that’s easy to munch on and great for holiday parties or movie nights.

• How long will this snack mix stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this mix stays crunchy and delicious for about 3-5 days. Just make sure to seal the container tightly to maintain its texture.

• Can I make this mix ahead of time for holiday gifts?

Definitely! This snack mix makes an awesome homemade gift. Pack it in cute holiday tins or clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for a personal touch that everyone will love.

Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Craving a delightful holiday snack mix that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors? This crowd-pleasing blend combines festive ingredients for an irresistible treat that will have guests reaching for more. You’ll love how easily this mix comes together and satisfies every snacking craving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (90 g / 3.17 ounces) Chex cereal (any variety)
• 2 cups (60 g / 2.12 ounces) pretzel twists or sticks
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.23 ounces) roasted peanuts (or mixed nuts)
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.23 ounces) red and green M&Ms (or your favorite candy)

Soft Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 g / 3.53 ounces) mini marshmallows
• ½ cup (60 g / 2.12 ounces) dried cranberries (optional)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (180 g / 6.35 ounces) white chocolate chips or candy melts

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a festive foundation for your snack blend.
2. Tumble the crisp Chex cereal into the bowl, ensuring an even base for the mix.
3. Scatter pretzels throughout the cereal, creating a crunchy textural counterpoint.
4. Sprinkle roasted peanuts generously, adding a robust nutty dimension to the mixture.
5. Dot the landscape with colorful M&Ms, introducing vibrant bursts of chocolate sweetness.
6. Gently fold in mini marshmallows, their pillowy softness contrasting with the crunchier elements.
7. If desired, incorporate dried cranberries to infuse a tart, fruity brightness into the holiday medley.
8. Carefully toss all ingredients, ensuring each morsel is evenly distributed for a perfect bite-sized experience.
9. Transfer the finished mix to a serving container, ready to delight guests with its playful combination of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Customize the mix by swapping out M&Ms for seasonal color variations like red and green for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter.
• Toast the nuts beforehand to enhance their natural flavor and add a subtle crunch that elevates the entire snack mix.
• Store the mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the cereal from becoming stale, keeping it crispy for several days.
• Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the mix for an extra indulgent touch that adds elegance and richness to the holiday treat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg