Save A festive, crunchy snack mix with a sweet apple-cider glaze, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
This mix is a go-to for entertaining because it combines sweet and crunchy textures that everyone loves.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine rice cereal pretzels peanuts apple chips and popcorn. Gently toss to mix.
- Make Glaze:
- 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.
- Combine:
- Immediately pour the cider glaze over the dry mix. Toss gently with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Spread on Baking Sheet:
- Spread the mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes stirring once halfway through until the mix is golden and crisp.
- Cool:
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will crisp as it cools.
- Serve:
- Once cooled break into clusters if needed and serve or store in an airtight container.
Save This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays with its nostalgic flavors and crunch.
Notes
For extra flavor add a pinch of nutmeg or swap honey roasted peanuts with candied pecans. 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
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This party mix is a delicious and easy snack that perfects any gathering.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What gives the mix its sweet flavor?
The sweet flavor comes from a warm sparkling cider glaze made with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- → Can I substitute dried apple chips with other dried fruits?
Yes, dried cranberries make a great tangy alternative to dried apple chips in the mix.
- → How long should the mix bake for optimal crunch?
Bake the mix for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until it's golden and crisp throughout.
- → Is this snack suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients used in this mix are vegetarian-friendly.
- → What tools are needed to prepare this snack?
A large mixing bowl, saucepan, baking sheet, parchment paper, and spatula are required for preparation.