Save It A festive, crunchy snack mix with a sweet apple-cider glaze, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
This party mix has become a favorite at every celebration I've hosted. It's always a hit!
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 the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine dry mix:
- In a large bowl, combine rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts, apple chips, and popcorn. Gently toss to mix.
- Make cider 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.
- Coat mix:
- Immediately pour the cider glaze over the dry mix. Toss gently with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Spread mix:
- 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 It This mix brings my family together every holiday season with smiles and full bowls.
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 It Enjoy this crunchy snack for every festive occasion for a sweet and savory treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cider is used in the glaze?
Non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider is used to create a sweet and bubbly glaze that enhances the snack mix's flavor.
- → Can I substitute the peanuts for other nuts?
Yes, candied pecans or other nuts can replace honey roasted peanuts to give the mix a different flavor profile.
- → How do I ensure the snack mix remains crispy?
After baking, allow the mix to cool completely on the baking sheet; this helps it crisp up and maintain texture.
- → What are some flavor variations for this mix?
Adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping dried apple chips with dried cranberries offers a tangy or warm spiced twist.
- → Is this snack suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, all ingredients used in the mix are vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for those following vegetarian eating plans.