Festive Sweet & Salty Holiday Snack Mix Recipe for Joy

Crunch and celebration dance together in this irresistible sweet and salty holiday snack mix that sparks joy at every gathering.

Winter parties demand something special and memorable.

Our snack mix blends unexpected flavors that delight taste buds with each handful.

Chocolate, pretzels, and festive candies create a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

The combination feels like a festive symphony in your mouth.

Each bite tells a delicious story of seasonal cheer.

You’ll find yourself reaching for more of this addictive treat that brings smiles and happiness to any holiday moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 11

Grab These For Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

• Chex Cereal: Provides a light, crispy foundation that absorbs flavors beautifully and adds delightful texture to the mix.
• Pretzels: Delivers a satisfying salty crunch that balances the sweetness and adds a classic snack element.

• Peanuts: Introduces a rich, hearty crunch with protein-packed goodness and a warm, roasted flavor profile.

• M&Ms: Brings vibrant color, chocolate sweetness, and playful candy pieces that make the mix festive and fun.
• Mini Marshmallows: Creates soft, pillowy bites of sweetness that melt slightly and add a fun textural contrast.
• Dried Cranberries: Offers a tangy-sweet burst of fruity flavor and a beautiful deep red color to complement the mix.

Tools To Use For Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for tossing and combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for gently stirring and mixing the snack mix without crushing delicate ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately portioning out cereal, nuts, and other components.
• Baking sheet or large serving platter: Great for spreading and presenting the final snack mix.
• Optional: Airtight container: Handy for storing leftover mix and keeping it fresh.

How To Make Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix Step By Step

• Snack Symphony

Grab a spacious bowl and get ready to create a holiday flavor explosion. This mix will dance on your taste buds with a perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and salty goodness that screams festive celebration.

• Ingredient Avalanche

Tumble all your chosen goodies into the bowl – crispy Chex, twisty pretzels, crunchy peanuts, colorful M&Ms, fluffy mini marshmallows, and tangy dried cranberries. Let them mingle and get cozy with each other.

• Chocolate Drizzle Magic

Melt chocolate in short microwave bursts, stirring between each interval until smooth and glossy. Drizzle the liquid chocolate over your snack mountain, creating delicious ribbons that will bind everything together.

• Cooling Transformation

Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, watching as it turns from liquid to a beautiful shell coating each morsel. The mix will become a cohesive treat that’s impossible to resist.

• Holiday Celebration

Break the mix into chunks and serve in festive bowls. Watch as friends and family dive into this irresistible snack that captures the joy and spirit of the holiday season.

Best Tips To Tweak Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

• Festive Mix Magic: Gently fold ingredients to prevent crushing delicate cereal pieces, ensuring every handful delivers a perfect crunch.
• Marshmallow Trick: Add marshmallows last to maintain their soft texture and prevent them from melting or sticking together during mixing.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and crispy for spontaneous holiday snacking.
• Dietary Twist: Swap regular M&Ms for dairy-free chocolate chips to make the mix vegan-friendly. Replace peanuts with sunflower seeds for nut-free options, perfect for school or office gatherings. Gluten-sensitive guests can use gluten-free pretzels and Chex cereal to enjoy this festive treat without worry.

Serving Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix With Style

• Party Platter Perfection: Spread the mix on a festive holiday-themed serving tray for a colorful and inviting snack display that will wow guests at gatherings.
• Gifting Delight: Package the mix in clear mason jars tied with ribbons, creating adorable homemade food gifts perfect for neighbors, teachers, or holiday hosts.
• Movie Night Munchies: Transfer the snack mix into individual small bowls or paper cones for an easy grab-and-go treat during family movie marathons or game nights.
• Classroom Celebration Treat: Divide the mix into small individual bags for school parties, offering a delicious and festive snack that kids will absolutely love.

Smart Ways To Store Sweet And Salty Holiday Snack Mix

• Festive Mix Refrigeration: Store your snack mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the treats crisp and fresh without losing their delightful crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the mix 2-3 days before your holiday gathering, allowing flavors to mingle and develop a more robust taste profile while saving precious party prep time.
• Room Temperature Storage: Keep the mix in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain optimal texture and prevent ingredient separation.
• Portion Control Strategy: Divide the mix into smaller grab-and-go portions using zipper-lock bags or small containers, perfect for quick snacking, lunch boxes, or gifting to friends and family during festive seasons.

Festive Holiday Snack Mix Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Holiday cheer comes alive with this sweet and salty holiday snack mix, blending crunchy pretzels, chocolate drizzles, and festive sprinkles. Family gatherings become memorable when you share this irresistible treat that delights all ages.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (90 g / 3.17 oz) Chex cereal (any variety)
• 2 cups (60 g / 2.12 oz) pretzel twists or sticks
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.23 oz) roasted peanuts (or mixed nuts)
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.23 oz) red and green M&Ms (or your favorite candy)
• 1 cup (180 g / 6.35 oz) white chocolate chips or candy melts
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.53 oz) mini marshmallows
• ½ cup (60 g / 2.12 oz) dried cranberries (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Assemble all ingredients in a generously sized mixing bowl, creating a festive holiday snack foundation that balances sweet and salty elements.
2. Base Construction: Combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and roasted peanuts, stirring gently to establish a crunchy textural backdrop for the mix.
3. Sweet Embellishment: Introduce colorful M&Ms and mini marshmallows, folding them into the cereal mixture to create delightful flavor pockets and visual interest.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle dried cranberries throughout the mix, adding a vibrant tartness that complements the existing sweet and savory notes.
5. Final Integration: Thoroughly toss all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures, transforming the individual components into a cohesive holiday snack experience.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer the completed mix to a decorative serving container, ready to captivate and delight holiday guests with its playful and irresistible combination.

Notes

• Customize Color Scheme: Choose M&Ms in holiday-specific colors like red, green, and white for festive visual appeal.
• Balance Texture Precision: Ensure even distribution of ingredients to maintain consistent crunch and flavor in every handful.
• Prevent Ingredient Clumping: Gently fold mix to avoid crushing delicate components like marshmallows and preserve their original texture.
• Storage Strategy: Keep mix in airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal taste and crispness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg