Holiday Mix Crunchy Salt Sweet

Featured in: Snack Laughs

This holiday mix combines classic Chex cereals, crunchy pretzels, and colorful chocolate candies to create a sweet and salty snack perfect for festive occasions. The cereal and pretzel base is coated with a butter and brown sugar blend, spiced with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor. Baked gently to toast evenly, the mix is finished with vibrant red and green candies and white chocolate chips, making it visually appealing and delicious. Easy to prepare in just over an hour, this mix is ideal for sharing during holiday celebrations or as a festive party treat.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:48:00 GMT
Festive holiday mix bursting with crunchy Chex, pretzels, and colorful candies; ready to eat. Save
Festive holiday mix bursting with crunchy Chex, pretzels, and colorful candies; ready to eat. | nachohaha.com

A crunchy sweet and salty snack mix featuring classic Chex cereals pretzels and festive candies perfect for holiday gatherings and presented in a vibrant red and green bowl cluster.

This mix has become a staple at my holiday parties bringing joy to family and friends with every crunchy bite.

Ingredients

  • Cereals: 3 cups Rice Chex 3 cups Corn Chex 2 cups Wheat Chex
  • Savory Additions: 1 cup mini pretzels 1 cup roasted peanuts (optional or substitute with pumpkin seeds for nut free)
  • Sweet Additions: 1 cup red and green chocolate candies (such as M&Ms) 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • Coating: 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted 2 tbsp light brown sugar 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
Step 2:
In a large bowl combine Rice Chex Corn Chex Wheat Chex pretzels and peanuts.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl whisk together melted butter brown sugar Worcestershire sauce garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika and salt.
Step 4:
Pour the butter mixture over the dry mix tossing gently to coat evenly.
Step 5:
Spread the mixture in an even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6:
Bake for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
Step 7:
Let cool completely then stir in red and green chocolate candies and white chocolate chips.
Step 8:
Serve in a festive red and green bowl cluster for holiday flair.
Golden-brown, freshly baked holiday mix featuring a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors. Save
Golden-brown, freshly baked holiday mix featuring a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors. | nachohaha.com

Sharing this mix with family moments has created warm memories during festive seasons.

Notes

Add dried cranberries for an extra festive touch and pair well with light sparkling wines or holiday punch.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Small mixing bowl Whisk Baking sheet Parchment paper Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains wheat milk (from chocolate chips) soy (from Worcestershire sauce) and peanuts (if using) Contains possible tree nut traces if candies are processed in shared facilities Always check labels for allergens if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.

A close-up of a vibrant bowl filled with holiday mix, perfect for sharing at gatherings. Save
A close-up of a vibrant bowl filled with holiday mix, perfect for sharing at gatherings. | nachohaha.com

This holiday mix is a quick festive treat that brings everyone together and delights every palate.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make the mix nut-free?

Yes, substitute roasted peanuts with additional pretzels or pumpkin seeds to keep it nut-free while maintaining crunch and flavor.

What is the best way to store the mix?

Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature to retain freshness for up to one week.

Can I add other ingredients for extra flavor?

Dried cranberries or other festive dried fruits can be added after baking to enhance sweetness and holiday flair.

How can I ensure even toasting during baking?

Stir the mix every 15 minutes while baking at 250°F to achieve even coating and toasting without burning.

What makes this snack mix festive?

The addition of red and green chocolate candies in a vibrant bowl cluster creates a visually festive and appealing holiday presentation.

Holiday Mix Crunchy Salt Sweet

Crunchy blend of cereals, pretzels, and candy for festive holiday snacking and sharing.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
60 min
Complete duration
70 min
Created by Carlos Vega


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Cereals

01 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
02 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
03 2 cups Wheat Chex cereal

Savory Additions

01 1 cup mini pretzels
02 1 cup roasted peanuts (optional; substitute with pumpkin seeds for nut-free)

Sweet Additions

01 1 cup red and green chocolate candies (e.g., M&Ms)
02 1 cup white chocolate chips

Coating

01 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
02 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
03 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 250°F.

Phase 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, mini pretzels, and roasted peanuts.

Phase 03

Prepare coating mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and kosher salt until fully combined.

Phase 04

Coat mixture: Pour the coating over the dry ingredients and toss gently to ensure even coverage.

Phase 05

Bake snack mix: Spread the coated mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to toast uniformly.

Phase 06

Cool and add sweets: Allow the baked mix to cool completely, then fold in red and green chocolate candies along with white chocolate chips.

Phase 07

Serve: Transfer to a festive red and green bowl cluster and present for holiday gatherings.

Tools needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains wheat, milk (in white chocolate chips), soy (in Worcestershire sauce), and peanuts (optional). Possible traces of tree nuts in candies due to shared processing facilities.
  • Verify product labels to accommodate guests with specific dietary restrictions.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 230
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 3 g