Save A festive, crunchy snack mix with a sweet apple-cider glaze, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
This party mix quickly became a favorite at our family holiday gatherings, loved for its sweet and crunchy texture.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts, apple chips, and popcorn. Gently toss to mix.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Immediately pour the cider glaze over the dry mix. Toss gently with a spatula until evenly coated.
- Step 5:
- Spread the mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the mix is golden and crisp.
- Step 7:
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will crisp as it cools.
- Step 8:
- Once cooled, break into clusters if needed and serve or store in an airtight container.
Save This mix always brings smiles when we serve it at our holiday parties and is a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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
Enjoy this festive and crunchy snack as the perfect holiday treat or party favor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the glaze made of?
The glaze includes unsalted butter, brown sugar, sparkling apple cider, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and vanilla extract, simmered to a thickened syrup.
- → Can I substitute any nuts in the mix?
Yes, honey roasted peanuts can be swapped with candied pecans for a different flavor and texture.
- → How long do I bake the mix?
Bake the coated mix at 300°F (150°C) for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even crispness.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
The mix contains peanuts, milk from butter, and gluten from pretzels and possibly cereal; always check product labels if serving guests with allergies.
- → Can dried apple chips be replaced?
Dried apple chips can be substituted with dried cranberries for a tangier twist in flavor.