Party Mix Sparkling Cider

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.

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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

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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.