Holiday Mix Crunchy Snack

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This holiday snack mix blends crunchy Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex cereals with mini pretzels and roasted peanuts, coated in a buttery, spiced glaze. Baked low and slow to create a golden crunch, the mix is then stirred with festive red and green chocolate candies along with white chocolate chips for a burst of sweetness and color. Perfect for holiday parties, it can be customized with seed substitutions for nut-free options and stored for up to a week. The balanced sweet-and-savory profile pairs well with sparkling wines or holiday drinks.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:32:00 GMT
Holiday Mix in a festive red and green bowl, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savory textures. Save to Pinterest
Holiday Mix in a festive red and green bowl, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savory textures. | olivefrost.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 snack mix has become my go-to holiday treat that everyone asks for each year.

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

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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.
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Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| olivefrost.com

Sharing this mix always brings joy and festive spirit to family gatherings during the holidays.

Notes

For a nut-free option, use additional pretzels or pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts. Add dried cranberries for an extra festive touch.

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 used. Possible tree nut traces in candies. Always check labels for allergens.

Golden-brown Holiday Mix features crunchy cereals, pretzels, and candies, perfect for holiday snacking enjoyment. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Holiday Mix features crunchy cereals, pretzels, and candies, perfect for holiday snacking enjoyment. | olivefrost.com
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This holiday mix is a quick and festive treat that everyone will love. Perfect for gifting or sharing at parties.

Recipe FAQs

What cereals are used in this snack mix?

The mix uses Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex cereals for a crunchy base.

How long should I bake the mixture?

Bake the coated mix at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even toasting.

Can I make this mix nut-free?

Yes, substitute peanuts with extra pretzels or pumpkin seeds to keep it nut-free.

What gives the mix its sweet and salty flavor?

The buttery glaze includes brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, combined with salty pretzels and nuts balancing the sweetness from chocolate candies and chips.

How should I store the snack mix?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Holiday Mix Crunchy Snack

Sweet and salty crunchy snack with cereals, pretzels, nuts, and colorful festive candies and chips.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
60 minutes
Overall Duration
70 minutes
Recipe by Natalie Wilson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 12 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free

What You Need

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 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 ½ teaspoon kosher salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven to 250°F and prepare for baking.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Coat snack mix: Pour the butter mixture over the dry mix and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Cool and add candies: Remove from oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, stir in red and green chocolate candies and white chocolate chips.

Step 07

Serve: Transfer the finished snack mix to a festive red and green bowl cluster and enjoy.

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check ingredients for allergens and ask your doctor if you’re not sure.
  • Contains wheat, milk (from white chocolate chips), soy (in Worcestershire sauce), and peanuts (if used). Possible tree nut traces from candy processing. Verify ingredient labels when serving guests with allergies.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Intended only for informational use, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 230
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 3 g