Sweet and Salty Holiday Chex Mix – The Perfect Party Snack
Picture this: You’re at a holiday gathering, and the table’s loaded with fancy appetizers. But what’s the one thing everyone keeps grabbing? The Sweet and Salty Holiday Chex Mix.
It’s addictive, it’s easy, and it’s the snack that disappears faster than your New Year’s resolutions. Why? Because it’s the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and salty—like a party in your mouth.
Forget the overpriced charcuterie board; this mix is the real MVP. And the best part? You can make it in under 30 minutes.
Let’s get to it.
Why This Recipe Slaps
This isn’t your grandma’s Chex Mix (no offense, grandma). The combo of brown sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon creates a caramel-like glaze that clings to every cereal piece and nut.
Then, the sea salt cuts through the sweetness like a mic drop.
It’s crunchy, chewy, and downright irresistible. Plus, it’s customizable—swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or your weird dietary preferences.
Sweet and Salty Holiday Chex Mix – The Perfect Party Snack
Course: Snack12
servings10
minutes15
minutes220
kcalIngredients
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
1 cup pretzels (the mini ones work best)
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, or whatever you’ve got)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed, because loose sugar is a crime)
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, you don’t want to scrape caramelized sugar off metal later.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: Chex cereals, pretzels, and nuts. Pretend you’re a DJ mixing tracks, but with snacks.
- Make the glaze by melting butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until it’s smooth and bubbly (about 3–4 minutes).
- Drizzle the glaze over the dry mix and toss until everything’s coated. Pro tip: Use a spatula—your hands will regret it.
- Spread the mix on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway. The goal is crispy, not burnt.
- Sprinkle with sea salt right after baking. Let it cool completely before serving (if you can resist).
Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If it lasts that long.
For maximum crunch, avoid refrigeration—nobody likes soggy Chex Mix.
Why You Need This in Your Life
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, a time-saver, and a lifesaver when you forget you signed up to bring a dish to the potluck.
It’s also gluten-free if you use gluten-free Chex and pretzels (FYI). Plus, it’s kid-friendly, unless your kids hate joy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: The glaze will harden as it cools.
If you bake it too long, you’ll break a tooth.
- Skipping the salt sprinkle: This is what makes it “sweet and salty.” Don’t ruin the vibe.
- Using stale nuts: Taste your nuts before adding them. Yes, that’s a sentence I just wrote.
Alternatives
No Corn Chex? Use all Rice Chex.
Hate nuts? Swap in pumpkin seeds or leave them out. Vegan?
Use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup instead of honey. The world is your oyster—or in this case, your snack mix.
FAQs
Can I use different cereals?
Absolutely. Wheat Chex, Cheerios, or even Crispix work.
Just keep the total volume the same (6 cups).
How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze. Sweet, salty, and spicy? Now we’re talking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two baking sheets.
Crowding leads to uneven baking, and nobody wants half-soggy mix.
Why is my mix sticky?
You probably didn’t let it cool completely. Patience, grasshopper.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Salty Holiday Chex Mix is the snack equivalent of a standing ovation.
It’s easy, versatile, and guaranteed to make you the hero of any holiday gathering.
Or, you know, just your couch. Happy snacking.
