Holiday Mix Snack

Featured in: Sweet Slow Moments

This festive mix combines crunchy Rice, Corn, and Wheat cereals with mini pretzels and roasted peanuts. A buttery coating flavored with brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices toasts slowly in the oven, creating a balanced sweet-and-salty snack. Finally, red and green chocolate candies and white chocolate chips add a colorful, festive touch. Perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings and quick to prepare.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:06:00 GMT
Holiday Mix snack, a colorful mix of crunchy cereal pieces and sweet candies, ready to eat. Save
Holiday Mix snack, a colorful mix of crunchy cereal pieces and sweet candies, ready to eat. | meanwhilerecipe.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 holiday mix has been a staple at my family celebrations for years bringing crunch and color to every gathering.

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-baked Holiday Mix, showcasing pretzels, Chex mix, and festive candies in a holiday bowl. Save
Golden-baked Holiday Mix, showcasing pretzels, Chex mix, and festive candies in a holiday bowl. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This mix has brought many family moments of joy especially when shared during the holidays.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Pairs well with light sparkling wines or holiday punch.

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

Nutritional Information

Calories: 230 Total Fat: 8 g Carbohydrates: 36 g Protein: 3 g

Delicious Holiday Mix: a sweet and salty snack featuring a crispy, perfectly seasoned cereal blend! Save
Delicious Holiday Mix: a sweet and salty snack featuring a crispy, perfectly seasoned cereal blend! | meanwhilerecipe.com

This holiday mix is a simple yet delightful treat perfect for festive occasions and easy to customize.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make it nut-free?

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

How do I ensure even toasting?

Stir the mixture every 15 minutes while baking to promote uniform browning and flavor development.

Can I prepare the mix ahead of time?

Store in an airtight container for up to one week to keep freshness and crunch.

What baking temperature is recommended?

Bake at a low temperature of 250°F (120°C) for one hour to gently toast without burning.

What flavors does the coating add?

The butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt create a savory-sweet balance with a subtle smoky warmth.

Holiday Mix Snack

A crunchy blend of cereals, pretzels, and festive candies with a sweet and savory coating.

Time to Prepare
10 mins
Time to Cook
60 mins
Complete Time
70 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Sweet Slow Moments

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

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

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Coat the snack mix: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the dry ingredients, tossing gently to ensure thorough coating.

Step 05

Spread on baking sheet: Spread the coated mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 06

Bake and stir: Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to promote even toasting.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Serve: Transfer to a festive bowl cluster for an appealing holiday presentation.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains wheat, milk (from white chocolate chips), soy (from Worcestershire sauce), and peanuts if used.
  • Possible tree nut traces in chocolate candies processed in shared facilities.
  • Check ingredient labels for allergens if serving guests with dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 230
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 3 g