Holiday Mix Sweet Salty

Featured in: Weekend Rustic Recipes

This festive mix combines Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex cereals with crunchy pretzels and roasted peanuts, coated in a buttery blend flavored with brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Slowly baked until toasted, it’s cooled then tossed with red and green chocolate candies and white chocolate chips for a sweet and salty celebration snack.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:57:00 GMT
Holiday Mix with red and green candies, a crunchy, sweet-and-salty snack perfect for sharing. Save
Holiday Mix with red and green candies, a crunchy, sweet-and-salty snack perfect for sharing. | olivebriar.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 mix has been a holiday favorite at our family gatherings for years, bringing joy and festive spirit to every celebration.

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

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, and peanuts.
Mix Coating:
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
Coat Mix:
Pour the butter mixture over the dry mix, tossing gently to coat evenly.
Spread on Baking Sheet:
Spread the mixture in an even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake:
Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
Cool and Add Candies:
Let cool completely, then stir in red and green chocolate candies and white chocolate chips.
Serve:
Serve in a festive red and green bowl cluster for holiday flair.
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Sharing this snack mix always sparks happy holiday memories around our family table.

Notes

Add dried cranberries for an extra festive touch and pair well with light sparkling wines or holiday punch.

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 using). Possible tree nut traces if candies are processed in shared facilities. Always check labels for allergens if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.

A festive cluster of Holiday Mix in a red and green bowl, hinting at the delightful holiday flavors. Pin it
A festive cluster of Holiday Mix in a red and green bowl, hinting at the delightful holiday flavors. | olivebriar.com

This holiday mix is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that brings festive joy to your celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this mix nut-free?

Yes, you can substitute peanuts with extra pretzels or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version without losing crunch or flavor.

How do I store the mix to keep it fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness and flavor.

What is the ideal baking temperature and time?

Bake at 250°F (120°C) for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even toasting.

Can I add other festive ingredients?

Adding dried cranberries or different colored candies is a great way to enhance festivity and variety.

What tools do I need to prepare this mix?

A large mixing bowl, small whisking bowl, spatula, baking sheet, and parchment paper are recommended for easy preparation.

Is this mix suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, all ingredients comply with vegetarian dietary preferences.

Holiday Mix Sweet Salty

Crunchy blend of cereals, pretzels, peanuts, and festive candies for joyful gatherings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 250°F to prepare for toasting the mix.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Coat dry mix: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the dry ingredients, tossing gently to coat fully.

Step 05

Spread mix for baking: Spread the coated mixture evenly on a parchment-lined large baking sheet.

Step 06

Bake and stir: Bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.

Step 07

Add sweet candies: Cool completely, then fold in red and green chocolate candies along with white chocolate chips.

Step 08

Serve: Transfer to a festive red and green bowl cluster and present for holiday enjoyment.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat, milk (from chocolate chips), soy (from Worcestershire sauce), and peanuts.
  • Possible tree nut traces due to shared processing facilities.
  • Check product labels carefully for allergen information.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 230
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 3 g