Holiday Mix Sweet Salty

Featured in: Seasonal Home Recipes

This vibrant holiday mix blends Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex cereals with crunchy pretzels and roasted peanuts. A buttery coating infused with brown sugar, garlic, onion powders, and smoked paprika brings a flavorful crunch. Baked to a golden crisp, it's stirred with festive red and green chocolate candies plus white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast. Perfect for gatherings, it offers a delightful balance of textures and holiday flair in every bite.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:50:00 GMT
Festive holiday mix, a sweet and salty snack featuring crunchy Chex and bright candies, ready to serve. Save
Festive holiday mix, a sweet and salty snack featuring crunchy Chex and bright candies, ready to serve. | toastybloom.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 become a family favorite because it brings everyone together with its festive colors and satisfying crunch.

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).
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, and peanuts.
Prepare 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.
Golden-baked Holiday Mix, a delicious snack with pretzels, peanuts, and colorful candies for your gathering. Save
Golden-baked Holiday Mix, a delicious snack with pretzels, peanuts, and colorful candies for your gathering. | toastybloom.com

We always enjoy making this mix together as a holiday tradition, sharing stories and laughter in the kitchen.

Notes

For a nut-free version, substitute nuts with additional pretzels or seeds. Add dried cranberries for an extra festive touch. Pairs 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). Contains possible tree nut traces if candies are processed in shared facilities. Always check labels for allergens if serving to guests with dietary restrictions.

Close-up of a vibrant red and green bowl of Holiday Mix, perfect for sharing and holiday celebrations. Save
Close-up of a vibrant red and green bowl of Holiday Mix, perfect for sharing and holiday celebrations. | toastybloom.com

This holiday mix combines simplicity with festive fun, making every gathering a little sweeter and crunchier.

Recipe FAQs

What cereals are used in the mix?

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

Can the peanuts be replaced?

Yes, roasted peanuts can be substituted with pumpkin seeds or additional pretzels for a nut-free version.

How is the mix coated before baking?

A buttery blend with brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt is tossed with the dry ingredients.

How long is the mix baked?

The mixture is baked at 250°F (120°C) for one hour, stirred every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.

When are the candies added?

Once cooled after baking, red and green chocolate candies along with white chocolate chips are gently stirred in.

How should the mix be stored?

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

Holiday Mix Sweet Salty

Crunchy sweet and salty mix with cereals, pretzels, and festive candies ready in just over an hour.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time for Cooking
60 minutes
Complete Time
70 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Seasonal Home Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 12 Portion Count

Dietary Notes 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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature 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 Mixture: In a separate small bowl, whisk melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and kosher salt until smooth.

Step 04

Coat the Mix: Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.

Step 05

Bake the Snack Mix: Spread the coated mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to promote uniform toasting.

Step 06

Cool and Add Candies: Allow the baked mix to cool completely. Once cooled, stir in red and green chocolate candies and white chocolate chips.

Step 07

Serve: Present in a festive red and green bowl cluster to enhance holiday ambiance.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat, milk (from white chocolate chips), soy (from Worcestershire sauce), and peanuts (optional). Possible tree nut traces present due to candy processing facilities.
  • Check labels for allergens when serving individuals with dietary restrictions.

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 230
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 3 g