Holiday Mix Snack

Featured in: Smoky Bites & Snacks

This holiday mix combines Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex cereals with pretzels and peanuts for a satisfying crunch. A buttery, spiced coating adds savory depth, while red and green chocolate candies and white chocolate chips provide festive sweetness. Baked low and slow to achieve perfect toasted texture, this mix is ideal for sharing during holiday celebrations. Nut-free options and storage tips make it flexible and convenient.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:16:00 GMT
A vibrant bowl overflows with delicious Holiday Mix, a perfect snack for holiday parties. Save
A vibrant bowl overflows with delicious Holiday Mix, a perfect snack for holiday parties. | smokyfeast.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.

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 and crunchy Holiday Mix, featuring Chex cereal and festive candies, ready to eat. Save
Golden and crunchy Holiday Mix, featuring Chex cereal and festive candies, ready to eat. | smokyfeast.com

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. 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

Sweet and savory Holiday Mix with mixed nuts and chocolate candies, an easy snack recipe. Save
Sweet and savory Holiday Mix with mixed nuts and chocolate candies, an easy snack recipe. | smokyfeast.com

This festive snack mix brings joy and crunch to any gathering perfect for the holiday season

Kitchen Questions

Can I make this mix nut-free?

Yes, substitute peanuts with extra pretzels or pumpkin seeds to keep it nut-free without compromising flavor.

How long should I bake the mix?

Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting and crispness.

What coatings add flavor to the mix?

A mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt creates a rich, savory coating.

When should the candies be added?

Add the red and green chocolate candies and white chocolate chips after the mix has completely cooled to prevent melting.

How should I store the mix?

Keep the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.

Holiday Mix Snack

Sweet and salty crunchy blend with cereals, pretzels, and colorful candies for festive occasions.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
60 min
Complete duration
70 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free

What You'll 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 option)

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

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 250°F.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Prepare Coating Mixture: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk melted butter, light brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and kosher salt until well blended.

Phase 04

Coat Dry Mix: Pour coating mixture evenly over the dry mix and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are uniformly coated.

Phase 05

Spread Mixture on Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Phase 06

Bake and Stir: Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve even toasting and prevent burning.

Phase 07

Cool and Add Candies: Allow the mixture to cool completely, then fold in red and green chocolate candies and white chocolate chips.

Phase 08

Serve: Transfer the finished mix to a festive red and green bowl cluster to enhance holiday presentation.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains wheat, milk (from white chocolate chips), soy (in Worcestershire sauce), and peanuts (if included). Possible tree nut traces from candy processing facilities. Check labels for allergen information.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 230
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 3 g