Crunchy Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix (Print Version)

This sweet & salty fall snack mix is my favorite for cozy evenings. Easy to make, it's packed with autumn flavors and satisfying crunch.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Crunchies

01 - 2 cups mini pretzels
02 - 2 cups Chex cereal (corn or rice)
03 - 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts)

→ Sweet & Salty Flavor Makers

04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
06 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

→ Optional Mix-ins

12 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
13 - 1/4 cup roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 250°F (120°C). While it's heating, grab a large baking sheet – the bigger, the better for spreading out your mix evenly. I usually line mine with parchment paper because, honestly, cleanup is so much easier. You want enough space for everything to toast up nicely without steaming. This step feels like the calm before the delicious storm; I always anticipate that amazing smell that's about to fill the kitchen.
02 - Now for the magic potion! In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt your unsalted butter. Once it’s all liquidy and shimmering, whisk in the brown sugar, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and that pinch of salt. Whisk it well until the sugar mostly dissolves and everything is beautifully combined. It should smell sweet and savory, a little tangy even. This is where all the "sweet & salty" goodness for our <strong>Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix</strong> truly begins. Try not to taste it all at once, though I won't judge if you do!
03 - Next, grab your biggest mixing bowl – seriously, the biggest you have, because things are about to get real. Pour in your pretzels, Chex cereal, and mixed nuts. Give them a quick toss to combine everything. This is where my kitchen usually gets a little chaotic; sometimes a pretzel or two makes a daring escape, but that's part of the fun, right? You want a good, even distribution of all the components before the sauce comes in.
04 - Alright, here’s the crucial part for your <strong>Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix</strong>. Pour that glorious melted butter mixture over your dry ingredients in the big bowl. Now, using a sturdy spatula or, honestly, your clean hands, gently toss everything together. Make sure every single piece of pretzel, cereal, and nut gets a good coating. This might take a few minutes, but it's worth the effort. You'll see the color deepening, and it'll start to look like a truly irresistible snack mix.
05 - Spread your coated snack mix onto your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd it – this is where the even toasting happens. Pop it into your preheated oven. Now, here’s the secret: you need to stir it every 15 minutes! This prevents burning and ensures every piece gets perfectly crunchy and glazed. I usually set a timer and grab a cup of tea during the baking, enjoying the smells. Don't forget that stirring; it's vital for the best <strong>Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix</strong>!
06 - After about 45-60 minutes of baking and stirring, your <strong>Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix</strong> should be beautifully golden brown and smell absolutely incredible. Pull it out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This is the hardest part, I know! As it cools, it will crisp up even more. Once it’s totally cool, you can add any optional extras like dried cranberries or pepitas. Then, break it up and dive in! It’s crunchy, sweet, salty, and totally addictive.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, hon. It makes a huge difference for crunch!
02 - Store in an airtight container for up to a week; it keeps its snap, mostly.
03 - Swap out the nuts for seeds if you have allergies, I've done it, it works!
04 - Serve it warm from the oven for that extra fall hug feeling.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large baking sheet
02 - Large mixing bowl
03 - Whisk
04 - Spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 4g

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