Looking for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s simple to whip up and perfect for festive gatherings? Our Festive Snack Crunch is just what you need. It’s a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness that will have everyone coming back for more.
Starting with the base, we have Corn Chex and Rice Chex, which provide that essential crunch and texture. Pretzel twists introduce a delightful salty element, while mixed nuts add richness and depth. For a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, we incorporate dried cranberries. Meanwhile, the butter, brown sugar, and honey create a luscious glaze that binds everything together with a sweet, sticky finish. Lastly, the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves bring those cozy, seasonal flavors that make this snack irresistibly festive.
This Festive Snack Crunch is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a mild cheese platter or as a topping for Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream. It’s also fantastic served in small bowls as party favors or on a grazing board with fresh fruits and cheeses.
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F, which ensures a slow bake that lets the flavors meld beautifully. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a sizable mixing bowl, combine your Corn Chex, Rice Chex, pretzels, and mixed nuts. Give them a gentle toss to evenly distribute the ingredients. This mix will be the heart of your snack.
Next, grab a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add the butter, brown sugar, honey, and spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Stir until the butter has melted completely and the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The aroma at this point is absolutely delightful!
Pour this fragrant glaze over your cereal mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is nicely coated. This ensures an even flavor distribution throughout your snack.
Spread the coated mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Pop this into your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Remember to stir the mixture every 15 minutes. This prevents clumping and ensures an even, golden-brown finish.
Once the hour is up, remove the baking sheet from the oven and stir in your dried cranberries. Allow the mixture to cool completely before serving. This cooling period helps the glaze to set, giving your snack its characteristic crunch.
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