Sweet & Salty Trash Snack Mix

$- 2 cups pretzel twists - 1 cup popcorn (freshly popped) - 1 cup mixed nuts (unsalted) - 1 cup chocolate chips (dark or milk chocolate) - ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins - ½ cup mini marshmallows - ½ cup toffee bits - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt The ingredients for Sweet & Salty Trash Snack Mix are simple yet versatile. Each element adds its own flavor and texture. Pretzel twists bring a salty crunch. You can choose any brand or shape you like. Popcorn adds a light, airy feel. Make sure it is freshly popped for the best taste. Mixed nuts offer a nutty flavor. You can use almonds, peanuts, or cashews. All nuts work well in this mix. Chocolate chips are the sweet part. You can go with dark or milk chocolate. Choose what you love best. Dried cranberries or raisins add a fruity touch. They also balance the sweetness of the chocolate. Mini marshmallows give a chewy texture. They are fun and sweet! Toffee bits add a rich, buttery taste. They make the mix even more special. Pure maple syrup is the glue that holds it all together. It sweetens the mix nicely. Flaky sea salt finishes everything off. It enhances all the flavors in the mix. - For nut-free alternatives, try seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. - For sugar-free chocolate options, use dark chocolate with no added sugar. - Gluten-free pretzel substitutes can be found in many stores. Look for brands made from rice or corn. These substitutions let you customize the mix to fit dietary needs. Enjoy making it your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the mix bake evenly. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy later. 3. In a big bowl, mix the pretzel twists, popcorn, and mixed nuts. Make sure they are combined well. 1. Next, add the chocolate chips, dried cranberries or raisins, mini marshmallows, and toffee bits. Fold them in gently. You don't want to crush the pretzels or popcorn. 2. Drizzle the pure maple syrup all over your mix. Then, sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top. Toss everything again until coated. 1. Spread the mix evenly on the baking sheet. A single layer helps it toast well. 2. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on it! Stir halfway through. This helps it brown evenly and prevents burning. 3. When it smells great and is golden around the edges, take it out. Let it cool completely on the sheet. It will firm up a bit as it cools. To avoid burning ingredients, keep a close watch while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway. This helps all parts cook evenly. Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking. Even layering is key for great taste. Spread the mix out flat on the sheet. This helps it toast evenly. If it clumps, some parts may burn while others stay soft. For parties, get creative! Serve the snack mix in a big, fun bowl. Guests will love digging in. You can also use clear bags for individual servings. Tie them with a ribbon for a nice touch. They make great gifts too! Want to spice things up? Add your favorite spices like cinnamon or chili powder. This gives your mix a unique twist. Mix-ins can be based on what you love. Try adding pretzel crisps, popcorn flavors, or even different dried fruits. You can switch out nuts for seeds if you prefer. The options are endless! Pro Tips Choose Your Chocolate: Select dark or milk chocolate chips based on your sweetness preference for a personalized touch. Fresh Popcorn Matters: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly popped popcorn instead of pre-packaged varieties. Mix and Match: Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits to create a unique blend tailored to your taste. Storing Your Snack Mix: Keep the snack mix in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness and freshness for longer. {{image_4}} You can customize your Sweet & Salty Trash Snack Mix with a few sweet twists. Start by adding different types of dried fruits. Try apricots, apples, or mangoes. These fruits bring more flavor and color. Next, consider a caramel or chocolate drizzle. Melt some chocolate or caramel and drizzle it over your mix. This adds a rich touch that makes each bite special. For a salty kick, introduce flavored popcorn or nuts. Look for cheese or spicy popcorn. Nuts like spicy almonds or honey-roasted peanuts also work great. Change up the chips too. Use pretzel crisps, tortilla chips, or even cheese puffs. Each type will add a new taste and texture to your mix. Tailor your mix for special occasions. During the holidays, add seasonal treats. Use candy canes for a minty touch or pumpkin spice for fall. You can also create themed mixes for birthdays or parties. Use colors that match the event. This makes your snack mix not just tasty but also festive! To keep your Sweet & Salty Trash Snack Mix fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic containers work well. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This helps keep air out and moisture in. You can also use resealable plastic bags for easy storage. Just squeeze out the air before sealing. This snack mix can last up to two weeks when stored properly. After that, it may lose its crunch and flavor. If it smells stale or feels soft, it’s time to toss it out. Trust your senses; they know best! You can freeze this mix, but it’s not always ideal. Freezing can change the texture of the ingredients. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again. You can make this snack mix gluten-free by using gluten-free pretzels. Look for brands that clearly label their pretzels as gluten-free. You can also use popcorn, nuts, and chocolate chips, as they are already gluten-free. Just ensure that any added ingredients, like toffee bits, are also gluten-free. Yes, you can make this recipe nut-free. Simply skip the mixed nuts and replace them with an extra cup of pretzel twists or popcorn. You can also add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for some crunch. These options keep the mix tasty while avoiding nuts. To make this mix healthier, consider these tips: - Use air-popped popcorn for less fat. - Choose dark chocolate chips for added antioxidants. - Replace toffee bits with dried fruit for natural sweetness. To reduce sugar, you can cut down on maple syrup or skip it altogether. This blog post covered a fun and tasty recipe for Sweet & Salty Trash Snack Mix. You learned about the ingredients, easy preparation steps, and tips for baking. I shared ideas for serving and customizing your mix, making it fit any event. Remember to store it well for the freshest taste. With these tips, you can create a snack mix that suits your style and needs. Enjoy making it your own!$

Sweet & Salty Trash Snack Mix

A delightful mix of sweet and salty snacks perfect for sharing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

2 cups pretzel twists
1 cup popcorn (freshly popped)
1 cup mixed nuts (unsalted; select from almonds, peanuts, and cashews)
1 cup chocolate chips (choose dark or milk chocolate based on preference)
0.5 cup dried cranberries or raisins
0.5 cup mini marshmallows
0.5 cup toffee bits
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
0.5 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, which will facilitate easy cleanup after baking.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the pretzel twists, freshly popped popcorn, and mixed nuts, making sure they are well blended.
Carefully add the chocolate chips, dried cranberries or raisins, mini marshmallows, and toffee bits to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution without breaking the pretzels or popcorn.
Drizzle the pure maple syrup over your mixture, and then sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top. Toss everything once more until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated with syrup and salt.
Spread the delightful mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring a single layer for even toasting.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on it; stir the mix halfway through the baking time to prevent any ingredients from burning and to promote even browning.
Once the edges are golden and the mix smells fragrant, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the snack mix to cool completely on the sheet; it will firm up slightly as it cools.
When the mixture has cooled down, transfer it to a large serving bowl, or for a fun twist, package it into individual clear cellophane bags tied with a decorative ribbon, perfect for sharing or as delightful snack gifts.

Notes

For a festive display, serve in a colorful bowl or package in clear bags tied with ribbons.

Keyword party snack, snack mix, sweet and salty