This Spicy-Sweet Maple Snack Mix Is a Winner at Every Party

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This favorite snack mix is a combination of rice cereal, pretzels, pepitas, crackers, and peanuts tossed with butter, maple syrup, vinegar, and spices.

Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 15 mins
Servings:
12

Whether you're watching a game with family, serving cocktails to friends, or taking an appetizer to a potluck, this might be the winningest snack around. This sweet–and–spicy snack mix is an addictive party-ready blend that takes the formula to the next level.

A rich, sweet, and tangy mixture of butter and maple syrup with cayenne pepper, vinegar, and fresh thyme is poured over a crunchy combination of rice or corn cereal, mini pretzels, cheesy crackers, pepitas, and peanuts. The mix is spread on a sheet pan, baked, and ready to eat when it cools from the oven. (You can also make it a day or so ahead.)

spicy sweet maple snack mix
Credit:

John Dolan

Directions

  1. Preheat oven; cook maple syrup, butter, vinegar, and spices:

    Preheat oven to 275°F. Combine maple syrup, butter, vinegar, thyme, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring, until butter has melted and mixture is combined. Remove from heat.

  2. Combine remaining ingredients:

    Stir together remaining ingredients in a large bowl.

  3. Drizzle maple mixture over and stir to coat:

    Drizzle maple mixture over cereal mixture, stirring to evenly coat.

  4. Bake:

    Spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring a few times, until crisp and golden, about 1 hour. Let cool completely before serving.

Storing

The snack mix can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to one week.

Other Snack Mix Recipes to Try

Updated by
Victoria Spencer
Victoria Spencer, senior food editor, decorvow.com
Victoria Spencer is an experienced food editor, writer, and recipe developer. She manages the decorvow recipe archive and is always curious about new ingredients and the best techniques. She has been working in food media for over 20 years.

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