Description
Crunchy “sweet and salty popcorn snack mix” combines irresistible flavors that dance across palates with playful enthusiasm. Perfectly balanced kernels and delicate toppings create a snacking experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 cups popped popcorn (plain or lightly salted)
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
- 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts or sunflower seeds (optional for nut-free alternative)
Sweet and Binding Ingredients:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup white chocolate chips or drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace by positioning the oven rack in the center and heating to 300F (150C). Line a spacious baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Create the base mixture by combining popcorn, pretzels, peanuts (or sunflower seeds), and chocolate candies in a generously sized mixing bowl. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Craft the caramel glaze by melting butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in a compact saucepan over medium heat. Continuously whisk the ingredients, allowing the mixture to transform into a smooth, bubbling liquid. Maintain the simmer for approximately 2-3 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent burning.
- Remove caramel from heat and quickly incorporate vanilla and salt, creating a rich, aromatic coating that will bind the snack elements together.
- Immediately pour the warm caramel over the dry ingredients, using a gentle folding technique to ensure every morsel receives an even, glistening layer of sweetness.
- Transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a single, loose layer to promote optimal crispness during baking.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pan midway to guarantee uniform golden coloration and crunchy texture.
- After removing from the oven, allow the snack mix to cool completely, enabling the caramel to set and create a satisfying crackle.
- Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate across the cooled mixture for an elegant finishing touch that adds visual appeal and extra decadence.
- Once set, break the mixture into delectable clusters and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for future snacking enjoyment.
Notes
- Keep stirring the caramel constantly to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even coating.
- Work swiftly when mixing caramel with dry ingredients to distribute the glaze evenly before it hardens.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mat for easy cleanup and preventing the snack mix from sticking.
- Customize the mix by swapping nuts, adding different chocolate types, or using gluten-free pretzels for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg