Are you craving a delicious and easy snack that's perfect for movie nights, parties, or just a satisfying afternoon treat? Look no further! This homemade snack mix with M&Ms is incredibly versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It's the perfect blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy textures, making it an irresistible snack for all ages. Forget store-bought mixes loaded with artificial ingredients – this recipe is simple, healthy-ish, and delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort. It's one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks can master, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or anytime snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pretzels (any kind you like!)
- 1 cup Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup peanuts (salted or unsalted)
- 1/2 cup cashews (or any other nut you prefer)
- 1 cup M&Ms (plain, peanut, or a colourful mix – get creative!)
- 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly crisp snack mix.
Step 2: Melt the Sweet & Savory Base
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the corn syrup and salt. Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth and combined. This is the base of your delicious snack mix, so make sure it's evenly blended.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, Chex cereal, peanuts, and cashews. Ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Coating the Goodness
Pour the melted butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Don't be afraid to get your hands in there for ultimate coverage!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated snack mix in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 6: The M&M Magic
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the mix cool completely. Once cooled, gently stir in the M&Ms. This is the best part – the colourful addition of M&Ms adds the perfect final touch to your delicious snack mix.
Tips for Snack Mix Success:
- Customize it: Feel free to experiment with different types of cereal, nuts, pretzels, and even dried fruits!
- Storage: Store your snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It's best enjoyed fresh, but it will still be delicious a few days later.
- Portion Control: This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Lovers Delight: Add chocolate chips along with or instead of M&Ms.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the butter mixture for a spicy twist.
- Fruity Fun: Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a fruity and chewy element.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving – based on a 1/4 cup serving):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Protein: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 8-10g
This delicious homemade snack mix with M&Ms recipe is perfect for satisfying those sweet and salty cravings. It's a quick, easy, and customizable snack that's great for any occasion. Enjoy!