Sweet and Salty Snack Mix
A buttery baked party mix of cereal, pretzels, and crackers with brown sugar spice and candy-coated chocolates.
Updated: Nov 9, 2026
Why you'll like it
- Ready in about 1 hour.
- Serves 12 — easy to halve or double.
- Easy level — everyday equipment only.
- Storage, freezing and reheating covered below.
This Sweet and Salty Snack Mix recipe takes 1 hour and makes 12 servings. The base is a classic oven party mix: cereal squares, mini pretzels, and cheese crackers baked low and slow in a butter and brown sugar coating until the pieces turn crisp and glossy.
Helpful guides
Instructions
Heat the oven to 250 degrees F and divide the cereal, pretzels, and crackers between two large rimmed sheet pans so the pieces sit in a shallow layer. A shallow layer lets air circulate and dries each piece evenly.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the brown sugar, Worcestershire, chili powder, and garlic powder. Simmer 1 minute until the sugar dissolves, then drizzle it over the dry mix and toss with two spatulas until every piece is coated.
Bake 45 to 50 minutes, stirring and swapping pan positions every 15 minutes. Frequent stirring keeps the edges from darkening while the center is still wet.
Pull the pans when the mix looks dry to the touch and the coating has darkened slightly. Taste a piece from the center of the pan, since that is always the last spot to crisp.
Spread the mix on fresh parchment to cool completely, about 20 minutes, before adding the candy. Warm mix melts the chocolate shells and leaves streaks.
Toss in the candy-coated chocolates and store in an airtight container. Cool the trays fully within 2 hours before packing.
Troubleshooting — fixes, not repeats
- If the mix is chewy instead of crisp, it was underbaked or packed while warm; return it to a 250 degree oven for 10 minutes and cool fully.
- If the coating is too sweet, cut the brown sugar by 2 tablespoons and add a pinch more chili powder.
- If the pieces clump together, too much butter was used; toss thoroughly and bake longer so the coating dries.
- If the candy melts, it went in while the mix was warm; wait until the trays are completely cool.
Make it your way
- Spicier version: For a spicier mix, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne and a cup of wasabi peas in place of half the crackers.
- For a nutty version, swap one cup of cereal for toasted almonds, pecans, or peanuts added before baking.
- For a holiday gift batch, use white chocolate candies and add a teaspoon of cinnamon.
Storage & reheating
Cool leftovers within 2 hours, then refrigerate in a covered container and use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat only the portion you will eat until steaming hot throughout — poultry and reheated rice should reach 165°F (74°C).
FAQ
Why does my snack mix go stale so fast?
It was likely underbaked or stored before it cooled. Bake until the surface feels dry, cool completely on the pan, and pack in an airtight container the same day.
Can I make this without butter?
Melted coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil works, though butter brings the flavor. Use three-quarters of the amount, since oil coats more heavily than butter solids.
How far ahead can I make it for a party?
Up to a week ahead in a sealed container, or two days ahead if you add candy. Stir in fresh candy on the day of serving for the crispest look.