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Ultimate Crunchy Midnight Snack Mix

Ultimate Crunchy Midnight Snack Mix - featured image
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A perfectly balanced sweet, salty, and crunchy snack mix that’s quick and easy to make, ideal for late-night cravings or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups rice cereal squares (like Rice Chex)
  • 1 cup pretzel twists
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts; raw or roasted)
  • 1/2 cup mini pretzel sticks
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice cereal, pretzel twists, mixed nuts, mini pretzel sticks, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to mix evenly.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil (or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between).
  5. Add the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the melted coconut oil. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  6. Pour the warm seasoning mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece lightly.
  7. Spread the coated snack mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 7 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet to allow the mix to crisp up.
  10. Once cooled, transfer the snack mix to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

Stir the mix every 7 minutes during baking to avoid burning. Use room temperature ingredients for better coating. Let the mix cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. For extra crunch, reheat in the oven for 3-5 minutes if needed. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: snack mix, crunchy snack, midnight snack, homemade snack, easy snack, sweet and salty, party snack, gluten-free option, vegan snack

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/ultimate-crunchy-midnight-snack-mix-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-ideas-for-late-night/