Cherry Hot Honey Snack Mix

This cherry hot honey pretzel snack mix transforms ordinary pantry ingredients into an irresistible sweet-spicy-salty treat that&s perfect for any gathering. I&ve been making variations of this addictive mix for years, but the combination of tart cherries with spicy honey glaze creates a flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more.

I first created this recipe when hosting an impromptu game night and needed something impressive with minimal effort. My friends devoured the entire batch before halftime and now it&s requested at every gathering I host.

Ingredients

• Mini pretzel twists: 3 cups The backbone of this mix providing the perfect salty crunch. Look for fresh pretzels without broken pieces.
• Roasted salted almonds: 1 cup Adds protein and a satisfying crunch. Choose almonds with a rich color for best flavor.
• Roasted cashews: 1 cup Provides buttery smoothness to balance the spice. Whole cashews work better than pieces.
• Dried cherries: 1 cup The star ingredient that offers tartness to counter the heat. Select plump cherries without added sugar if possible.
• Honey flavored cereal: 1 cup Creates texture variety and additional sweetness. The honey flavor amplifies the glaze beautifully.
• Plain popped popcorn: 1 cup Optional but adds volume and a light crispy element. Fresh popped is better than bagged.
• Honey: 1/3 cup Forms the base of our glaze. Local honey adds wonderful complexity.
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons Helps the glaze adhere and adds richness. European style butter elevates the flavor.
• Hot sauce: 1 tablespoon Brings the heat element. Sriracha works wonderfully but any favorite hot sauce will do.
• Cayenne pepper: 1/2 teaspoon Provides consistent heat throughout. Adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon Adds subtle smokiness that makes this mix special. Spanish varieties offer the best flavor.
• Kosher salt: 1/2 teaspoon Enhances all flavors. The coarse texture works better than table salt.

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using parchment rather than foil prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Make sure your baking sheet has a rim to prevent spillage.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the pretzels, almonds, cashews, dried cherries, cereal, and popcorn if using. Use a bowl that gives you plenty of room to mix without ingredients spilling over the sides. The goal is to distribute everything evenly before adding the glaze.

Create the Hot Honey Glaze:

In a small saucepan over medium low heat, melt the butter completely until it starts to foam slightly but doesn&t brown. Add honey and stir continuously as it warms and thins out. Incorporate the hot sauce, cayenne, smoked paprika, and salt, whisking until you have a smooth, aromatic mixture. Allow it to gently bubble for about 2 minutes to help the flavors meld together.

Coat the Mix:

Pour the warm glaze slowly over the dry ingredients while simultaneously folding with a heat resistant spatula. Continue folding gently but thoroughly for about 1 minute, making sure every piece gets coated with the sticky honey mixture. Pay special attention to the cherries which tend to clump together.

Arrange for Baking:

Transfer the coated mix to your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. Break up any large clumps to ensure even baking. The layer shouldn&t be more than 1 inch thick anywhere on the sheet.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes total. At the 10 minute mark, remove the tray and carefully stir everything to promote even caramelization. The mix is done when it appears golden and fills your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma.

Cool Completely:

Remove from the oven and resist the temptation to sample immediately. The mix needs to cool entirely to develop its signature crunch. As it cools, the glaze will harden and create that irresistible texture. This takes about 30 minutes at room temperature.

Break and Store:

Once cooled, break apart any clusters that have formed using your hands or a wooden spoon. Transfer the finished snack mix to an airtight container for storage or serving bowls if enjoying immediately.

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The dried cherries are truly what makes this recipe special. I discovered their magic when I accidentally grabbed them instead of cranberries at the store. Their plump texture and perfect balance of sweetness and acidity elevates this snack mix from ordinary to extraordinary. My nephew who typically avoids anything with fruit now requests this mix for every birthday.

Storage Solutions

This snack mix stays remarkably fresh when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Glass containers work better than plastic as they prevent any moisture from affecting the crispness. If you live in a particularly humid climate, add a small food-safe silica packet to maintain maximum crunchiness. Never refrigerate the mix as this introduces unwanted moisture that will make everything soggy.

Creative Variations

The basic formula of this mix welcomes endless customization. For a tropical twist, substitute dried pineapple or mango for the cherries and add toasted coconut flakes. During fall, try dried cranberries with pumpkin seeds and a pinch of cinnamon in the glaze. For a chocolate lover&s version, cool the mix completely then toss with dark chocolate chunks and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. My personal favorite variation adds 1/2 cup of crispy bacon bits to the finished mix for an irresistible sweet and savory combination.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile snack mix complements a variety of beverages. Serve alongside cold craft beer, particularly amber ales or wheat beers that echo the honey notes. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with citrus slices balances the heat beautifully. When hosting, I place small bowls of this mix throughout gathering spaces rather than one large bowl to encourage mingling. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar and creamy goat cheese.

Heat Level Adjustments

The recipe as written provides a moderate heat that builds pleasantly without overwhelming. For those sensitive to spice, reduce the cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon and use a milder hot sauce like Frank&s RedHot instead of Sriracha. Heat lovers can double the cayenne and add 1/4 teaspoon of ground chipotle for smokier intensity. My favorite upgrade for serious spice enthusiasts is adding 1 teaspoon of Korean gochugaru flakes which brings complex fruity heat that complements the cherries beautifully.

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The mix is done when it appears golden and fills your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma.

Recipe FAQ

→ How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The level of heat depends on the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper used. Adjust to suit your taste for a mild or bolder kick.

→ Can I use different nuts in the mix?

Absolutely! Pecans or peanuts work well as substitutes for almonds and cashews for a different flavor profile.

→ Is this snack suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Be sure to check labels on cereal and hot sauce for hidden animal products.

→ How should I store the snack mix?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. The mix stays crisp and flavorful.

→ What beverages pair well with this snack?

It's delightful with a chilled lager, sparkling water with citrus, or your favorite soft drink for balance.

→ Can the popcorn be omitted?

Yes, the popcorn is optional and adds extra crunch. Feel free to skip it or substitute with more cereal or nuts.