Cherry Hot Honey Snack Mix (Printable)

A sweet, spicy, and crunchy blend of cherries, nuts, pretzels, and honey glaze for parties or snacking.

# Components:

→ Snack Mix Components

01 - 3 cups mini pretzel twists
02 - 1 cup roasted salted almonds
03 - 1 cup roasted cashews
04 - 1 cup dried cherries
05 - 1 cup honey-flavored cereal
06 - 1 cup plain popped popcorn

→ Hot Honey Glaze

07 - 1/3 cup honey
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce
10 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring good coverage.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the mini pretzel twists, roasted salted almonds, roasted cashews, dried cherries, honey-flavored cereal, and popped popcorn (if utilizing).
03 - In a small saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Incorporate the honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and kosher salt. Stir consistently until the mixture is uniformly combined and warmed through, typically 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Pour the prepared hot honey glaze over the accumulated snack mix ingredients. Use a spatula to toss everything gently, ensuring all components are evenly coated with the glaze.
05 - Spread the coated mixture in a single, even layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even baking.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Midway through the baking process, stir the mixture to promote even caramelization and crisping.
07 - Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the snack mix to cool completely on the baking sheet. The glaze will become crisp as it reaches ambient temperature.
08 - Once fully cooled, break apart any large clusters to create individual servings. Transfer the finished snack mix to an airtight container for storage.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Perfect balance of sweet heat and saltiness
  • Makes your house smell amazing while baking
  • Easily customizable to your heat preference
02 -
  • Perfect for making ahead up to 5 days before serving
  • Contains approximately 260 calories per serving
  • Can be packaged in mason jars for homemade gifts
  • Doubles easily for larger gatherings
03 -
  • Always use parchment paper not just for easy cleanup but because it prevents the honey mixture from burning on the pan
  • Stir halfway through baking to ensure even caramelization throughout
  • Let the mix cool completely before storing to maintain maximum crunch

Return