Save This cherry hot honey pretzel snack mix transforms ordinary pantry ingredients into an addictive sweet-spicy-salty treat that disappears faster than I can make it. The combination of crunchy pretzels, roasted nuts, and tart cherries coated in spicy honey glaze creates the perfect balance of flavors that keeps everyone reaching for more.
I first created this recipe for a game night with friends, and it became an instant tradition. Now my family expects a batch whenever we have movie nights or road trips, and I always pack extra because it vanishes so quickly.
Ingredients
- Mini pretzels: provide the perfect salty base and add wonderful crunch
- Roasted cashews: contribute buttery richness look for unsalted ones if you prefer controlling the salt level
- Roasted almonds: add hearty texture and nutritional value choose ones with skins on for extra flavor
- Corn cereal squares: create light crispy pockets that hold the honey coating beautifully
- Dried tart cherries: offer chewy sweetness with a pleasant tang choose plump ones without added sugar if possible
- Unsalted butter: creates the base for our coating use European style for richer flavor
- Honey: provides natural sweetness local varieties add unique flavor notes
- Hot sauce: brings the heat sriracha works wonderfully but any favorite variety works
- Smoked paprika: adds subtle smoky depth without overwhelming
- Garlic powder: infuses savory notes that balance the sweetness
- Kosher salt: enhances all flavors flaky sea salt works beautifully too
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to exactly 325°F. This moderate temperature allows the coating to caramelize without burning. Line your baking sheet completely with parchment paper, ensuring no metal is exposed, as the honey mixture will stick terribly to an unlined pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In your largest mixing bowl, gently combine the pretzels, cashews, almonds, corn cereal, and dried cherries. Use a light touch to avoid crushing the delicate cereal pieces. Make sure there's enough room in the bowl for thorough tossing later.
- Create The Hot Honey Coating:
- Melt butter slowly in a small saucepan over medium heat until just liquefied. Immediately add the honey, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly frothy and just begins to bubble at the edges. The slow heating allows the spices to bloom properly in the fat.
- Coat The Mixture:
- Pour the hot honey mixture evenly over your dry ingredients. Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together with gentle but thorough motions. Continue folding for about 1 minute until every piece has a thin coating of the honey mixture.
- Arrange For Baking:
- Transfer the coated mixture to your prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a single, even layer. Take time to separate any clumps, ensuring maximum exposure to heat for proper caramelization.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, removing the tray at the halfway point to stir everything thoroughly. Watch carefully in the final minutes as the honey can quickly go from caramelized to burnt. The mix is done when it appears golden and fills your kitchen with a toasty, sweet aroma.
- Cool Completely:
- Allow the snack mix to cool undisturbed on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes. As it cools, the coating will harden and create that irresistible candied crunch. Patience here is essential for the perfect texture.
- Break And Store:
- Once completely cooled, break apart any clumps with your fingers and transfer to an airtight container. If you plan to store for more than a few days, adding a piece of parchment between layers helps prevent sticking.
Save The dried cherries are my secret weapon in this recipe. Their tangy sweetness creates the perfect counterpoint to the spicy honey coating. My daughter once ate all the cherries out of a batch I made for a potluck, and I had to quickly make another batch before anyone noticed the cherry theft.
Storage Tips
This snack mix stays crisp and delicious for up to two weeks when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. For maximum freshness, add a small piece of bread to the container to absorb any moisture that might make the mix soggy. Replace the bread every few days if keeping the mix for longer periods.
Spice Level Customization
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability to different heat preferences. For a mild version perfect for children or heat-sensitive guests, reduce the hot sauce to just half a teaspoon and omit the smoked paprika. For spice enthusiasts, double the hot sauce and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the coating. You can even create a flavor gradient by dividing the base mixture and making batches with varying levels of heat.
Seasonal Variations
Spring Refresh Add 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberries and substitute pistachios for cashews
Summer Sensation Mix in 1/3 cup dried blueberries and add lemon zest to the honey coating
Fall Harvest Include 1/2 cup dried cranberries and add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to the coating
Winter Warmth Incorporate 1/3 cup dark chocolate chunks after cooling and double the smoked paprika
Entertaining With Snack Mix
This versatile snack mix deserves a starring role at your next gathering. Create a snack board featuring the mix alongside complementary items like cheese cubes, fresh fruit, and charcuterie. For cocktail parties, portion the mix into small paper cones or cups for easy mingling. The sweet-spicy profile pairs beautifully with both beer and wine, making it the perfect accompaniment to your beverage of choice. I often serve it alongside a signature cocktail featuring similar flavor notes like a spicy margarita or honey bourbon sour.
Save Enjoy this delightful snack mix as is, or get creative by adding it to dessert platters or even as a crunchy topping for yogurt parfaits.
Recipe FAQ
- → How spicy is the hot honey coating?
The spiciness is moderate due to the hot sauce, but you can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- → Can I swap out the nuts?
Absolutely! Substitute cashews or almonds for your favorite nuts such as peanuts or pecans, or add seeds for more crunch.
- → Is the mix suitable for make-ahead snacking?
Yes, it stores well in an airtight container and remains crisp, making it great for prepping in advance.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
You can use gluten-free pretzels and cereal squares to make a version without wheat, but always check labels for allergens.
- → How should I serve this snack mix?
Serve it at parties, pack for lunchboxes, or pair with drinks for an easy, flavorful snack any time.