Cherry Hot Honey Pretzel Mix (Print Version)

A blend of dried cherries, pretzels, nuts, and hot honey brings sweet heat to every crunchy bite.

# Components:

→ Snack Base

01 - 3 cups mini pretzels
02 - 1 cup roasted salted cashews
03 - 1 cup roasted almonds
04 - 1 cup corn cereal squares
05 - 3/4 cup dried tart cherries

→ Hot Honey Coating

06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
07 - 1/4 cup honey
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons hot sauce
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini pretzels, roasted salted cashews, roasted almonds, corn cereal squares, and dried tart cherries. Toss gently to mix.
03 - In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well combined and begins to bubble, approximately 2 minutes.
04 - Pour the prepared hot honey mixture over the combined dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss until all components are evenly coated with the glaze.
05 - Spread the glazed snack mix in an even layer onto the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring the mix halfway through the baking time. Continue until the mixture is golden brown and aromatic.
07 - Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the snack mix to cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crispier as it cools.
08 - Once fully cooled, break apart any large clumps. Transfer the Cherry Hot Honey Pretzel Snack Mix to an airtight container for storage.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
  • Perfect balance of sweet heat and salty crunch
  • Makes your house smell amazing while baking
  • Stores beautifully for days of snacking pleasure
02 -
  • Perfect for gifting in decorative jars or tins
  • Naturally vegetarian and easily made vegan by substituting plant butter
  • Can be prepared up to a week in advance for parties
  • Doubles as both a snack and a unique salad topper
  • Provides a wonderful balance of carbs protein and healthy fats
03 -
  • Always cool the mix completely on the baking sheet before storing. The coating needs time to set properly for that perfect crunch.
  • When making larger batches for parties, work in multiple smaller batches rather than overcrowding your mixing bowl or baking sheet.
  • The quality of your honey dramatically affects the final flavor. Try using a robust variety like buckwheat or wildflower honey for more complex notes.