Save A spicy, savory, and slightly sweet popcorn mix perfect for festive gatherings and holiday snacking.
I first made this Sriracha Popcorn Mix for a holiday movie night with friends. One batch disappeared almost instantly! It's now a must-make treat whenever the holidays roll around.
Ingredients
- Popcorn: 10 cups freshly popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- Spicy Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Snack Mix-Ins: 1 cup roasted salted peanuts, 1 cup mini pretzels, 1 cup rice cereal squares (e.g., Chex), 1/2 cup roasted pepitas or sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Popcorn & Add-Ins:
- Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Add the peanuts, mini pretzels, rice cereal squares, and pepitas or sunflower seeds. Toss gently to combine.
- Make Spicy Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in Sriracha, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved (about 2 minutes).
- Coat Popcorn Mixture:
- Immediately pour the spicy sauce over the popcorn mixture. Toss thoroughly with a spatula or large spoon until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake & Crisp:
- Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the mix is dry and crisp.
- Cool & Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Save This mix goes quickly when the whole family is gathered for a game or movie night. My kids love to help toss the popcorn and sneak a few bites before it cools!
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, saucepan, baking sheet, parchment paper, spatula or large spoon.
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts, dairy, and gluten. Always check packaged ingredients for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, 11 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Save This popcorn mix is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday get-together. Pack it up for easy sharing or set out a big bowl for festive snacking.
Recipe FAQ
- → How spicy is this popcorn mix?
The level of spice depends on the amount of Sriracha and any additional cayenne you might add. It's moderately spicy as written but easily adjusted to suit your preference.
- → Can I substitute the peanuts in the mix?
Yes, almonds or cashews make great alternatives. For a nut-free option, use more seeds or extra pretzels.
- → What cereals work best for the snack mix?
Rice cereal squares like Chex are ideal due to their crisp texture and ability to hold the sauce. Other plain, unsweetened cereals also work.
- → How do I achieve even coating of the sauce?
Toss the popcorn and mix-ins thoroughly after pouring the spicy sauce. Use a spatula or large spoon for best results and bake to set the coating.
- → How long does the mix stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, it remains crunchy and flavorful for up to 1 week. Let it cool completely before storing.
- → Can I make the mix ahead for parties?
Absolutely! Prepare up to several days in advance and store airtight for easy serving during gatherings.