50 Christmas Party Snack Mix Ideas

Fifty snack mixes, from five-minute no-bake bowls to gourmet gift-worthy blends. Grab a big bowl and let’s get mixing.

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1. Peppermint Bark Snack Mix

This one tastes like someone crushed a candy cane shop into a bowl.

Time: 20 min  |  Makes: 10 cups

You’ll need: mini pretzel twists, crispy rice cereal squares, white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, candy canes, red and white sprinkles, vegetable oil

Line two baking sheets with parchment. Melt the white chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. In a large bowl, toss the pretzels and cereal squares with the melted white chocolate until evenly coated, then spread onto one baking sheet. Melt the dark chocolate chips the same way and drizzle over the mixture in thin lines. Crush 6 candy canes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin and scatter the pieces along with the sprinkles over the top while the chocolate is still wet. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for 8 minutes, until the chocolate is fully set, then break into clusters.

2. Gingerbread Puppy Chow

This is puppy chow’s cozier cousin, the one that smells like a gingerbread house the second the bag opens. Molasses and warm spice cling to every square of cereal instead of the usual peanut butter and chocolate, so it eats less like candy and more like dessert. Keep it away from the kids’ table or it’ll vanish in five minutes flat.

You’ll need: rice cereal squares, white chocolate chips, unsalted butter, molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, powdered sugar

Pour 9 cups rice cereal squares into a very large bowl. Melt the white chocolate chips with 4 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons molasses in the microwave in 30-second bursts until smooth, then stir in 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves. Pour the mixture over the cereal and fold gently with a spatula until every piece is coated. Transfer to a gallon zip-top bag, add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully dusted. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

3. Sugar Cookie Snack Mix

Imagine the smell of a sugar cookie bakery packed into snackable clusters.

You’ll need: frosted animal crackers, mini vanilla wafers, white candy melts, vanilla extract, rainbow nonpareils

Melt the white candy melts in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups frosted animal crackers and 4 cups mini vanilla wafers, pour the melted candy melts over the top, and fold gently until coated. Spread onto a parchment-lined sheet in a single layer and scatter the nonpareils over the top immediately. Let set at room temperature for 20 minutes, then break into small clusters before serving.

4. Caramel Apple Snack Mix

Real caramel apple flavor without the sticky mess of an actual caramel apple.

You’ll need: popped popcorn, freeze-dried apple chips, thin pretzel sticks, unsalted butter, brown sugar, light corn syrup, baking soda, ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment. In a large bowl, combine 8 cups popped popcorn, 2 cups freeze-dried apple chips, and 1 cup pretzel sticks. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons butter with 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup corn syrup, stirring until it comes to a boil, then boil undisturbed for 4 minutes. Remove from heat, whisk in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda until foamy, then pour over the popcorn mixture and toss to coat evenly. Spread onto the baking sheet, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden and glossy. Cool completely on the sheet before breaking apart.

5. Fruity Reindeer Chow

This is the mix that makes kids sprint to the snack table first.

You’ll need: fruity ring cereal, mini pretzel twists, orange candy melts, vanilla candy melts, orange zest, festive sprinkles

In a large bowl, combine 5 cups fruity ring cereal and 2 cups mini pretzel twists. Melt the orange and vanilla candy melts together in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon orange zest. Pour over the cereal mixture and fold gently with a spatula until evenly coated. Spread onto a parchment-lined sheet, scatter sprinkles over the top while still wet, and let set for 15 minutes at room temperature before breaking into pieces.

6. Toffee Pecan Snack Mix

Deep, buttery toffee flavor that leans more grown-up than the rest of the sweet mixes on this list.

You’ll need: pecan halves, thin pretzel sticks, toffee bits, unsalted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, flaky sea salt

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread 3 cups pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, until fragrant, then set aside to cool slightly and reduce oven to 300°F. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar, stirring until it bubbles, then simmer for 2 minutes and remove from heat to stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. In a large bowl, toss the toasted pecans and 2 cups pretzel sticks with the caramel until coated, spread on a parchment-lined sheet, and bake for 12 minutes, stirring once halfway. Remove from the oven, sprinkle immediately with 1 cup toffee bits and 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, and cool completely before breaking apart.

7. Snowball Coconut Snack Mix

Every piece in this mix looks like it just fell from a snow cloud, and the toasted coconut adds a nutty edge that keeps the sweetness from going flat.

You’ll need: mini marshmallows, sweetened shredded coconut, white chocolate chips, pretzel twists, vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 325°F, spread 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut on a baking sheet, and toast for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until golden. Set aside to cool completely. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts until smooth, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. In a large bowl, gently fold 3 cups mini marshmallows and 2 cups pretzel twists into the melted white chocolate until lightly coated, being careful not to crush the marshmallows. Add the toasted coconut and toss once more, then spread onto parchment and let set at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

8. Ranch Oyster Cracker Mix

This is the mix that ends up in a giant Tupperware by the TV during every holiday movie marathon.

You’ll need: oyster crackers, corn cereal squares, vegetable oil, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, dried dill

In a large bowl, combine 5 cups oyster crackers and 3 cups corn cereal squares. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup vegetable oil, one 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning mix, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill. Pour the oil mixture over the crackers and toss thoroughly, making sure every piece gets coated. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes, so the seasoning fully soaks in before serving.

9. Everything Bagel Snack Mix

All the flavor of your favorite bagel shop order, minus the cream cheese mess.

You’ll need: mini pretzel twists, bagel chips, wheat cracker squares, olive oil, egg white, everything bagel seasoning

Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. In a large bowl, whisk 1 egg white with 2 tablespoons olive oil until frothy, then add 3 cups mini pretzel twists, 3 cups bagel chips, and 3 cups wheat cracker squares and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning over the mixture and toss again to distribute. Spread onto the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and lightly toasted. Cool completely on the sheet before serving.

10. Dill Pickle Snack Mix

Loud, tangy, and impossible to eat just a handful of. The dill and vinegar powder hit hard right up front, so this is the mix for the person at your party who orders extra pickles on everything. It’s sharp enough to cut through all the sweet mixes on the table, which makes it a great palate reset between rounds of cookies.

You’ll need: oyster crackers, thin pretzel sticks, vegetable oil, dill pickle seasoning, dried dill, powdered buttermilk

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups oyster crackers and 3 cups pretzel sticks. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons dill pickle seasoning, 1 tablespoon dried dill, and 1 tablespoon powdered buttermilk. Pour over the crackers and toss until fully coated, scraping the bottom of the bowl to catch any seasoning that settled. Let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, tossing occasionally, then serve.

11. Parmesan Herb Chex Mix

The classic party mix, dialed up with real parmesan instead of the powdered stuff.

You’ll need: corn cereal squares, rice cereal squares, mini pretzels, unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, grated parmesan

Preheat the oven to 250°F. In a large roasting pan, combine 3 cups corn cereal squares, 3 cups rice cereal squares, and 2 cups mini pretzels. Melt 6 tablespoons butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs, then pour over the cereal mixture and toss until every piece is coated. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp. Remove from the oven, sprinkle immediately with 1 cup grated parmesan while still warm so it melts slightly, and cool completely before serving.

12. Bacon Cheddar Cracker Mix

Smoky, cheesy, and salty enough to have people going back for thirds before they realize it.

You’ll need: cheddar cracker squares, thick pretzel bites, cooked bacon, vegetable oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Cook 6 slices bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small bits once cooled. In a large bowl, toss 5 cups cheddar cracker squares and 3 cups pretzel bites with 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until evenly coated. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, stirring once, until warmed through and fragrant. Remove from the oven, toss in the crumbled bacon while still warm, and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

13. Buffalo Ranch Pretzel Mix

This mix tastes like buffalo wing sauce found its way into a pretzel bowl and never left.

You’ll need: pretzel nuggets, wheat cracker squares, unsalted butter, buffalo hot sauce, ranch seasoning mix

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Melt 4 tablespoons butter and whisk in 3 tablespoons buffalo hot sauce until smooth. In a large bowl, toss 4 cups pretzel nuggets and 3 cups wheat cracker squares with the buffalo butter until evenly coated. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until glossy and set. Remove from the oven, sprinkle 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix over the top while still warm, and toss to coat before cooling completely.

14. Garlic Parmesan Popcorn Mix

Real toasted garlic makes this popcorn mix taste like it came from a movie theater with much better standards.

You’ll need: popped popcorn, garlic cloves, unsalted butter, olive oil, grated parmesan, dried parsley

Thinly slice 6 garlic cloves. In a small skillet over medium-low heat, warm 1/4 cup olive oil and fry the garlic slices for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel, reserving the garlic oil. Melt 3 tablespoons butter and whisk it into the reserved garlic oil. In a very large bowl, toss 9 cups popped popcorn with the garlic butter until evenly coated, then sprinkle with 3/4 cup grated parmesan and 1 teaspoon dried parsley and toss again. Top with the crispy garlic and serve immediately while warm.

15. Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Chow

The classic puppy chow, dressed up for the holidays with red and green candy pieces folded in at the end.

You’ll need: rice cereal squares, semisweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, red and green candy-coated chocolates

Pour 9 cups rice cereal squares into a very large bowl. Melt 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, 3/4 cup peanut butter, and 4 tablespoons butter together in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour over the cereal and fold gently until every piece is coated. Transfer to a gallon zip-top bag, add 2 cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully dusted. Spread onto a baking sheet to cool for 10 minutes, then fold in 1 cup red and green candy-coated chocolates before serving.

16. Rocky Road Snack Mix

Marshmallow, almond, and chocolate in every single bite, no digging around to find the good part.

You’ll need: mini marshmallows, whole almonds, pretzel twists, semisweet chocolate chips, vegetable oil, flaky sea salt

Preheat the oven to 350°F, spread 1 1/2 cups almonds on a baking sheet, and toast for 8 minutes until fragrant, then let cool and roughly chop. In a large bowl, combine the almonds with 3 cups mini marshmallows and 3 cups pretzel twists. Melt the chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts until smooth, then drizzle over the mixture and toss very gently with a spatula so the marshmallows stay intact. Spread onto parchment, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, and let set at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

17. Chocolate Covered Cherry Snack Mix

Deep dark chocolate against tart dried cherries makes this one taste more like a fancy bonbon box than a party bowl.

You’ll need: mini pretzel twists, dried tart cherries, dark chocolate chips, vegetable oil, unsweetened cocoa powder

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mini pretzel twists and 2 cups dried tart cherries. Melt the dark chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour over the pretzel mixture and fold gently until evenly coated. Spread onto a parchment-lined sheet in a single layer and let set at room temperature for 20 minutes. Once set, transfer to a bowl and dust lightly with 2 tablespoons cocoa powder before serving.

18. White Chocolate Cranberry Snack Mix

This one is built for looks as much as flavor, ruby red cranberries and bright green pistachios against a snowy white chocolate coating.

You’ll need: mini pretzel twists, dried cranberries, shelled pistachios, white chocolate chips, vegetable oil

Roughly chop 1/2 cup pistachios. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mini pretzel twists, 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries, and the chopped pistachios. Melt the white chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour over the mixture and fold gently until coated. Spread onto parchment paper and let set at room temperature for 20 minutes before breaking into small clusters.

19. Mocha Almond Snack Mix

Bittersweet chocolate and a real hit of instant espresso powder make this mix taste like a coffee shop pastry case in snack form.

You’ll need: whole almonds, thin pretzel sticks, dark chocolate chips, instant espresso powder, vegetable oil, flaky sea salt

Preheat the oven to 350°F, spread 2 cups almonds on a baking sheet, and toast for 8 minutes until fragrant, then let cool. Melt the dark chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth, then whisk in 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder until dissolved. In a large bowl, combine the toasted almonds with 2 cups pretzel sticks, pour the mocha chocolate over the top, and fold until evenly coated. Spread onto parchment, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, and let set for 20 minutes before serving.

20. Cookies and Cream Snack Mix

Crushed sandwich cookies folded straight into a white chocolate coating means you get crunchy cookie bits in every handful instead of just a few lucky pieces.

You’ll need: mini pretzel twists, chocolate sandwich cookies, white chocolate chips, vegetable oil

Roughly chop 12 chocolate sandwich cookies into small pieces. Melt the white chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. In a large bowl, combine 5 cups mini pretzel twists with the chopped cookies, pour the melted white chocolate over the top, and fold gently until coated. Spread onto parchment paper and let set at room temperature for 20 minutes before breaking into clusters.

21. S’mores Snack Mix

Every part of a s’more shows up here without needing a campfire.

You’ll need: graham cereal squares, mini marshmallows, milk chocolate chunks, unsalted butter, honey

Melt 3 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons honey in a large pot over low heat until combined. Remove from heat and stir in 6 cups graham cereal squares until lightly coated, then let cool for 5 minutes. Fold in 2 cups mini marshmallows and 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chunks, stirring gently so the warmth from the cereal softens the chocolate just slightly without fully melting it. Spread onto parchment paper to finish cooling for 10 minutes before serving.

22. Sweet and Spicy Chili Lime Mix

This mix hits sweet, spicy, and sour all in the same handful.

You’ll need: roasted peanuts, corn nuts, thin pretzel sticks, vegetable oil, chili powder, brown sugar, lime zest, cayenne pepper

Preheat the oven to 300°F. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, zest of 2 limes, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Add 2 cups roasted peanuts, 2 cups corn nuts, and 3 cups pretzel sticks and toss until every piece is well coated. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and slightly darkened. Cool completely on the sheet before serving.

23. Cajun Spiced Snack Mix

Bold, peppery, and layered with real Cajun seasoning instead of a one-note heat.

You’ll need: corn cereal squares, wheat cereal squares, thick pretzel bites, unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce

Preheat the oven to 250°F. In a large roasting pan, combine 3 cups corn cereal squares, 3 cups wheat cereal squares, and 2 cups pretzel bites. Melt 6 tablespoons butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce, then pour over the cereal mixture and toss until every piece is coated. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until deeply toasted. Cool completely on the pan before serving.

24. Hot Honey Popcorn Mix

Sweet, sticky honey with a slow-building heat that creeps up after a few handfuls.

You’ll need: popped popcorn, unsalted butter, honey, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, flaky sea salt

Preheat the oven to 250°F and spread 9 cups popped popcorn on two baking sheets. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter with 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, whisking until it comes to a gentle boil, then boil for 1 minute. Pour evenly over the popcorn and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 7 minutes, until glossy and set. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while warm, then cool completely before breaking apart.

25. Smoky Chipotle Nut Mix

Real smoky depth from chipotle powder instead of just generic heat, with a touch of brown sugar to keep it from turning one-note bitter.

You’ll need: mixed roasted nuts, unsalted butter, brown sugar, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, flaky sea salt

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Melt 3 tablespoons butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon chipotle powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika until the sugar dissolves. Toss 6 cups mixed roasted nuts with the glaze in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 12 minutes, stirring once halfway, until fragrant and glossy. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt immediately after removing from the oven, then cool completely before serving.

26. Wasabi Ranch Rice Cracker Mix

A sharp, sinus-clearing kick from real wasabi peas balanced by a mellow ranch coating on everything else.

You’ll need: rice crackers, wasabi peas, thin pretzel sticks, vegetable oil, ranch seasoning mix, wasabi powder

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups rice crackers, 1 cup wasabi peas, and 2 cups pretzel sticks. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix, and 1/2 teaspoon wasabi powder. Pour over the mixture and toss until fully coated. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, tossing once halfway, before serving.

27. Sriracha Sesame Snack Mix

A glossy, sweet-hot glaze with a nutty sesame finish that makes this mix feel more like a snack from a night market than a party bowl.

You’ll need: rice crackers, thin pretzel sticks, sriracha sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds

Preheat the oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons sriracha, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil. In a large bowl, toss 4 cups rice crackers and 3 cups pretzel sticks with the sriracha mixture until evenly coated. Spread onto a parchment-lined sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until glossy and set. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sesame seeds while still warm, and cool completely before serving.

28. Christmas Trail Mix

This is the trail mix your grandmother’s cookie tin wishes it was, salty pretzels and roasted almonds keeping the sweet red and green candies from taking over.

You’ll need: red and green candy-coated chocolates, roasted almonds, dried cranberries, mini pretzel twists, banana chips

In a very large bowl, combine 2 cups red and green candy-coated chocolates, 2 cups roasted almonds, 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries, 2 cups mini pretzel twists, and 1/2 cup banana chips. Toss everything together with your hands or a large spoon until evenly distributed. Store in an airtight container or portion directly into jars for gifting.

29. Eggnog Snack Mix

Real ground nutmeg and a touch of rum extract give this mix that unmistakable eggnog flavor without a drop of dairy anywhere near it.

You’ll need: rice cereal squares, pretzel bites, white chocolate chips, ground nutmeg, rum extract, vanilla extract

Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon rum extract, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. In a large bowl, combine 5 cups rice cereal squares and 3 cups pretzel bites, pour the spiced white chocolate over the top, and fold gently until coated. Spread onto parchment, dust with an extra pinch of nutmeg, and let set at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

30. Cranberry Orange Snack Mix

Bright, citrusy, and tart enough to feel like a genuine break from all the chocolate mixes crowding the table.

You’ll need: pretzel twists, dried cranberries, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, orange zest, orange juice

Preheat the oven to 300°F. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter with 1/2 cup sugar, zest of 2 oranges, and 2 tablespoons orange juice, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is syrupy. In a large bowl, toss 5 cups pretzel twists and 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries with the orange glaze until evenly coated. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until the glaze is set and slightly crisp. Cool completely on the sheet, breaking apart any large clumps before serving.

31. Christmas Spice Nut Mix

Warm spices, deep caramelized sugar, and a proper toasting on the nuts before they ever meet the glaze.

You’ll need: pecan halves, walnut halves, egg white, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves

Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Whisk 1 egg white with 1 tablespoon water until frothy. In a large bowl, toss 3 cups pecan halves and 3 cups walnut halves in the egg white mixture until coated. In a separate bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves, then sprinkle over the nuts and toss until evenly coated. Spread onto the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25 minutes, stirring every 8 minutes, until deeply golden and dry to the touch. Cool completely on the sheet, the nuts will crisp up as they cool.

32. Candy Cane Popcorn Mix

Light, crunchy popcorn instead of a heavy candy base makes this one easy to snack on all night without feeling weighed down.

You’ll need: popped popcorn, white chocolate chips, red gel food coloring, peppermint extract, candy canes

Spread 9 cups popped popcorn across two parchment-lined baking sheets, removing any unpopped kernels. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth, then stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Tint half the melted chocolate pale pink with a toothpick dip of red gel food coloring, keeping the other half white. Drizzle both over the popcorn in thin lines, working quickly before it sets. Crush 5 candy canes and scatter the pieces over the top while the chocolate is still wet, then let set at room temperature for 20 minutes before breaking apart.

33. Holiday Spiced Chex Mix

A warm, buttery cinnamon-sugar coating over the classic toasted cereal mix, the sweet answer to the usual savory party mix.

You’ll need: corn cereal squares, rice cereal squares, mini pretzels, unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 250°F. In a large roasting pan, combine 4 cups corn cereal squares, 3 cups rice cereal squares, and 2 cups mini pretzels. Melt 6 tablespoons butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour over the cereal mixture and toss until every piece is coated. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until deeply golden and fragrant. Cool completely on the pan, the mix will crisp up as it cools.

34. Sugarplum Snack Mix

Chewy dried fruit, roasted pistachios, and just enough honey glaze to bring it all together without making it sticky.

You’ll need: dried plums, dried figs, shelled pistachios, pretzel twists, honey, orange zest

Roughly chop 1 cup dried plums and 1 cup dried figs into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chopped dried fruit with 1 1/2 cups shelled pistachios and 2 cups pretzel twists. Warm 2 tablespoons honey in the microwave for 15 seconds until thin and pourable, then drizzle over the mixture along with the zest of 1 orange and toss gently until lightly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes so the honey sets slightly before serving.

35. Five-Minute Nutty Chocolate Mix

No oven, no melting, no waiting around, just open bags and stir.

You’ll need: roasted almonds, roasted cashews, semisweet chocolate chips, dried cranberries, pretzel sticks

In a very large bowl, combine 2 cups roasted almonds, 1 1/2 cups roasted cashews, 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, 1 cup dried cranberries, and 1 cup pretzel sticks. Toss everything together with a large spoon until evenly distributed. Transfer to a serving bowl or portion into snack bags immediately.

36. Instant Snowman Snack Mix

Nothing here needs melting or baking, just a bowl and a stir, which makes it the mix to hand a kid who wants to help with the party prep.

You’ll need: corn cereal squares, mini marshmallows, candy corn, white chocolate chips, black licorice bits

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups corn cereal squares, 2 cups mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup candy corn, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, and 2 tablespoons black licorice bits. Toss gently with a large spoon so the marshmallows don’t get crushed. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two days.

37. Salty Sweet No-Bake Mix

Store-bought caramel corn does most of the work here, so this mix comes together purely by tossing three bags into a bowl.

You’ll need: caramel corn, thin pretzel sticks, salted peanuts, mini pretzel twists

In a very large bowl, combine 4 cups caramel corn, 2 cups pretzel sticks, 1 cup salted peanuts, and 1 cup mini pretzel twists. Toss gently with a large spoon, being careful not to crush the caramel corn clusters. Serve right away for the best crunch.

38. Peanut Butter Cup Snack Mix

Chopped peanut butter cups do all the flavor lifting, no melting required, so this mix is really just smart assembly.

You’ll need: peanut butter cup candies, rice cereal squares, pretzel bites, roasted peanuts

Roughly chop 2 cups peanut butter cup candies into quarters. In a large bowl, combine the chopped candies with 3 cups rice cereal squares, 2 cups pretzel bites, and 1 cup roasted peanuts. Toss gently with a large spoon until evenly distributed. Serve immediately, this mix is best eaten the same day before the chopped candy pieces harden.

39. Fruit and Nut Winter Mix

This is the mix for the person scanning the table for something that isn’t pure sugar.

You’ll need: dried apricots, walnut halves, dark chocolate chunks, roasted pepitas, dried cherries

Roughly chop 1 cup dried apricots into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chopped apricots with 1 1/2 cups walnut halves, 1 cup dark chocolate chunks, 1 cup roasted pepitas, and 1/2 cup dried cherries. Toss with a large spoon until evenly mixed. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

40. Pretzel Party Mix

Three kinds of pretzels give this mix more texture variety than you’d expect from something this easy, sticks, twists, and nuggets all in the same bowl.

You’ll need: pretzel sticks, pretzel twists, pretzel nuggets, red and green candy-coated chocolates, yogurt-covered raisins

In a very large bowl, combine 2 cups pretzel sticks, 2 cups pretzel twists, 2 cups pretzel nuggets, 1 cup red and green candy-coated chocolates, and 1 cup yogurt-covered raisins. Toss everything together with a large spoon until evenly distributed. Transfer to a serving bowl right away.

41. Rudolph’s Reindeer Food Mix

This is the craft-project snack mix, one that kids will actually want to help build.

You’ll need: pretzel rods, milk chocolate chips, vegetable oil, candy eyes, red candy-coated chocolates, pretzel twists

Melt the milk chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Dip 20 pretzel rods into the melted chocolate, coating about three-quarters of each rod, and lay them on parchment paper. While the chocolate is still wet, press 2 candy eyes and 1 red candy-coated chocolate onto the dipped end to form a reindeer face, then press a small pretzel twist on each side near the eyes for antlers. Let set at room temperature for 20 minutes, or refrigerate for 10 minutes, until fully hardened before serving.

42. Marshmallow Snowman Snack Mix

Soft, pillowy, and mild enough for even picky little eaters at the party.

Time: 15 min  |  Makes: 6 cups

You’ll need: large marshmallows, mini marshmallows, white candy melts, blue sanding sugar, mini chocolate chips

Melt the white candy melts in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups large marshmallows and 3 cups mini marshmallows, drizzle the melted candy melts lightly over the top, and fold very gently to avoid crushing them. Immediately sprinkle blue sanding sugar and mini chocolate chips over the top while the coating is still wet. Let set at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

43. Gummy Bear Winter Wonderland Mix

Bright, chewy, and about as low-effort as party snacks get, this is the mix that keeps kids occupied without any actual cooking on your part.

You’ll need: gummy bears, mini pretzel twists, white chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups gummy bears, 3 cups mini pretzel twists, and 1 cup white chocolate chips. Toss gently with a large spoon until evenly mixed. Scatter a small handful of rainbow sprinkles over the top just before serving for extra color.

44. Cocoa Crunch Snack Mix

This one is basically a bowl of hot cocoa turned into a handful snack, chocolatey cereal puffs doing the heavy lifting with marshmallows folded in for that cocoa-topping feeling.

You’ll need: chocolate cereal puffs, mini marshmallows, milk chocolate chips, pretzel sticks

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups chocolate cereal puffs, 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup milk chocolate chips, and 1 cup pretzel sticks. Toss gently with a large spoon so the marshmallows stay whole. Serve immediately in individual cups for easy grabbing at a kids’ table.

45. Candy Cane Cocoa Puppy Chow

A kid-approved puppy chow with a peppermint twist that’s mellow enough not to overwhelm younger palates.

You’ll need: rice cereal squares, semisweet chocolate chips, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, candy canes

Pour 8 cups rice cereal squares into a very large bowl. Melt 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons butter in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour over the cereal and fold gently until every piece is coated. Transfer to a gallon zip-top bag, add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until fully dusted. Spread onto a baking sheet, crush 3 candy canes and sprinkle the pieces over the top while still slightly tacky, and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

46. Truffle Parmesan Popcorn Mix

Real truffle oil turns basic popcorn into something you’d expect on a fancy appetizer menu, not a party snack table.

You’ll need: popped popcorn, truffle oil, shaved parmesan, flaky sea salt, cracked black pepper

In a very large bowl, drizzle 8 cups warm popped popcorn with 2 tablespoons truffle oil and toss immediately so it coats evenly. Add 3/4 cup shaved parmesan and toss again, letting the warmth of the popcorn soften it slightly onto each piece. Finish with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Serve right away while the popcorn is still warm for the best truffle aroma.

47. Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Snack Mix

Bittersweet dark chocolate and a generous finish of flaky sea salt make this the mix that skips the usual holiday sugar rush entirely.

You’ll need: mini pretzel twists, whole almonds, 70% dark chocolate, vegetable oil, flaky sea salt

Preheat the oven to 350°F, spread 2 cups almonds on a baking sheet, and toast for 8 minutes until fragrant, then let cool. Melt the dark chocolate with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mini pretzel twists and the toasted almonds, pour the melted chocolate over the top, and fold gently until evenly coated. Spread onto parchment paper, sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt while still wet, and let set at room temperature for 20 minutes before breaking into pieces.

48. Rosemary Marcona Almond Mix

Fresh rosemary fried briefly in olive oil turns fragrant and crisp, giving this mix an herbal, almost restaurant-quality edge.

You’ll need: Marcona almonds, thin pretzel sticks, fresh rosemary, olive oil, flaky sea salt, lemon zest

Strip the leaves from 4 sprigs fresh rosemary. In a small skillet over medium-low heat, warm 3 tablespoons olive oil and fry the rosemary leaves for 30 to 45 seconds, until fragrant and just crisp, then remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel, reserving the oil. In a large bowl, toss 3 cups Marcona almonds and 2 cups pretzel sticks with the rosemary oil until lightly coated. Add the crispy rosemary back in along with the zest of 1 lemon and a generous pinch of flaky sea salt, tossing once more before serving.

49. Champagne Gummy and White Chocolate Mix

This one is built purely for a New Year’s Eve countdown table, though it fits right in at any dressier Christmas party too.

You’ll need: champagne gummy bears, mini pretzel twists, white chocolate chips, vegetable oil, edible gold sprinkles

Melt the white chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. In a large bowl, toss 3 cups mini pretzel twists with the melted white chocolate until coated, then spread onto parchment paper and scatter edible gold sprinkles over the top while still wet. Let set at room temperature for 15 minutes, then break into small clusters and toss together in a serving bowl with 2 cups champagne gummy bears just before serving.

50. Fig and Blue Cheese Snack Mix

An unexpected savory-sweet mix that plays like a deconstructed cheese board you can eat by the handful.

You’ll need: dried figs, walnut halves, blue cheese crumbles, honey, fresh thyme, flaky sea salt

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Toss 2 cups walnut halves with 2 tablespoons honey in a bowl until coated, then spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and glossy. Let cool completely, about 10 minutes. Roughly chop 1 1/2 cups dried figs into quarters. In a large bowl, combine the cooled candied walnuts, chopped figs, and 3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles, tossing very gently to keep the cheese from crumbling too fine. Finish with a scattering of fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving.

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