Save A crunchy, sweet-and-salty snack mix inspired by après-ski gatherings, featuring pretzels, popcorn, white chocolate, and wintry sprinkles.
This mix has become a holiday favorite in our family, bringing warmth and festive cheer after a day on the slopes.
Ingredients
- Base: 3 cups mini pretzel twists, 3 cups popped popcorn (plain or lightly salted), 2 cups rice cereal squares (e.g. Chex), 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Coating & Toppings: 200 g (7 oz) white chocolate coarsely chopped or chips, 1/2 cup snowflake or winter-themed sprinkles, 1/2 cup silver dragées or pearlized sugar balls (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, combine pretzels, popcorn, rice cereal, and mini marshmallows.
- Step 3:
- Melt white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until melted.
- Step 4:
- Pour melted white chocolate over the snack mix. Gently toss with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5:
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Step 6:
- Immediately sprinkle with snowflake sprinkles and silver dragées, pressing gently so they stick.
- Step 7:
- Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
- Step 8:
- Break into clusters and serve, or store in an airtight container.
Save This snack mix has brought many joyful family moments during cold winter evenings when we gather around the fire.
Notes
Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Pairs well with hot cocoa or mulled cider.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, heatproof bowl for melting chocolate, spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (white chocolate), gluten (pretzels cereal), and may contain soy. Check dragées for nut warnings. Always check ingredient labels if sensitive to allergens.
Save This snack mix is a perfect, festive treat that’s quick to make and sure to please all ages.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients give the snack its crunch?
Mini pretzel twists, popped popcorn, and rice cereal squares add a satisfying crunchy texture.
- → How is the white chocolate melted for coating?
White chocolate is melted gently over simmering water or in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently to ensure smoothness.
- → Can this mix accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, using gluten-free pretzels and rice cereal suits gluten-sensitive needs, while skipping optional toppings helps with allergen concerns.
- → How long does the coating need to set?
Allow the coated mix to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the chocolate to firmly set.
- → What variations can enhance the flavor?
Adding roasted almonds or cashews introduces nuttiness, and swapping white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate offers richer notes.
- → What occasions suit this snack best?
Its wintry sprinkles and sweet-salty profile make it perfect for après-ski gatherings or cozy winter parties.