Are you looking for the perfect holiday snack that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors? Look no further than Cranberry Jalapeño Chex Mix—a deliciously addictive treat that will become a staple in your holiday snack lineup. With a sweet-spicy coating and the perfect blend of crunchy, nutty, and fruity flavors, this Chex Mix recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly tasty. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a quick snack to enjoy while binge-watching your favorite shows, this recipe is the perfect choice.

What is Cranberry Jalapeño Chex Mix?

Cranberry Jalapeño Chex Mix is a twist on the classic party snack, adding a sweet and spicy kick to the traditional Chex Mix. The combination of crunchy Chex cereals, salty pretzels, and roasted peanuts or cashews is coated in a sweet-spicy glaze made from butter, brown sugar, honey, and minced jalapeños. The result is a snack that’s perfectly balanced—sweet, savory, and just the right amount of heat.

This Chex Mix is particularly popular during the holiday season when everyone craves something festive and full of flavor. The dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness, and the jalapeños give the mix an exciting burst of spice. It’s the ideal snack to set out during Christmas parties, family gatherings, or just for enjoying on a cozy evening at home.

The Origin of Cranberry Jalapeño Chex Mix

While Chex Mix itself has been a beloved American snack for decades, the combination of cranberry and jalapeño is a more recent innovation that has taken holiday snacks to a whole new level. This flavor twist plays on the growing popularity of sweet-and-spicy combinations, which have become a trend in both sweet and savory dishes. Cranberries, with their tartness and vivid color, add a festive touch, while the jalapeños introduce just enough heat to create a balanced snack. This chex mix recipe is a modern spin on the classic, making it a favorite for Christmas and other holiday gatherings.

Ingredients (For Sweet-Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Chex Mix)

Dry Mix Ingredients

• 3 cups Rice Chex
• 3 cups Corn Chex
• 2 cups Wheat Chex (optional, or you can sub more rice or corn Chex)
• 1½ cups mini pretzels
• 1 cup roasted peanuts or cashews
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Optional Extras:

• Bagel chips
• Pumpkin seeds
• Pecans

Sweet-Spicy Coating Ingredients

• ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1–2 jalapeños, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1–2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1–1½ tsp salt
• Optional: ½–1 tsp cayenne for extra kick

Step-by-Step Directions & Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature ensures that the Chex Mix bakes evenly without burning the sweet-spicy coating. Also, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Rice Chex
• Corn Chex
• Wheat Chex (if using)
• Mini pretzels
• Roasted peanuts or cashews
• Dried cranberries (or save them to add after baking)

If you prefer your cranberries a bit chewier, you can hold them back until after baking. This will keep them from becoming too crispy.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet-Spicy Coating

In a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add the following ingredients:

• Brown sugar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Finely minced jalapeño (you can remove the seeds if you want less heat)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Cayenne (optional, for an extra kick)

Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a rich, golden-brown color with a slightly thick consistency.

Step 4: Coat the Chex Mix

Now, pour the spicy-sweet butter mixture evenly over the dry Chex mixture. Stir gently to ensure all of the ingredients are evenly coated with the sweet-spicy glaze. Be careful not to crush the cereal or pretzels during the mixing process.

Step 5: Bake the Chex Mix

Spread the coated mixture evenly onto your prepared baking sheet. Place it in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure that everything crisps evenly. This slow baking process allows the coating to set and the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Cool & Finish

Once the Chex Mix is crispy and golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. If you reserved the dried cranberries, stir them in now to maintain their chewy texture.

Variations of Cranberry Jalapeño Chex Mix

This recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Add more heat: If you love spicy food, you can use extra jalapeños, or even keep the seeds for added heat. For even more intensity, add cayenne pepper.
• Add extra sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter snack, add an extra tablespoon of honey to the sweet-spicy coating.
• Incorporate other nuts: Feel free to mix in pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different texture and flavor profile.
• Add crunch: For extra crunch, try mixing in bagel chips or pumpkin seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does Cranberry Jalapeño Chex Mix last?

When stored in an airtight container, Cranberry Jalapeño Chex Mix will last for about 2 weeks. It’s best to keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain its crispness.

Can I make this Chex Mix ahead of time?

Yes! You can easily make this Chex Mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. It’s a perfect make-ahead snack for parties or holiday gatherings.

Can I make this recipe without nuts?

Yes! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use nuts, you can substitute with more pretzels or add extra seeds or bagel chips. The mix will still be delicious without the nuts.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are too tart and will not provide the same texture as dried cranberries. It’s best to use dried cranberries for this recipe, but if you do use fresh, make sure to cook them down to a sauce or use another dried fruit like raisins or currants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cranberry Jalapeño Chex Mix is the ultimate sweet-and-spicy snack that is perfect for the holiday season. Its combination of chewy cranberries, crunchy pretzels, and spicy jalapeños offers the perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a party or enjoying it by yourself, this recipe is simple, quick, and delicious. It’s a versatile treat that you can easily customize to suit your taste, and it stores well for days, making it a go-to snack for any occasion. Try it out today and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors in every bite!