Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix

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This Popcorn Snack Mix is the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, healthier than traditional Chex mix and highly addictive. Make a batch for your next party, game day or afternoon snack.

The perfect balance of spicy and sweet, this Popcorn Snack Mix is healthier than traditional Chex mix and highly addictive. Make a batch for your game day party or an afternoon snack.

*Originally published Jan 2016*

Hi friends!

It’s snack time! I first made this snack mix a few years ago and have continued to make it a few times a year ever since. It’s the perfect balance of spicy and sweet and full of goodies! I wanted a Chex mix-type recipe but after looking at several recipes, I decided to do my own thing. I subbed popcorn for pretzels for a boost of whole grains, threw in some rice chex, almonds and peanuts and then made a game-time decision to also add some Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies.

The perfect balance of spicy and sweet, this Popcorn Snack Mix is healthier than traditional Chex mix and highly addictive. Make a batch for your game day party or an afternoon snack.

This makes a great afternoon snack but it also makes enough to feed a crowd. Bring a batch along to your next party or next time you head out to watch a football or basketball game! Your friends will thank you.

Here’s how you make it:

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Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix

Popcorn Snack Mix 3
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The perfect balance of spicy and sweet, this Popcorn Snack Mix is healthier than traditional Chex mix and highly addictive. Make a batch for your game day party or an afternoon snack.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cheddar bunnies
  • 1.5 cups Rice Chex
  • 4 cups air-popped plain popcorn
  • 1.5 cup mixed nuts
  • 3 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, spices and brown sugar and stir to combine.
  3. Pour slowly over popcorn mixture while stirring. Stir until well-coated.
  4. Transfer to a large baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

 

It’s pretty much foolproof! This uses about half the butter that most of the recipes I looked at used, but it’s enough to add a bit of richness. The brown sugar gives it a hint of sweetness and the spices really take it to the next level!

This Popcorn Snack Mix is the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, healthier than traditional Chex mix and highly addictive. Make a batch for your next party, game day or afternoon snack.

Feel free to sub in your favorite nuts or add even more goodies!

Sweet & Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix for an edible Christmas gift at the holidays!

Added bonus? You can make a big batch and package it up to give to friends and family for an edible Christmas gift at the holidays!

 

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Comments

  9. This DOES look highly addicting! I typically stick to a paleo diet, which is a no-go with corn. But I LOVE corn, (especially popcorn) so I admit I regularly break that rule. And if I’m going to go for popcorn, I may go for the whole she-bang aka THIS! Looks sooooooooo nummie and snack-worthy!

    Reply

  18. I’m wanting to make for a crowd…like 20 ppl…how many days ahead would i be able to make this? And approximately how many ppl per recipe…thanks can’t wait to try!

    Reply

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