Halloween Snack Mix

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No matter if you need fuel for a horror movie marathon or want a fun and easy snack to serve at this year’s creepiest party, this Halloween snack mix is a go-to treat for a sweet and salty fix.

Plus, you can either follow the recipe as written or customize it with your own combination of delicious flavors and Halloween style!

What’s in Halloween snack mix?

To whip up a batch of this sweet and savory snack mix, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Sweet Butter Sauce: This sauce combines melted salted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract to create a sweet and buttery coating for the snack mix. It’s the magic potion that brings all the flavors together and is perfect for a Halloween treat.
• Rice Chex: A classic cereal that serves as the base of the snack mix. Its neutral flavor and crunchy texture make it an ideal canvas for the Sweet Butter Sauce and other mix-ins.
• Bugles: These corn snacks add a fun, conical shape to the mix, almost like little witch hats. Their savory flavor balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Pretzels: Whether twists or sticks, pretzels add a salty crunch that contrasts well with the sweeter elements. They’re like the broomsticks in your cauldron of flavors.
• Reese’s Pieces: These peanut butter candies add a nutty flavor and vibrant colors, making the mix more festive and Halloween-appropriate.
• Candy Corn and Candy Pumpkins: These are the quintessential Halloween candies that add a seasonal touch. Their sugary sweetness complements the salty and nutty elements.
• Mint M&M’s: These add a refreshing minty twist to the mix. The single color recommendation keeps the Halloween theme consistent.
• Candy Eyes: These add a playful, spooky element to the snack mix. They’re the finishing touch that makes this mix uniquely suited for Halloween festivities.

What else can you add?

The magic of this Halloween snack mix is that it’s a cauldron of possibilities. You’re the wizard here, conjuring up a spellbinding blend of treats. As you’re picking your favorite mix-ins and flavors, try to keep this ratio in mind:

For every 4 cups of Chex cereal, aim for up to 2 1/4 cups of salty snacks and up to 3/4 cup of sweets.

This ratio ensures a tasty blend of salty crunch and subtle sweetness. Now, grab your wand—or spatula—and let’s explore some bewitching add-in options.

Savory and Crunchy Add-Ins:

• Cheez-its: A cheesy crunch that’s hard to resist, and the orange hue fits right into the Halloween color scheme.
• Oyster Crackers: Tiny but mighty in flavor. Their small size makes them a perfect bite-sized treat for little ghouls and goblins.
• Other Nuts: Consider walnuts or pecans for a more autumnal feel that still fits the Halloween vibe.
• Other Cereals: How about adding Cheerios or Kix for a different kind of crunch?
• Goldfish Crackers: A kid-friendly option that adults love too.
• Chips: Regular potato chips for a different kind of crunch. Opt for kettle-cooked for a more rustic feel.
• Mixed Nuts: A variety of nuts for added crunch and flavor diversity. Opt for a mix that includes seasonal favorites like pecans or walnuts.
• Popcorn: A nostalgic touch that can be homemade or store-bought. Perfect for Halloween movie nights.

Sweet Add-Ins:

• Dried Fruit: Dried cranberries or apricots can add a chewy element and a pop of fall color.
• Toffee Bits: These add a buttery crunch that pairs well with the candy corn in the original recipe.
• Whoppers: Malted milk balls for a vintage vibe. Their earthy color fits right into a Halloween palette.
• Sno-Caps: Mini chocolate nonpareils add texture and a snow-like contrast to the earthy tones of a Halloween mix.
• Mini Rolos: Caramel and chocolate in a bite-sized treat. A perfect complement to the Reese’s Pieces in the main recipe.
• Milk Duds: Chewy caramel enrobed in milk chocolate. Their round shape and caramel center make them a Halloween-friendly choice.
• Baking Morsels: Consider butterscotch chips for a warm, buttery flavor that screams fall.
• Raisinets: Chewy raisins meet chocolate. A classic that fits the Halloween theme well.

Do you have to bake the Chex Mix?

Yes, the crunchy and savory ingredients should be baked after being coated with the sweet butter mixture. Baking will help set the coating and give the snack mix a better texture. Without baking, the savory ingredients would be sticky and wet (and likely become soggy over time).

How long is Halloween snack mix good for?

Once prepared and mixed, this snack mix can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Can you freeze Halloween snack mix?

Yes, you totally can!

Once prepared and mixed, this Halloween snack mix can be stored in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to four to six months.

Note: The freeze-thaw quality of this snack mix will vary depending on the individual ingredients you choose. Crunchy items might lose their crispness, while softer items could become grainy, chewy, or even separate. Exercise your best judgment when deciding if freezing is the right option for you.

Notes & tips for snack mix

• When making this recipe, you’ll need a big mixing bowl so you have enough room to maneuver and stir. I own a 13-quart mixing bowl for this very reason. The snack mix can also be served in a bowl like this.
• Because this snack mix remains good for up to two weeks, it’s great for gifting! Perfect as a take-home treat after a party or even giving out to trick-or-treaters.
• When calculating serving size, estimate about 3/4 to 1 cup per person.

More fun Halloween eats

How to make Halloween snack mix

Step 1 – In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla. Set this bowl aside for now.

Step 2 – In a 13-quart mixing bowl, add the Chex cereal, Bugles, and pretzels. Mix them together.

Step 3 – Pour the butter mixture over the Chex mix, then use a spatula to gently toss and coat.

Step 4 – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spray it with cooking spray, then spread out the coated Chex mix into an even layer.

Step 5 – Bake!

Step 6 – Once the Chex mix has cooled, add it to a large serving bowl. Add the Reese’s Pieces, candy corn, candy pumpkins, mint M&M’s, and candy eyes, then stir well.

Step 7 – Serve and enjoy!