Cranberry Almond Popcorn Pretzel Crunch
Indulge in this irresistible Cranberry Almond Popcorn Pretzel Crunch—a delightful medley that beautifully balances sweet and salty flavors. This delectable snack mix features crunchy pretzels, fluffy popcorn, and the rich taste of roasted almonds, all drizzled with creamy white chocolate and a hint of warm cinnamon. Perfect for holiday gatherings, movie nights, or as a festive gift, this treat brings joy to any occasion. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, you'll want to keep this recipe handy for year-round snacking pleasure!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reynolds Parchment Paper
1 sheet (For lining the baking pan)
Microwave Popcorn
1 (3 ounce) bag (Popped according to package directions)
Small Pretzels
2 cups (No preparation needed)
Roasted Almonds
1 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Dried Sweetened Cranberries
1 cup (No preparation needed)
White Chocolate Chips
1 (12 ounce) bag (Melt according to package directions)
Ground Cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons (To be added to melted chocolate)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a 15 1/2x10x1-inch baking pan or large tray with a sheet of parchment paper and set aside.
2
Pop the microwave popcorn according to the package directions. Once popped, gently shake the bag to remove un-popped kernels and pour it into a large mixing bowl.
3
Add the small pretzels, coarsely chopped roasted almonds, and sweetened dried cranberries to the bowl, mixing gently to combine.
4
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips according to the package instructions. Once melted, stir in the ground cinnamon until well incorporated.
5
Drizzle the melted white chocolate mixture over the popcorn and pretzel blend, using a spatula to toss everything together until evenly coated.
6
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared parchment-lined tray, ensuring it is in a single layer.
7
Place the tray in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes to help the snack mix set. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
8
Once cooled, break apart any large clusters, then store the snack mix in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Almond Popcorn Pretzel Crunch?
It is a sweet and salty snack mix featuring crunchy pretzels, fluffy popcorn, roasted almonds, and dried cranberries coated in white chocolate and cinnamon.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires microwave popcorn, small pretzels, roasted almonds, dried sweetened cranberries, white chocolate chips, and ground cinnamon.
What is the first step in preparing the snack mix?
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a 15 1/2x10x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
How much popcorn is needed?
You will need one 3-ounce bag of microwave popcorn, popped according to the package directions.
How do I ensure there are no un-popped kernels in the mix?
After popping the popcorn, gently shake the bag to remove un-popped kernels before pouring it into a mixing bowl.
How many pretzels should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of small pretzels.
How should the almonds be prepared?
Use 1 cup of roasted almonds and chop them coarsely before adding them to the bowl.
What type of cranberries are used in this recipe?
Use 1 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
How do I melt the white chocolate chips?
Melt one 12-ounce bag of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl according to the package instructions.
When is the ground cinnamon added?
Stir 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon into the white chocolate chips once they are fully melted.
How is the chocolate coating applied?
Drizzle the melted white chocolate and cinnamon mixture over the popcorn and pretzel blend.
What is the best way to combine the ingredients?
Use a spatula to toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
How do I arrange the mixture for baking?
Spread the mixture evenly in a single layer onto the prepared parchment-lined tray.
How long does the mix need to be in the oven?
Place the tray in the preheated oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Why is the snack mix placed in the oven?
Baking at a low temperature helps the snack mix set properly.
How should the snack mix be cooled?
Remove the tray from the oven and allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature.
What should I do after the mix has cooled?
Break apart any large clusters before storing the mix.
How should I store Cranberry Almond Popcorn Pretzel Crunch?
Store the snack mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Is this recipe suitable for gifts?
Yes, it is described as a perfect festive gift for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 15 1/2x10x1-inch baking pan or large tray is recommended.
Does the recipe use dark or white chocolate?
The recipe specifically uses white chocolate chips for a creamy flavor.
What brand of parchment paper is mentioned?
Reynolds Parchment Paper is listed as the preferred brand for lining the baking pan.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and great for year-round snacking.
Can I use this for movie nights?
Absolutely, it is perfect for movie nights or holiday gatherings.
What flavor profile does this snack have?
It features a medley of sweet and salty flavors with a hint of warm cinnamon.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Are the almonds raw or roasted?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of roasted almonds.
What are the primary textures of the snack?
The textures include crunchy pretzels, fluffy popcorn, and roasted almonds.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, once stored in an airtight container, it maintains its freshness for snacking later.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 200°F (95°C).