Fiery Fiesta Snack Mix
Indulge in the irresistible crunch of Fiery Fiesta Snack Mix, a sensational blend of savory and spicy ingredients that will keep your taste buds dancing! This addictive snack combines the delightful crunch of tortilla chips, the lightness of popped popcorn, and the satisfying richness of mixed nuts, all drizzled in a sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for any gathering, this recipe is easy to make in large batches and will ensure that your guests keep coming back for more! Adjust the heat to your preference with more red pepper, and feel free to experiment with different nuts for a unique twist. Ideal for road trips, game days, or movie nights, this snack mix is the ultimate companion for fun and festivities.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tortilla chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
2 cups ((I prefer using small Tostitos and breaking them in half))
Crispix cereal or Corn Chex
1 1/2 cups
Popped popcorn
4-5 cups
Mixed nuts (such as Spanish peanuts and almonds)
6 ounces
Light corn syrup
4 tablespoons
Butter
4 tablespoons ((unsalted, for better control of saltiness))
Brown sugar
4 tablespoons ((packed))
Chili powder
3/4 tablespoon
Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2
In a large roasting pan, combine the broken tortilla chips, Crispix cereal or Corn Chex, popped popcorn, and your choice of nuts. For easier cleanup, consider lining the pan with aluminum foil.
3
In a small saucepan, combine the light corn syrup, butter, brown sugar, chili powder, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring continuously to ensure even melting of the butter and sugar.
4
Once the mixture is boiling, carefully pour it over the combined snack mixture in the roasting pan. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all the pieces are evenly coated with the glaze.
5
Bake the snack mix uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
6
After 1 hour, remove the pan from the oven and carefully pour the warm snack mix onto a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper to cool completely.
7
Once cooled, store the snack mix in an airtight container where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Fiesta Snack Mix?
It is a sensational blend of savory and spicy ingredients including tortilla chips, popcorn, and nuts, coated in a sweet and spicy glaze.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
What type of cereal can I use in this snack mix?
You can use either Crispix cereal or Corn Chex.
How much popcorn is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 cups of popped popcorn.
What size should the tortilla chips be?
The tortilla chips should be broken into approximately 1-inch pieces.
Which nuts are recommended for the Fiery Fiesta Snack Mix?
Mixed nuts such as Spanish peanuts and almonds are excellent choices for this recipe.
How do I prepare the glaze?
In a small saucepan, combine corn syrup, butter, brown sugar, chili powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, then heat until the mixture boils.
How long does the snack mix need to bake?
The snack mix needs to bake for a total of 1 hour.
How often should I stir the mix while it is in the oven?
You should stir the mixture every 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
What is the best way to cool the snack mix?
Pour the warm snack mix onto a sheet of waxed paper or parchment paper to cool completely.
How should I store the finished snack mix?
Store the mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
How long will the Fiery Fiesta Snack Mix stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Can I make this snack mix less spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the heat to your preference by reducing the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
The recipe suggests using unsalted butter for better control of the overall saltiness.
How much brown sugar is used in the glaze?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different nuts for a unique twist on the recipe.
How do I prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan?
You can line the roasting pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Is this recipe suitable for movie nights?
Absolutely, it is described as an ultimate companion for movie nights, game days, and road trips.
What type of corn syrup should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of light corn syrup.
How much chili powder is in the glaze?
The glaze uses 3/4 tablespoon of chili powder.
Does this recipe contain cinnamon?
Yes, it includes 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a hint of warmth.
Can I make this in large batches?
Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up for large gatherings or parties.
What is the heat source for the glaze?
The glaze should be heated over medium heat on a stovetop until it reaches a boil.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Should the snack mix be baked covered or uncovered?
The snack mix should be baked uncovered in the roasting pan.
What kind of tortilla chips are preferred?
Small Tostitos broken in half are specifically recommended.
Can I use different cereals besides Corn Chex?
Yes, Crispix cereal is the primary recommendation alongside Corn Chex.
Is this snack mix sweet or savory?
It is both; the recipe combines savory and spicy ingredients with a sweet glaze.
What is the texture of the snack mix?
It has an irresistible crunch from the baked cereal, chips, and nuts.
Can I use parchment paper for cooling?
Yes, either waxed paper or parchment paper works perfectly for cooling the mix.