Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

15-Minute Red White and Blue Snack Mix Your Guests Will Devour

Oh my stars, do I have a story for you about this snack mix! Picture this: It’s the Fourth of July, the grill’s smoking, the kids are running through sprinklers, and I’m frantically digging through my pantry because I promised to bring “something fun” to the family barbecue. That’s when the magic happened – this red, white, and blue snack mix was born from sheer necessity (and maybe a little panic). What started as a thrown-together experiment became our family’s most requested patriotic treat. Now I make huge batches every summer – it disappears faster than the fireworks! The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, looks stunning in clear jars or bowls, and satisfies both sweet and salty cravings in every handful. Trust me, once you see how your guests go crazy for this colorful mix at your next celebration, you’ll be making it for every flag-worthy occasion too!

Why You’ll Love This Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

This isn’t just any snack mix – it’s practically a party in a bowl! Here’s why it’s become my go-to for every celebration:

  • Instant holiday spirit: Those vibrant red, white and blue colors make your table look like a fireworks display (without any of the work!)
  • Impossibly easy: 15 minutes of baking is all you need – I’ve literally made this while chatting with guests
  • Flavor fireworks: Sweet, salty, crunchy perfection that gets everyone reaching for “just one more handful”
  • Super versatile: Change up the colors and suddenly it’s perfect for baby showers, graduation parties, or game day

Seriously, this mix has saved my bacon at more potlucks than I can count. The compliments? They never stop coming!

Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix - detail 1

Ingredients for Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

Here’s what you’ll need to create this patriotic party favorite – trust me, every ingredient plays an important role in creating that perfect sweet-salty-crunchy magic:

  • 4 cups popped popcorn (air-popped works great, but I often use lightly salted microwave popcorn in a pinch)
  • 2 cups pretzel sticks (the mini rods hold up better than twists during mixing)
  • 1 cup red candy-coated chocolates (M&Ms are my go-to, but any red candy-coated chocolates will work)
  • 1 cup dried blueberries (not frozen! The chewy texture is key)
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips (the good quality ones melt in your mouth)
  • 1/2 cup melted butter (cooled slightly so it doesn’t make everything soggy)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for that magical snowy dusting effect)

Pro tip: Measure everything out before you start mixing – it makes the process go so much smoother when you’re in the kitchen chaos!

Equipment Needed for Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen! Here’s what I grab:

  • A big mixing bowl (I use my trusty stainless one that’s seen a million snacks)
  • Rimmed baking sheet (lined with parchment for zero cleanup – my lazy win!)
  • Measuring cups (dry and liquid)
  • Spatula for tossing (or just use clean hands like I sometimes do)

That’s it – no fancy gadgets required. Easy peasy!

How to Make Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

Okay, let’s get mixing! This recipe comes together faster than you can sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” – just follow these simple steps for snack mix perfection:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first – crank that oven to 250°F (that’s low and slow, perfect for toasting without burning). While it heats up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, this saves so much scrubbing later!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab your biggest bowl (I always use my grandma’s old yellow mixing bowl for this) and gently combine the popcorn, pretzel sticks, and dried blueberries. Be careful here – you want to keep those blueberries whole and the pretzels unbroken. I like to use a folding motion with my hands rather than stirring aggressively.

Step 3: Add Butter and Bake

Now for the magic! Drizzle that melted butter over your dry mix and toss, toss, toss until everything gets a glossy coat. Spread it evenly on your prepared baking sheet – don’t pile it up or it won’t toast properly. Slide it into the oven for 15 minutes, giving it one quick stir halfway through. The smell? Absolutely heavenly!

Step 4: Finish with Candy and Sugar

Here’s where patience pays off – let the mix cool completely before adding the candies! I know it’s tempting, but if you add those chocolates too soon, they’ll melt into colorful puddles (learned that the hard way). Once cool, sprinkle in the red candies and white chocolate chips, then give it all a gentle toss. Finish with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar – I use a fine mesh strainer for perfectly even coverage. And voila! You’ve got patriotic snack perfection!

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Tips for Perfect Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

After making this snack mix more times than I can count, here are my foolproof secrets for getting it just right every time:

  • Parchment is your BFF: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze – no scrubbing caramelized butter off pans!
  • Cool completely before storing: Trapped heat creates steam that makes everything soggy (learned this the hard way).
  • Layer carefully: Store in airtight containers with parchment between layers to prevent clumping.
  • Toss gently: Use a light hand when mixing to keep those pretzels intact and blueberries whole.

Bonus tip: Make extra – this stuff disappears faster than fireworks on the Fourth!

Variations for Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

Oh, the possibilities! This recipe is like a blank canvas for your patriotic creativity. Here are some of my favorite twists:

  • Yogurt-covered raisins instead of white chocolate chips for a tangy twist (they look so pretty dusted with powdered sugar!)
  • Toasted almonds or pecans for extra crunch – just chop ’em small so they mix evenly
  • Freeze-dried strawberries when you want that red pop without candy (just add after baking)
  • Chex cereal swapped for half the popcorn if you want more texture variety

The best part? Once you’ve got the basic method down, you can mix-and-match to your heart’s content!

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Serving and Storing Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

Presentation is half the fun with this patriotic mix! I love serving it in clear glass jars or big ceramic bowls so everyone can admire those gorgeous colors. For parties, little paper cones tied with blue ribbon make adorable individual portions. When storing (if there’s any left!), airtight containers are a must – I swear by my mason jars with the clamp lids. Keeps everything crisp for up to 3 days… though in my house, it never lasts that long!

Nutritional Information for Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

Just a quick heads up – these nutrition estimates can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. While this snack mix isn’t health food, everything in moderation, right? The butter and sugar make it a treat, but those blueberries and popcorn do add some redeeming qualities!

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FAQs About Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried blueberries?
Oh honey, I learned this lesson the messy way! Fresh fruit makes everything soggy fast. The dried blueberries give you that perfect chewy texture without turning your snack mix into a mushy mess. If you’re dead set on fresh, try freeze-dried berries – they keep their crunch!

How long will this snack mix stay fresh?
In our house? Maybe 20 minutes! But seriously, stored in an airtight container (I’m obsessed with my mason jars), it’ll stay crisp and delicious for about 3 days. The powdered sugar might soak in a bit after day two, but it still tastes amazing.

Is this recipe nut-free?
As written, absolutely! That’s why it’s become my go-to for school parties. Just double-check your specific ingredients – some candy coatings might be processed with nuts. Want to add nuts? Toasted almonds or pecans are fabulous additions if allergies aren’t a concern.

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Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

“15-Minute Red White and Blue Snack Mix Your Guests Will Devour”


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  • Author: Bites & Bliss
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A festive and colorful snack mix perfect for patriotic celebrations. Combines sweet and savory flavors for a crowd-pleasing treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups popped popcorn
  • 2 cups pretzel sticks
  • 1 cup red candy-coated chocolates
  • 1 cup dried blueberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
  2. Mix popcorn, pretzels, and dried blueberries in a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and toss to coat.
  4. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  6. Toss with candy-coated chocolates and white chocolate chips.
  7. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Swap candy colors for different holidays.
  • Add nuts for extra crunch if desired.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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