Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix Recipe

If you are looking to add a truly delightful and festive treat to your holiday celebrations, the Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix is an absolute must-try. This irresistible blend marries the perfect crunch of caramel-coated popcorn and nuts with the luscious sweetness of chocolate and toffee bits, creating a snack that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Easy to prepare yet full of flavor, the Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting, making it a beloved holiday staple you’ll want to share year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix lies in its straightforward but carefully selected ingredients. Each component plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and richness that defines this festive snack.

• Tony Chachere’s Praline Honey Ham Injectable Marinade: Adds a unique caramelized flavor twist that gives the caramel sauce a special depth.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps to bind the caramel coating to the popcorn and nuts.
• Baking soda: Lightens the caramel sauce, making it lighter and easier to coat the snack mix evenly.
• Popped popcorn: The crunchy, airy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors perfectly.
• Unsalted peanuts: Adds a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet coating.
• Pecans: Offers a buttery texture and nutty flavor that complements the caramel perfectly.
• Chocolate covered caramels: Bring a luscious layer of milk chocolate and chewy caramel to the mix.
• Toffee baking bits: Add an extra hit of sweet crunchiness, enhancing texture diversity.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted): Drizzled on top to give a beautiful finishing touch of chocolate richness.

How to Make Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix

Step 1: Create the Caramel Sauce

Start by gently melting the unsalted butter and Tony Chachere’s Praline Honey Ham Injectable Marinade together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a boil and cook until it thickens and reaches 230°F, around 8 minutes. This stage is crucial—your caramel sauce needs to be perfectly thick for that signature coating effect.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your popped popcorn, unsalted peanuts, and pecans. This trio forms the sturdy yet crunchy base for the Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix, ensuring every bite is packed with texture and flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Popcorn and Nuts

Pour the hot caramel sauce over your popcorn and nut mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat everything evenly. The warm sauce will cling beautifully to each piece, giving that irresistible caramelized sheen everyone loves.

Step 4: Bake for Perfect Crunch

Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it with cooking spray. Spread your caramel-coated popcorn mix evenly across the pan, then bake it in a 250°F oven for 45 minutes. Remember to stir every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent burning. This slow baking step transforms the mix into a satisfyingly crispy treat.

Step 5: Add Chocolate and Toffee

After removing the pan from the oven, allow the mix to cool for about 5 minutes before breaking it apart. Evenly spread the chocolate covered caramels and toffee baking bits over the warm popcorn mix, letting their sweetness meld into the crunchy treats.

Step 6: Drizzle Melted Chocolate

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave on a lower power setting to avoid burning, taking about 4 to 6 minutes. Pour the melted chocolate into a storage bag, cut a small tip off the corner, and drizzle it artistically over the entire mix. Let it cool fully to set before storing.

How to Serve Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or peanuts on top before serving to add a fresh crunch and a lovely visual contrast. You can also dust the mix lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy, festive look that complements the Christmas spirit.

Side Dishes

This snack mix pairs wonderfully with warm drinks like hot cocoa, spiced cider, or coffee, balancing the sweet and salty flavors with something cozy. It also serves as a delightful nibble alongside cheese boards or fruit platters during holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Package the Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix into clear cello bags tied with red ribbons for charming homemade gifts. Alternatively, serve it in rustic holiday bowls or decorative tins that guests can help themselves from, making snack time feel extra special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix fresh by storing it in an air-tight container at room temperature. It will stay crunchy and flavorful for up to three months, so you can prepare it well in advance for your celebrations.

Freezing

If you want to extend the life of your snack mix even further, wrap it tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze it. This helps preserve both texture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive any slight loss of crunch in the treat, spread the mix on a baking sheet and warm it in a 250°F oven for about 10 minutes. Be sure to remove any chocolate candies beforehand to prevent melting, and allow it to cool completely before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute different nuts in the Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix?

Absolutely! While pecans and peanuts provide classic flavor and texture, you can swap in almonds, cashews, or walnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have Tony Chachere’s Praline Honey Ham Injectable Marinade?

This marinade adds a unique flavor but you can replace it with a combination of honey and a pinch of cinnamon to mimic the sweet, spiced notes for a similar effect in the caramel sauce.

How do I know when the caramel sauce is done?

The key is using a candy thermometer—when the mixture reaches 230°F and thickens, it is ready. This stage ensures the caramel will coat the snack mix properly and provide that perfect crunch once baked.

Is the Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix gluten-free?

Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but it’s important to check labels on pre-packaged items like toffee bits or chocolate candies to ensure there’s no cross-contamination or gluten-containing additives.

How long will the mix stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix will stay fresh and crunchy for up to three months, making it perfect for holiday gifting or snacking well into the new year.

Final Thoughts

Making Moose Munch Christmas Snack Mix is like creating a little piece of holiday magic that you can savor anytime. It’s a fun, easy recipe full of warmth, texture, and flavor that always brings smiles and sweet memories. I truly encourage you to whip up a batch and share the joy of this festive treat with your friends and family—it’s bound to become a cherished holiday favorite.

Print