Southern Christmas Sweet and Salty Trail Mix
Tuck in to this Cozy Carolina Christmas Crunch!
Every Christmas in the South has its share of casseroles, pies, and fudge, but sometimes the simplest snack ends up stealing the spotlight.
This Southern Christmas Sweet and Salty Trail Mix is that kind of recipe.
It comes together in minutes, yet looks festive enough for a party bowl on the counter.
A mix of pretzels, peanuts, chocolate, and holiday candy brings crunch, sweetness, and just enough salt to keep everyone reaching back in.
It’s the kind of recipe that works for everything: a quick neighbor gift bag tied with ribbon, a movie-night snack for the family, or that little something sweet to set out when friends stop by.
In our kitchen, it rarely lasts more than a day!
Ingredients
To make this festive trail mix, gather:
- 1 bag red and green holiday M&Ms (about 14 oz)
- 1 bag caramel-filled M&Ms (about 9 oz)
- 2 cups roasted peanuts
- 2 cups mini pretzels, broken in half
- ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 large milk chocolate bar, chopped (about 7 oz)
- 1 package chocolate-orange sticks or slices, chopped (about 10 oz)
Equipment Notes
You don’t need much to whip this up but here’s what I use:
- A large mixing bowl
- A wooden spoon (or even clean hands for tossing)
- Airtight containers or clear gift bags with ribbon if you’re packaging it for gifts
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Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Toss gently with a wooden spoon until evenly combined.
- Pour into an airtight container for storage, or scoop into small cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for gifting.
That’s it. Five minutes, one bowl, and you’ve got the most festive snack of the season.
Tips & Variations
- Stick to one flavor family. Chocolate + orange + coconut works beautifully. Mixing orange with mint or fruit flavors, however, can taste odd.
- Mint variation: Use mint M&Ms, crushed peppermint bark, or chopped mint cookies.
- Fruity variation: Dried cranberries with white chocolate chunks add a bright holiday twist.
- Kid-friendly swap: Use mini marshmallows in place of coconut if little ones aren’t fans.
This trail mix is endlessly adaptable. Keep it Southern by pairing flavors that feel cozy, simple, and down-home.
Southern Christmas Sweet and Salty Trail Mix
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- large wooden spoon for mixing or tossing
- Airtight containers or clear gift bags with ribbon Optional if you're planning on gifting your trail mix!
Ingredients
- 1 14oz bag red and green holiday M&Ms
- 1 9oz bag caramel-filled M&Ms
- 2 cups roasted peanuts (or any flavor you desire!)
- 2 cups mini pretzels, broken in half
- 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 7oz large milk chocolate bar, chopped
- 1 10oz package chocolate-orange sticks or slices, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Toss gently with a wooden spoon until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Pour into an airtight container for storage, or scoop into small cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for gifting.
Notes
- Stick to one flavor family. Chocolate + orange + coconut works beautifully. Mixing orange with mint or fruit flavors, however, can taste odd.
- Mint variation: Use mint M&Ms, crushed peppermint bark, or chopped mint cookies.
- Fruity variation: Dried cranberries with white chocolate chunks add a bright holiday twist.
- Kid-friendly swap: Use mini marshmallows in place of coconut if little ones aren’t fans.
Want a British Twist on This Recipe?!
If you’ve ever tried those luxuriously decadent British chocolate cluster snacks they have over there in the UK then you’ll want to check THIS RECIPE out from Mona over at Far From The Farm Blog today!
The Takeaway
When the holidays get busy, recipes like this Southern Christmas Sweet and Salty Trail Mix remind us that sometimes the easiest treats end up being the most memorable.
It’s crunchy, sweet, a little salty, and festive enough to fit right in on any Christmas table.
Gift it, snack on it, or set it out for guests, it’s a Christmas classic that feels Southern, simple, and sweet!
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