Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix Recipe

The Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix is the ultimate festive treat that’s guaranteed to steal the show at your next party or picnic. It’s a fun, no-bake medley of crunchy, sweet, and salty bites that captures the spirit of every patriotic celebration. Whether you’re whipping it up for a backyard barbecue, the Fourth of July, or just because you love a good snack mix (and who doesn’t?), it’s effortlessly eye-catching and completely irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is that each ingredient shines both on its own and when combined, creating a snack that’s as delicious as it is dazzling. Here’s how every part brings texture, color, and fun to the mix.

• Red candy melts: These give the snack its vibrant red hue and a sweet, creamy coating that holds onto each cereal square.
• Blue candy melts: For the bold blue color, these melts pair perfectly with the red for that unmistakable patriotic look.
• Rice Chex cereal: Light, crunchy, and perfect for soaking up colorful candy coatings—every snack mix needs a cereal like this.
• Confectioners sugar: Gently coats the candy-covered cereal, adding a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and keeping things from sticking together.
• Vegetable shortening: Velvets out the candy melts, making them super smooth and easy to toss with the cereal.
• Red, white, and blue M&Ms: A touch of chocolate and bright festive colors guarantees that each scoop is extra special.
• Yogurt covered raisins: These add a chewy, tangy twist and luscious sweetness that balances the crunch.
• Yogurt covered pretzels: The ultimate sweet-salty bite—plus, white pretzels look fantastic in the bowl!

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix is how wildly adaptable it is. You can switch things up based on what you have on hand, your favorite flavors, or even food allergies—get creative and make it your own!

• Go Nutty: Toss in salted peanuts or roasted almonds for a savory crunch that makes this snack mix even more addictive.
• Switch the Cereal: Wheat Chex, Corn Chex, or even mini pretzel twists can step in for Rice Chex if you like a little variety.
• Add Dried Fruit: Swap yogurt covered raisins for dried cranberries or cherries to bring in more chewy texture and a tart kick.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free cereal and pretzels to keep everyone happily snacking.
• Change Up the Candy: Not a fan of M&Ms? Try chocolate covered sunflower seeds, or even patriotic-themed sprinkles for a different vibe.

How to Make Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

Step 1: Melt the Candy Melts

Start by melting your red candy melts with a tablespoon of vegetable shortening, either in a double boiler or in the microwave. If you go with the microwave, zap in 30-second bursts and stir in between until you’ve got a silky-smooth mixture. The shortening ensures the candy coats every bit of cereal easily.

Step 2: Prep Your Coating and Cooling Stations

While the candy melts are doing their thing, add three tablespoons of confectioners sugar to a large zip-close bag. Also, lay out a generous sheet of parchment or wax paper so you’re ready to spread out the candy-coated cereal when it’s time to cool.

Step 3: Toss Cereal in Melted Candy and Sugar

Gently stir one cup of Rice Chex into your melted red candy mixture until every square is covered. Transfer the coated cereal into your sugary bag, then give it a gentle shake and toss so each piece gets that irresistible powdery finish. Pour it into a sieve and shake off the excess sugar, then spread the cereal on your parchment paper to cool and harden.

Step 4: Repeat with Blue Candy Melts

Repeat the whole process using the blue candy melts and the second cup of Chex, with the same melt, stir, shake, and cool method. This gives you two vibrant batches ready for snacking!

Step 5: Assemble the Snack Mix

Once both batches of cereal are completely cool (so nothing sticks!), add them to a large bowl along with the yogurt covered pretzels, M&Ms, and yogurt covered raisins. Gently toss and marvel at your beautiful, festive Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix—ready to serve and share!

How to Serve Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix

Garnishes

For an over-the-top festive finish, toss a handful of colored star sprinkles or edible glitter across the top right before serving. They catch the light and instantly make your Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix pop, especially in clear serving bowls or parfait glasses.

Side Dishes

Pair your snack mix with easy summer classics like fruit salad, lemonade, or a tray of mini sandwiches for a well-rounded picnic spread. If you’re hosting a full-on party, set out a few dips and fresh veggies—your sweet snack mix is the perfect complement to something savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop the mix into mason jars for grab-and-go party favors, or portion it into parchment cones for a parade-day treat. Layered in large trifle bowls or wide glass vases, the bold colors steal the spotlight on any dessert table. For kids’ parties, I love using cupcake liners for individual servings—mess-free and adorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just make sure it’s somewhere cool and dry—humidity is not this recipe’s friend!

Freezing

While you technically can freeze the snack mix, I recommend skipping it—freezing can make pretzels and cereal a little chewy instead of crisp. If you absolutely need to make it super far ahead, store the coated cereal and candies separately, then combine just before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed! If your snack mix has been in a chilly spot and seems a little firm, just let it come back to room temperature before serving so everything is crisp and craveable.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, delightfully festive nibble that’s as easy as it is gorgeous, the Red, White, and Blue Snack Mix is your answer. I hope you’ll give it a try for your next celebration—don’t forget to make a little extra, because this colorful snack disappears fast. Happy snacking, friends!

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