Save A spicy, savory, and slightly sweet popcorn mix perfect for festive gatherings and holiday snacking.
Last Christmas, I made this popcorn mix for our family movie night, and everyone kept asking for seconds. It is now a must-have at every holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- Popcorn: 10 cups freshly popped popcorn (about 1/2 cup unpopped kernels)
- Spicy Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Snack Mix-Ins: 1 cup roasted salted peanuts, 1 cup mini pretzels, 1 cup rice cereal squares (e.g., Chex), 1/2 cup roasted pepitas or sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Prep for baking:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine popcorn and mix-ins:
- Place the popped popcorn in a large mixing bowl. Add the peanuts, mini pretzels, rice cereal squares, and pepitas or sunflower seeds. Toss gently to combine.
- Make the spicy sauce:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in Sriracha, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved (about 2 minutes).
- Coat the mixture:
- Immediately pour the spicy sauce over the popcorn mixture. Toss thoroughly with a spatula or large spoon until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake:
- Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Finish and cool:
- Bake for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the mix is dry and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Save This recipe brings everyone together as we snack and play games, making holiday memories even sweeter.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, saucepan, baking sheet, parchment paper, spatula or large spoon
Nutrition Information
Per serving: 220 calories, 11 g total fat, 28 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein
Recipe Variations
Use almonds or cashews instead of peanuts, or add dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dried apricots for sweetness.
Save Serve this popcorn mix in festive bowls for a colorful snack station guests will love. Enjoy the crunchy, spicy treat with friends and family all season long.
Kitchen Help
- → How spicy is this popcorn mix?
The Sriracha sauce provides medium heat, but you can adjust the spice level or add cayenne for extra kick.
- → Can I use a different nut instead of peanuts?
Yes, almonds or cashews work well. Choose roasted and salted varieties for the best flavor balance.
- → Do I need to bake the mix?
Baking ensures the sauce evenly dries on the popcorn and adds a crisp texture to all components.
- → How long does this snack stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, the mix remains crunchy and flavorful for up to one week.
- → Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are plant-based and the mix fits a vegetarian diet. Check packaged items for hidden non-vegetarian additives.
- → What alternatives can I use for pretzels?
Try cheese crackers or gluten-free snack sticks as a substitute for added crunch and flavor.