Save A festive, savory-sweet snack mix featuring crispy sesame popcorn and umami-rich miso-glazed almonds perfect for gatherings or gifting.
I first made this snack mix for a holiday movie night and guests loved its unique fusion of flavors. It&s now my go-to treat during festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels: 1/2 cup
- Neutral oil (e.g. grapeseed or canola): 2 tablespoons
- Toasted sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
- White sesame seeds: 2 tablespoons
- Fine sea salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Raw whole almonds: 1 1/2 cups
- White miso paste: 2 tablespoons
- Maple syrup: 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce (or tamari for glutenfree): 1 tablespoon
- Neutral oil: 1/2 tablespoon
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried cranberries or cherries: 1/2 cup (optional)
- Wasabi peas: 1/2 cup (optional)
- Chopped nori sheets: 1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Miso Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, neutral oil, and black pepper until smooth.
- Prepare Almonds:
- Toss almonds in the miso mixture until well-coated. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake Almonds:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant. Cool completely; almonds crisp as they cool.
- Make Sesame Popcorn:
- While almonds bake, heat neutral oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels and cover. Shake occasionally until popping slows (about 3–4 seconds between pops). Remove from heat.
- Season Popcorn:
- Drizzle hot popcorn with sesame oil, toss with sesame seeds and sea salt.
- Combine Snack Mix:
- In a large bowl, combine cooled miso almonds, sesame popcorn, and any optional add-ins. Toss gently to mix.
- Serve or Store:
- Serve fresh, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Save Our family loves sharing a big bowl of this snack mix while decorating for the holidays. It&s always the first treat to disappear from the table!
Required Tools
Large pot with lid, large bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, and mixing utensils make prep easy and cleanup fast.
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (almonds), soy (miso, soy sauce), and sesame. For glutenfree, use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify miso is glutenfree.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 240 calories, 16 g total fat, 17 g carbohydrates, and 6 g protein.
Save This snack mix is equally delicious for parties or as a homemade gift. Enjoy fresh or make ahead for busy holiday weeks.
Kitchen Help
- → Can different nuts be used instead of almonds?
Yes, cashews or pecans can be substituted for almonds. Adjust baking time to avoid over-roasting smaller nuts.
- → Is there a gluten-free variation?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and verify miso labels for gluten-free certification to ensure suitability.
- → How to keep the mix fresh longer?
Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature. Best consumed within five days for optimal crunch.
- → Can dried fruit be added?
Dried cranberries or cherries work well and bring tartness, while enhancing festive color in the snack blend.
- → What beverage pairs well?
Dry Riesling, sparkling sake, or crisp white wines complement the savory-sweet flavors of sesame and miso.
- → Are there nut-free alternatives?
Try using roasted chickpeas or crunchy seeds as a nut-free crunchy option in place of almonds.