Crunchy Caramel Popcorn Mix

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Today, I have an easy snack that takes minutes to make that everyone loves! Friends, let me introduce you to something I like to call Crunchy Caramel Munch Mix. This basically is the contents of what I found in my cupboards tossed in caramel and then topped with M&M’s. You can never go wrong with caramel and chocolate. Seriously. It’s a great combination. And, if you can get rid of things that are on the verge of expiration, it’s a win win!

To be honest, I wanted to stir in some peanuts, but I didn’t have any! So, I kept it simple with Rice Chex, some pretzel sticks and about 3/4 of a bag of 94% fat free popcorn. If you have peanuts, add them in! If you have other kinds of cereals or snack-type foods feel free to stir them in too! I’m no hater of snack foods! Anything can go!

This doesn’t necessarily fall under the ‘Super Bowl food’ category, but it’s the kind of snacking food everybody loves to have around just to munch on while you’re waiting for the Sweet Potato Nacho Fries to come out of the oven.

One thing I LOVE about this recipe is you don’t have to bake it in the oven. A lot of caramel corn recipes I’ve seen require you to dry the caramel onto the popcorn for an hour or so at a low temperature in the oven. It’s easy to do, but tedious and sort of annoying. That’s why this recipe is so great! You just cook the caramel on the stove top for 5 minutes, coat your ingredients and cool! It can be done and ready to eat under 15 minutes! Perfect for after school snacks or movie night. My daughter and husband both loved this Munch Mix and I certainly had my fair share. So grab some ingredients and cook this up today! It’s pleasantly crunchy, sweet, salty and delicious!

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Crunchy Caramel Popcorn Mix

Made from common pantry snacks this Caramel Popcorn Mix is the perfect snack for a movie night or other get-togethers!

servings 12 cups

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 6 cups plain popped corn
• ▢ 2 cups broken pretzel sticks
• ▢ 4 cups Rice Chex Cereal
• ▢ 1/2 cup M&M's

For the Caramel:

• ▢ 1/2 cup butter
• ▢ 1 1/3 cups brown sugar
• ▢ 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Line your counter with sheets of wax paper and lightly mist with non-stick cooking spray.
• In large bowl, mix popcorn, pretzels and Chex. Set aside.
• In medium to large saucepan, bring butter, brown sugar and corn syrup to a bubble over medium high heat. Keep sugar mixture bubbling {not violently, but not weak...some where in the middle} for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Immediately pour over popcorn mixture and stir to coat evenly. Pour out onto greased wax paper and spread out. Sprinkle M&M's onto warm caramel munch mix so they stick. Let cool completely {10-15 minutes should do it}. Break into smaller pieces and store in air tight containers.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 334mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 433IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 4mg

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: popcorn mix