Ingredients
Scale
- 10 cups popped popcorn (plain or lightly salted)
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup salted peanuts or pecans
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the popped popcorn, mini pretzels, and nuts. Toss them gently to ensure an even distribution. Make sure to remove any unpopped kernels from the popcorn before adding it to the mix to avoid any dental surprises later.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it reaches a boil, stop stirring and let it simmer for exactly 4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Quickly whisk in the vanilla extract and the baking soda. The mixture will foam up and turn a lighter, opaque gold color—this is exactly what you want.
- Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the popcorn and pretzel blend. Use a large spatula to gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly coated. Work quickly, as the caramel starts to set as it cools. Divide the coated snack mix between the two prepared baking sheets, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Place the baking sheets in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes, taking the pans out every 15 minutes to stir the mix. This ensures the caramel melts back down and coats every piece evenly without burning. After 45 minutes, remove the pans from the oven and let the mix cool completely on the sheets. As it cools, the caramel will harden into a crisp shell.
- Once the snack mix is completely cool and crisp, break up any large clumps with your hands. Serve it in a large decorative bowl for immediate enjoyment. If you are saving it for later, transfer the mix to an airtight container or individual cellophane bags for gifting.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes