Firecracker trail mix with pretzels, popcorn, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and blue candies in a patriotic bowl with 4th of July decorations.

Firecracker Trail Mix

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A Sweet & Spicy Red, White & Blue Snack Explosion!

Need a bold, crunchy, and colorful snack for your 4th of July festivities? This Firecracker Trail Mix delivers sweet, salty, spicy, and smoky flavors in every handful — plus pops of patriotic red, white & blue! Whether you’re road-tripping, hitting the beach, or hanging out by the grill, this trail mix is a no-mess, make-ahead snack everyone will love.

Made in under 10 minutes, it’s great for party bowls, treat bags, or filling jars for festive gifting.

Why You’ll Love It

  • 🔥 Sweet + spicy combo = totally addicting

  • 🧂 Salty, crunchy texture perfect for snacking

  • ⏱️ No baking needed — just mix and serve

  • 🇺🇸 Red, white & blue themed for July 4th

  • 🧒 Kid-friendly (or kick up the spice for adults!)

Ingredients

Yields about 6 cups of trail mix

  • 1 cup mini pretzels (twists or sticks)

  • 1 cup Chex cereal (rice or corn)

  • ¾ cup spicy nuts (like chili lime almonds or sriracha peanuts)

  • ½ cup popcorn (lightly salted or kettle)

  • ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries (for red)

  • ½ cup white chocolate chips (for white)

  • ½ cup blue chocolate candies (like blue M&Ms or Sixlets)

  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional for extra kick)

  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional to lightly bind for clusters)

Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine pretzels, cereal, spicy nuts, popcorn, and dried fruit.

2. Add the Sweets

Stir in white chocolate chips and blue candies. Add chili powder or cayenne if desired for a subtle heat kick.

3. Optional Sweet Coating

Drizzle in honey or maple syrup and toss gently to coat (for slightly sticky clusters — refrigerate for 15 minutes to set).

4. Serve or Store

Transfer to an airtight container, snack bags, or mason jars. Keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Customize Your Mix

  • 🔵 Add more blue: Use blue gummy stars or yogurt-covered blueberries

  • 🍓 Fruitier version: Add dried strawberries, banana chips, or apple slices

  • 🌶️ Spicy-sweet: Toss with Tajín seasoning or spicy snack mix

  • 🍫 Dessert-style: Add mini marshmallows, chocolate chunks, or cookie pieces

  • 🧈 Savory twist: Use BBQ-seasoned nuts and cheddar crackers

Great For:

  • 🧺 Picnic baskets & road trips

  • 🧁 Filling mini cups on a snack table

  • 🎁 Party favors in treat bags or jars

  • 🧒 Kids’ snack boxes with less spice

  • 🔥 Pairing with cold drinks or spicy BBQ fare

Make-Ahead Tips

  • ✅ Mix up to 3–5 days in advance

  • 🧊 Store in a cool, dry spot (avoid melting the chocolate!)

  • ✨ For parties, divide into small paper snack cups or clear bags with patriotic ribbons

Final Thoughts

This Firecracker Trail Mix is an explosion of flavor and fun — the ultimate grab-and-go snack for your 4th of July festivities. It’s endlessly customizable, easy to prep, and totally addictive. Whether you’re snacking between fireworks or packing picnic bags, this mix brings the flavor and the festive vibes.

Snack loud, snack proud! 🎆🇺🇸🔥

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