Honey BBQ Corn Nuts Mix
This Honey BBQ Corn Nuts Mix is a sweet, smoky, ultra-crunchy snack made with corn nuts, nuts, and pretzels tossed in a glossy honey barbecue glaze. It’s no-bake, budget-friendly, and perfect for game day, parties, or make-ahead snacking.
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn nuts plain, or honey bbq if you want extra flavor
- 2 cups mini pretzels twists or sticks
- 1 cup salted peanuts roasted, halves or whole
- 1 cup cashews or almonds unsalted or lightly salted
- 1 cup corn chips or crunchy corn sticks optional, for extra corn flavor and crunch
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey mild clover or wildflower honey
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning your favorite honey barbecue or classic barbecue blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2-3/4 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn nuts, mini pretzels, salted peanuts, cashews or almonds, and corn chips or crunchy corn sticks (if using). Toss gently with your hands or a large spoon until evenly mixed. Set aside while you make the glaze.3 cups corn nuts, 2 cups mini pretzels, 1 cup salted peanuts, 1 cup cashews or almonds, 1 cup corn chips or crunchy corn sticks
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Swirl the pan occasionally so the butter melts evenly without browning. You want it melted and foamy, not dark.6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Stir in the honey and light brown sugar. Cook, stirring often, until the mixture comes to a gentle bubble and looks glossy and smooth, about 2–3 minutes, or until the sugar has fully dissolved.1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the BBQ seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir very well so there are no clumps of spices. Carefully taste a tiny bit (it will be hot) and adjust the salt or heat as needed, keeping in mind the flavor will taste slightly stronger on the finished mix.2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2-3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Pour the hot honey BBQ glaze evenly over the bowl of corn nuts and other mix-ins. Using a large spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss and fold until every piece looks shiny and lightly coated. If it seems like there isn’t enough glaze at first, keep tossing for another minute so it distributes evenly.3 cups corn nuts, 2 cups mini pretzels, 1 cup salted peanuts, 1 cup cashews or almonds, 1 cup corn chips or crunchy corn sticks
- Transfer the glazed mix to a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread it out into as close to a single layer as possible to help it dry and stay crunchy instead of clumping.
- Let the mix cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. Every 10 minutes, stir and break up any larger clumps with a spatula or your hands. It will look a bit sticky at first but will crisp up as it cools. When it feels dry to the touch and crunchy, it is ready.
- Once completely cool, transfer the Honey BBQ Corn Nuts Mix to an airtight jar or container. Serve immediately in bowls for snacking, or seal and store for later.
Notes
Taste the glaze before coating the mix, as BBQ seasoning blends vary in sweetness, smokiness, and saltiness. Start with the lower amount of added salt, especially if your nuts and pretzels are already salted. For a lighter, crispier coating, spread the mix out well and stir often as it cools; for a stickier, candy-like coating, spread it a bit less and allow some clumps. The recipe doubles easily; use two sheet pans so you can spread it out. Let kids help with measuring and stirring once the mix has cooled, but keep the hot glaze steps for adults.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal
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