Perfect for tailgating, casual parties, potlucks, bake sales or even Bunko night with the girls, these Snack Mix Bars nearly failed to make the pages of Inn Cuisine. Not because they aren’t good enough, but because calling them inn-style might be a bit of a stretch.
That said, if I walked into a B&B or country inn and found these bars waiting to welcome me, I’d be tickled pink. They are unfussy, inviting and informal—exactly the sort of snack that would make me feel welcome. And instead of being handed a bag of granola to take on a hike through inn surroundings, I’d be grateful to find a few of these bars packed instead. They would make me feel cared for.
If that’s not reason enough, these Snack Mix Bars are here because they are simply that good. It’s a recipe you want (even if you don’t realize it yet) and I recipe I want to share. But don’t settle for my opinion about these bars, settle for the opinion of my Bunko mates, the eight ladies who gobbled them up while rolling dice last night. They were the ones who convinced me to put these bars on Inn Cuisine (merely because they wanted the recipe I think), and who am I to say no (although I would have given them the recipe regardless).
In truth, these Snack Mix Bars have been my favorite for some time. Chock full of ooey gooey, sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy goodness, these bars combine everything I love about snack food into one satisfying bite. Perhaps better yet, this recipe is a cinch to assemble making them perfect for feeding guests who drop by unannounced, welcoming the kids home from school, or serving friends & family whenever the mood strikes.
Not convinced? Why not whip up a batch and watch them disappear—the empty plate they sat upon will tell you all you need to know. Enjoy!
Snack Mix Bars
(featured on Inn Cuisine, adapted from Taste of Home Annual Recipes, 1999)
- 3 cups pretzel sticks (snapped into thirds)
- 2 & 1/3 cups Wheat Chex
- 2 cups plain M&M’s (feel free to experiment with the peanut, almond, or dark chocolate varieties too)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I prefer Jif Natural)
- 5 & 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
In a large mixing bowl, combine pretzels, Wheat Chex and M&M’s. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and peanut butter; add mini marshmallows, cooking and stirring until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour over pretzel mixture; stirring and tossing gently to coat. Press mixture into a greased 13″x9″x2″ baking dish. Cool until firm (away from hot kitchen lights), cut into squares and serve.
Yield: approximately 2 dozen (more or less depending on the size squares you cut)
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YUM! I believe our hikers would like these…although I imagine the non-hikers would find them irresistible too!
Mary Jo – So glad these look appealing, because they really are scrumptious bars (that aren’t half bad for you either)!
To All Readers – I debated on running this recipe, mostly because when I cut and photographed these Snack Mix Bars, they were still warm and rather melty (not sure melty is a real word, but I’m going with it anyway)…not to mention I crushed some of the M&M’s with my heavy handedness. I hope this melted or smooshed appearance won’t taint your desire to give these bars a shot (if so, I might have to whip up another batch and re-shoot them—which of course, would be a shame
Thanks for dropping by!
Those look too dangerous! Thanks goodness they don’t make dairy-free M&M’s
YUM! Those look so good- like childhood in a bar! mmmm
I would like one right now. Thank you so much;)
Thanks for sharing! What a great way to empty out the pantry!
Those look and sound perfect to me!!
I just found your blog today and I LOVE it!! Looking forward to reading more.
I love the combination of the salty and sweet! I think I might make these for our Tailgate this Sunday!
Oh these look so good, I am definitely bookmarking these!
What a fun treat!
What a great and colorful hodge podge!
They look alien…but edible.
Alisa – Dairy-free M&M’s…now there’s a chocolatey thought!
Jen – Childhood in a bar—I love that description! (In truth, they taste a bit more refined than childhood, even if they don’t look like it.)
Mental P Mama – I bet you have most of the ingredients in your pantry. I also bet your college-aged kiddos would love these in a care package!
Sean – Definitely a good reason to clear up space in the pantry.
VeggieGirl – Thank you! I’m so glad you found it too & left a comment. I love hearing from (new) readers!
Cookie – Me too, a total sucker for sweet & salty. These will be perfect for your tailgating festivities.
HoneyB – Do more than bookmark them—make them (so quick & easy). Better yet—enjoy them!
Maria – Party-type food should be fun
Jada – A hodge podge of deliciousness—I promise! I still say these Snack Mix Bars are better than they look. Not everything that tastes great has to be gorgeous, right?
Dawn – I’ll take that as a compliment
If I walked into an inn and found these waiting for me, I’d think that inn was a warm and welcoming place! I think my grandkids will love the hodgepodge of these, too.
informal, inviting, unfussy, and DELICIOUS! these bars would be the mark of my kind of place!
love them! I would agree, anything with salt, peanut butter and chocolate is going to be outstanding. Also, we are headed into a week of hot weather, and being able to have a no-bake treat is a treat in itself. Thank you for adding to my waistline!
These bars are colorful and full of sweet flavors I love! Thanks for sharing
I would stay at any B&B that served these little gems, Sandie! I’m thinking I need to join your Bunko group if you are the one bringing the treats
I play bunko, too! I know they would adore these bars so I’ll be marking them to try sometime soon… my kids may not let me take them out of the house though!
Okay WOW! These are moving to the top of my “to bake” list. They are so colorful and look delicious!
These look AMAZING!