Stick in the Mud Mix Horizontal 3
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

There’s something about a big tray of sweet-and-salty snack mix that disappears faster than just about anything else at a party. This Stick in the Mud Mix has all the best parts of a classic snack — crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, roasted peanuts, and a rich chocolate coating that ties it all together. Once it cools and breaks into little clusters, it becomes the kind of snack people can’t stop reaching for!

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Stick in the Mud Mix Vertical 2
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

What makes this recipe great is how simple it is to throw together. There’s no baking required and only a handful of ingredients. Cocoa Pebbles add that extra chocolate flavor and light crunch, while the pretzel sticks bring a salty snap that balances everything perfectly (and the stick shape!). The peanuts make it hearty enough to feel like a real snack mix instead of just candy.

Stick in the Mud Mix Vertical 4
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

This is the kind of treat that works for just about every occasion. Pile it into holiday tins for neighbor gifts, scoop it into little bags for bake sales, or set out a giant bowl for a kids birthday party and watch it disappear. It also makes a great movie-night snack because you can make it ahead of time and keep it tucked away in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. The clusters break apart naturally, so every bite ends up a little different.

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and has a fun name — exactly the sort of homemade treat that keeps people coming back for “just one more piece.”

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team