The ultimate party snack mix should be crunchy, salty, sweet, and savory. This easy Furikake Snack Mix recipe is just that and more. It is easy to make and crowd-pleasing so make a batch for sharing.
Why this Sweet & Salty Snack Mix Recipe is Amazing: It is not the same old ordinary Chex mix combination. This is savory, salty, and nutty thanks to the furikake seasoning - plus UMAMI YUMMINESS!
This fun recipe is great for parties, game day, & movie night. Your guests will be grabbing handfuls of this addicting munchie.
Pair it with other Asian-inspired appetizers like Air Fryer Shishito Peppers for Lunar New Year. Ok, now we cook!
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What is Furikake & Where to Buy?
If you have not already heard of or tried furikake, you will be wondering where it has been all your life after you have tried it. It is a Japanese seasoning blend of dried seaweed, sesame seeds, and salt.
In Hawaii it is quite popular. It is great on my recipe for ahi poke nachos, that I know! Everyone loves it on some Kid-friendly Poke Bowls.
It can be found at Asian Markets, buy furikake online like through Amazon, & Trader Joe's carries it.
Ingredients
You can use any combination of crackers, popcorn, etc. You can also use potato chips, pretzels, or nuts too if you like.
Plus some pantry items for the sauce that is poured over everything to make it stick together. This snack party mix is made without nuts. It can easily be gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce & your favorite gluten-free crackers.
Here are the ingredients needed to make this recipe:
- Crackers & Popcorn - any combination of plain salted popcorn plus small bite-sized crackers like oyster crackers, cheesy goldfish, etc.
- Salted Butter - for the snack mix coating.
- Granulated Sugar - the sweet item to balance the saltiness.
- Karo Syrup - that sticky ingredient to thicken the coating & so it stays on the mix.
- Vegetable Oil - for oven-baking the snack mix.
- Soy Sauce - for salty Asian-flavor that pairs well with the nori seaweed & sesame.
- Worcestershire Sauce - a classic item in many snack mixes that has a touch of fish sauce & bold flavors.
- Furikake - the crunchy colorful seasoning blend that is the star of this unique snack.
See the recipe card for quantities & substitutions/variations.
How to Make Furikake Snack Mix
This recipe is quick & easy to prep but it does take some time in the oven. The key to a good crunchy oven-baked snack mix is to cook it slowly over a low temperature.
This way the sugars do not burn & the crackers stay crispy. No one wants a soggy party mix.
Here are the easy steps for making a cracker party mix with furikake seasoning.
- Make the Sticky Coating
- Mix Crackers with Coating
- Bake the Furikake Snack Mix
See the step-by-step instructions with photos below plus the recipe card at the end of the post.
1 - Make the Sticky Coating
Preheat the oven and get going on the sticky sweet and salty sauce. In a saucepan melt the butter on medium heat and then stir in the sugar until it dissolves. Next, add the oil and the corn syrup and stir.
Lastly, as it is all bubbly and getting thick, add the soy and Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat.
3 - Mix Crackers with Coating
In a mixing bowl have your crackers, chips, popcorn, etc waiting. Now pour on the sauce and with a rubber spatula stir to combine.
Once combined, pour onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Spray the foil also with non-stick spray.
Now sprinkle on the furikake and stir to evenly distribute as seen below.
3- Bake the Furikake Snack Mix
Bake in the oven for an hour. Make sure to stir every 15 minutes so it cooks evenly.
Let cool for 15 minutes before enjoying. This makes about 8 servings and can easily be doubled & baked on two sheet pans for big parties.
Serving & Storing
This is best enjoyed the same day. This keeps for about 2 days max or it gets a bit soft and loses its crunch.
Store in an air-tight container if you have any left after the first day! I do not recommend freezing this snack mix.
Furikake Snack Mix
Equipment
- baking sheet pan
Ingredients
- 6 C any combination of crackers and popcorn for this recipe I used 2 C each of goldfish, oyster crackers, and popcorn
- ¼ C salted butter
- ¼ C granulated sugar
- ¼ C light karo syrup
- ¼ C vegetable oil
- ½ TB soy sauce
- ½ TB Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ C furikake Japanese seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl put in all the dry ingredients.
- In a small saucepot, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the sugar and stir to dissolve.
- Next, add the corn syrup and vegetable oil and stir to combine. The mixture will start to bubble up and thicken. Add the soy and Worchestershire sauce and stir. Reduce the heat to low and cook about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and pour over the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula stir to combine. Make sure all the popcorn and crackers are evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking/nonstick spray so the mixture will not stick.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the furikake and stir gently with the rubber spatula to coat all pieces with some of the seasoning.
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes. The snack mix will slowly cook to ensure it dries out so that the sauce and seasoning stick.
- Let cool about 15 minutes before enjoying.
- Store in an air-tight container. Try to enjoy within 2 days as it can become chewy as it ages.
Notes
- Gluten -Free - use tamari instead of soy sauce & use your favorite gluten-free crackers.
- Spicy - sprinkle on ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper along with the furikake.
- Crackers - use any small bite-sized cracker or chip including pretzels, thick ruffle/kettle potato chips etc.
- Nutty - this is made nut-free but they can be added; peanuts, pecan halves, & pistachios work best.
- Best eaten the same day but can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 2 days in a cool dry place.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Nutrition
More Sweet & Salty Party Snacks
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Tricia Snow says
Wow! Where has this been my whole life! You had me at Salty and sweet!
Angela says
Go get these ingredients and make it ASAP - sounds like it is so your salty-sweet crunchy sort of food!
Douglas Jasper says
I had never heard of this. It sounds delicious. I wish we had Trader Joe's in Canada!
Angela says
You can get the same seasoning through the Amazon link so you can give it a try.
Kate says
Can't say I've ever heard of this before! Looks really good.
Laura Lee says
I am soooo making this for our next family get-together!
Angela says
Great, hope you all enjoy it.
Bonnie says
I never would have thought to mix these ingredients together - this looks like a good snack and I think that my picky kids would like the goldfish crackers mixed in there!
Angela says
I admit that I love the goldfish crackers too!
Holly B says
This sounds delicious! I have never seen this before, but I would love to try it!
Angela says
Something new to try out is always a good thing. Give a try the next time you want a homemade munchie fix!
Beth Shields says
This sounds intriguing and delicious. Love the salty and sweet approach and all the crackers. Thanks for your recipe.
Angela says
You are welcome, Beth. Thanks for checking it out and leaving a comment.
Eva Keller says
This looks like a great snack! I love all of the things in it and so does my husband. It's hard for us to agree on snacks for some reason.
Angela says
This is a snack everyone can agree on in my house. Salty or sweet, this is a great crunchy snack that is easy to make too.
leeandra says
This looks great, I have to try it!
Charlene says
I will have to find this seasoning so I can give it a try!
Angela says
It is available on Amazon if you cannot find it or have easy access to a Trader Joes.
Sara says
Looks like an interesting snack. I have one child who would devour this in an instant. I think my other 3 would be hesitant to try it.
Angela says
Then one child is super lucky!!!
Alexis Farmer says
Now I know what I’m making my dad for Father’s Day!
Angela says
Happy Father's day to him!
Danielle Ardizzone says
This looks so delicious and satisfying!
Sydney Delong says
I have never heard of that seasoning! It looks good though, I will have to give it a try!
Angela says
Glad to hear you found something new today.
Suz says
All right, I am going to make this. We've been popcorning alot of nights, watching Netflix...this'll take it up another level. I only go to Trader Joe's for fresh flowers; next time I'll get the seasoning. I'm hungry! Everything on your blog looks so delicious!!
Angela says
Grab some TJ furikake, some flowers, and have a great Netflix night!
Linda Egeler says
We are huge popcorn fans. This looks like a great way to add a creative twist! Love salty and sweet
Angela says
You will for sure love this popcorn party mix with any crackers you like for a crunchy sweet and salty addiction.
Roselyn Franke says
This sounds so good! Hopefully I can try it soon!
Lora Schroeder says
It looks good and cannot go wrong with sweet, salty and crunchy. I don't eat some of these ingredients like corn syrup and vegetable oil, but if I need a snack to bring to a gathering this would be on my list! Never tried to before but would make it!
Angela says
Yes it is not an everyday snack around here either but great for parties where you can have some and balance it with other foods.
Stephanie Veach says
This snack looks delicious!
Angela says
Thank you.
Jessica says
Ooo I bet the kids would love this, thanks! Furikake is so versatile!
Jaci says
I have never tried anything like this before! Thanks for sharing!
Angela says
You are welcome.
rochelle says
I love snacks like this. The mix of sweet and savory sounds amazing!
Angela says
It is a great mix of all sorts of flavors.
Lisa Manderino says
This is such a fun and unique snack! Great idea!
Erica Pittenger says
This is pretty neat! I never heard of it before but it looks delicious!
Angela says
Glad to introduce you to something new.
Debbie says
Looks good! Thanks for sharing a new snack idea!
Angela says
You are welcome.
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life says
I have not had this before and look forward to trying it!
Angela says
It is a different take on a party mix and I hope you enjoy it.
Dee | Grammy's Grid says
Thanks so much for linking up with me at my #UnlimitedMonthlyLinkParty 13, open June 1 to 26. All party entries shared if social media buttons installed.
Annette says
Sounds like a fun treat to have on our next "internation food" night!! Thanks for sharing!
Angela says
Fun! That sounds like a great food night - how do I get an invite! haha!
KENDRA says
Yum! I love how customizable this is!
Angela says
Recipes that can be customized for your own tastes with just a little bit of effort is the best isn't it!
Melissa Jones says
Very neat snack idea!
Cindy says
I haven’t heard of furikake! Thanks for the info and a great recipe.
Miz Helen says
Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday,489. Hope you have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
Beth says
This is such a simple and clever idea, and I even have some Karo syrup I need to find a use for. We're going to try it on popcorn and rice crackers, mmm.
Angela says
Sounds wonderful to use rice crackers along with the furikake.
Lindy says
So excited to find this recipe. I love sweet and salty and I cannot stop eating this.
Angela says
Thank you, glad you love it.