Hamdi Saidani This Bridge Mix Bark is an easy and salty-sweet recipe, which is made with peanuts and pretzels. It’s a great choice for holiday parties, ready in about 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Bridge Mix Bark Recipe Ingredients
- 4 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups roasted, salted peanuts
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pretzels
- 1 cup raisins
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
How To Make Bridge Mix Bark
- Melt Milk Chocolate and Mix: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the milk chocolate chips, stirring until completely smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the peanuts, pretzels, and raisins.
- Spread and Chill First Layer: Line a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil. Pour the mixture onto the foil and spread it out into an even rectangle. Place it in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt and Spread Second Layer: In another clean saucepan over low heat, melt the semisweet chocolate chips, stirring until completely smooth. Take the chilled bark out of the refrigerator and pour the melted semisweet chocolate over the top, using a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer.
- Chill and Cut: Return the bark to the refrigerator for at least two more hours, or until it is completely firm. Lift the foil out of the pan, peel it away from the bark, and cut the bark into 1/2 by 3-inch pieces.
Recipe Tips
- How do I get clean cuts? For the cleanest slices, let the firm bark sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to take the deep chill off. Then, use a large, heavy chef’s knife. You can run the blade under hot water and wipe it dry before each cut to make slicing even easier.
- Can I use different mix-ins? Absolutely! “Bridge mix” is all about variety. Feel free to add or substitute other classic components like M&Ms, other nuts (almonds, cashews), or different dried fruits (cranberries, apricots).
- What’s the best way to melt chocolate? Low and slow is the key. Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan over very low heat and stir constantly. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler or melt the chocolate in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Why line the pan with foil? Lining the pan with aluminum foil (or parchment paper) is a crucial step. It prevents the candy from sticking to the pan and allows you to easily lift the entire slab of bark out for easy cutting and cleanup.
What To Serve With Bridge Mix Bark
This bark is a complete treat on its own and is perfect for parties, holiday cookie platters, or as a homemade gift. It also pairs well with:
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
- A glass of cold milk
- A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream
- As part of a larger dessert board with fruits and cheeses
How To Store Bridge Mix Bark
- Refrigerate: Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it firm and prevent the chocolate from softening. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, place the bark in a freezer-safe container or bag, with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Bridge Mix Bark Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Sugar: 20g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why is it called “Bridge Mix”?
The name originates from the classic snack mix often served at social gatherings, particularly during games of bridge. It traditionally includes a variety of chocolate-covered nuts, fruits, and candies. This bark is a deconstructed version of that concept.
Do I have to use two types of chocolate?
No, but using both milk and semisweet chocolate creates beautiful layers and a more balanced, complex flavor that isn’t overly sweet. You could use all milk chocolate or all semisweet if you prefer.
My chocolate looks chalky or swirly after chilling. What happened?
This is called “chocolate bloom.” It can happen when the chocolate experiences temperature changes, causing the fat or sugar to separate slightly. It’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the taste; the bark is still perfectly safe and delicious to eat.
Try More Recipes:
- Easy Chocolately Holiday Cookies Recipe
- Easy Salted Caramel Apple Tart Recipe
- Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust Recipe
Bridge Mix Bark Recipe
Description
A simple, no-bake chocolate bark loaded with the classic salty and sweet flavors of bridge mix, including peanuts, pretzels, and raisins.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 13×9-inch pan with foil.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips until smooth. Stir in the peanuts, pretzels, and raisins.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared pan and chill for 1 hour.
- Melt the semisweet chocolate chips until smooth.
- Pour the semisweet chocolate over the chilled milk chocolate layer and spread evenly.
- Chill for at least 2 more hours until completely firm.
- Lift the bark from the pan and cut into pieces.
Notes
- For the best results, use good quality chocolate chips that melt smoothly.
- Do not overheat the chocolate, or it can become thick and grainy.
- Lining the pan with foil is the secret to easy removal and cleanup.
- Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or candies to create your own custom bridge mix bark.
