Are you ready for a ridiculously easy and insanely delicious snack that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser? Then get ready to dive into the world of Chex Cereal Trash! This addictive snack mix is perfect for parties, game nights, or simply satisfying those salty-sweet cravings. Forget complicated recipes; this one is so simple, even beginner cooks can master it. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – big flavor with minimal effort. This recipe delivers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it one of the best recipes for a quick and easy treat.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix)
- 1 cup pretzels (sticks or twists)
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 1 cup mixed nuts (your favorite kind)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, chow mein noodles, and mixed nuts. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
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Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vanilla extract, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
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Coat the Mix: Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Make sure every piece is nicely drizzled.
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Bake to Perfection: Spread the coated cereal mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mixture is golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Chex mix cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows the sauce to set and the snack to crisp up further. Once cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Chex Cereal Trash!
Tips for the Best Chex Mix:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the cereal mixture is in a single layer to promote even baking and browning. Using two baking sheets might be necessary depending on your oven and the size of your bowl.
- Stir halfway through: This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Cool completely: Allowing the Chex mix to cool fully helps the sauce set and prevents the snack from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Spicy Chex Mix: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sweet & Salty Chex Mix: Increase the brown sugar to 3/4 cup for an extra sweet treat.
- Chocolate Chex Mix: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dry ingredients before adding the sauce.
- Fruity Chex Mix: Incorporate dried cranberries or other dried fruits for a burst of fruity flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving - 1/4 cup):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 6-8g
- Protein: 2-3g
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy snack or a fun party appetizer. It's a delicious and satisfying option for healthy meals when you need a quick dinner idea, and it's incredibly versatile. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to create your perfect Chex Cereal Trash!