The holidays are a whirlwind of activity, but amidst the gift-wrapping, decorating, and festive gatherings, one thing always remains constant: the irresistible craving for delicious snacks. This year, ditch the store-bought mixes and dive into the wonderfully simple, yet incredibly addictive, world of homemade Chex Mix Christmas Crack. This easy recipe is perfect for whipping up a batch for your holiday parties or simply satisfying those sweet and salty cravings during cozy nights in. It's a quick dinner idea, a healthy-ish treat (depending on your additions!), and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its most delightful!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix)
- 1 cup pretzels (twists or rods)
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, cashews, almonds – your choice!)
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), unsalted
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional additions: chocolate chips, sprinkles, dried cranberries, M&Ms
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 the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, chow mein noodles, and nuts. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
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Melt the Butter & Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Pour the melted butter mixture over the cereal mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the pieces evenly. This is where you can add any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
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Bake to Perfection: Spread the Chex Mix in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Chex Mix is golden brown and the coating is slightly crisp. 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. Once cool, transfer to an airtight container for storage. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the mix from becoming soggy.
Tips for Chex Mix Success:
- Even Coating: Make sure to stir the Chex Mix thoroughly after adding the melted butter mixture to ensure every piece is coated.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can lead to burnt Chex Mix. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes and remove from the oven when golden brown.
- Storage: Store your Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It's best enjoyed within a few days for optimal freshness.
Variations on the Classic:
- Spicy Chex Mix: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the melted butter mixture for a spicy kick.
- White Chocolate Chex Mix: Replace the brown sugar with white chocolate chips and add some white chocolate drizzle after baking.
- Peanut Butter Chex Mix: Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter with the melted butter mixture for a delicious peanut butter twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate, varies based on ingredients):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 5-10g
This Chex Mix Christmas Crack recipe is a delicious and easy way to elevate your holiday snack game. It's perfect for sharing with friends and family, and the customizable options allow you to tailor it to your own preferences. Enjoy!