Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make snack that's perfect for movie nights, parties, or a quick afternoon pick-me-up? Look no further! This Chex Mix Honey recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will leave you wanting more. This simple recipe is ideal for homemade cooking and is one of the best recipes for a crowd-pleasing snack. It's also a great option for healthy meals, as you can control the ingredients and limit added sugars. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Chex cereal (a mix of Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex is recommended)
- 1 cup pretzels (sticks or twists)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, almonds, cashews – your choice!)
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup dried cranberries or other dried fruit for added sweetness
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This simple step makes a big difference!
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, and mixed nuts. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Make the Honey-Butter Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined. This creates the magical flavor base of our Chex Mix.
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Coat the Mix: Pour the honey-butter sauce over the cereal mixture and toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated. Make sure everything is well-mixed to guarantee consistent flavor throughout.
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Bake to Perfection: Spread the coated Chex Mix in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. 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 before serving. This allows the honey to set and the mix to crisp up even further.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chex Mix:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the Chex Mix is in a single layer for even baking. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy pieces.
- Stir halfway through: This ensures even browning and prevents burning.
- Cool completely: Allowing the Chex Mix to cool completely allows the honey to set, resulting in a crispier snack.
- Storage: Store your Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spicy Chex Mix: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the honey-butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Chocolate Chex Mix: Stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the dried cranberries for a sweet and salty combination.
- Savory Chex Mix: Omit the honey and add more Worcestershire sauce, along with other savory spices like paprika or cumin.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate – will vary based on ingredients used):
This is a rough estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 5-10g
This Chex Mix Honey recipe is a delightful and easy way to create a tasty and satisfying snack. It's perfect for any occasion, and the variations allow for endless customization. Enjoy!