The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with a big bowl of crunchy, sweet, and salty Christmas Chex Mix? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. It's the perfect homemade snack to enjoy while wrapping presents, watching holiday movies, or sharing with friends and family. Get ready for a delicious and festive treat that will be the star of your holiday gatherings! This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, offering a healthy meal alternative to heavier holiday fare.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a combination)
- 1 cup pretzels, twists or sticks
- 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds) – feel free to use your favorite!
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Christmas M&M's candies (or any festive candies you prefer)
- Optional: 1/2 cup sprinkles for extra festive flair
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a crucial step for preventing sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, nuts, and chow mein noodles. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Mix
Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until all the pieces are evenly coated. Make sure everything is nicely combined, avoiding breakage of the cereal.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the coated cereal mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 6: Add the Festive Touch
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Chex mix cool completely. Once cooled, gently stir in the Christmas M&M's and any sprinkles you're using.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Store your delicious Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chex Mix:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the cereal mixture is in a single layer for even baking and crispiness.
- Stir halfway through: This prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Let it cool completely: Adding the candies while the mix is still warm will cause them to melt.
- Get creative with additions: Try adding other festive candies, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for variations.
Nutritional Information (per serving - approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, a serving of this Christmas Chex Mix contains approximately 200-250 calories, with varying amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. It's best to use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient quantities for a precise analysis.
Variations:
- Spicy Chex Mix: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili powder to the sauce for a kick.
- Peanut Butter Chex Mix: Stir in 1/2 cup of peanut butter along with the butter.
- White Chocolate Chex Mix: Replace the brown sugar with white sugar and add white chocolate chips instead of M&M's.
This Christmas Chex Mix recipe offers a simple yet delicious way to add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a perfect addition to your family's favorite holiday traditions. Enjoy the deliciousness and the joy of homemade cooking!