The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with a big bowl of ridiculously delicious Christmas Crack Chex Mix? This easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. Forget store-bought snacks – this homemade version is far superior, offering a delightful blend of salty, sweet, and crunchy textures that will have everyone asking for more. Get ready to make this addictive snack that's as festive as it is flavorful!
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 (pecans, cashews, almonds – your favorites!)
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a crucial step for even baking and easy transfer.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, chow mein noodles, and mixed nuts. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.
- Melt the Sweet Stuff: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butterscotch chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter. Stir frequently until smooth and completely melted. Be patient and avoid burning the mixture.
- Add Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss until all the cereal pieces are evenly coated. This takes a bit of effort but ensures even flavor distribution.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chocolate is set and slightly shiny.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the Chex mix cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking it into smaller pieces. This prevents the chocolate from becoming sticky and ensures crispiness.
Tips for the Best Christmas Crack Chex Mix:
- Customize it!: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to match your preferences. Dried cranberries, sprinkles, white chocolate chips, or different types of nuts are all excellent additions.
- Even Coating is Key: Take your time to ensure all the cereal pieces are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture. This will result in a more consistent and delicious snack.
- Storage: Store your Christmas Crack Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It's best enjoyed fresh, but it will remain delicious for several days.
Variations:
- Spicy Christmas Crack: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the melted chocolate mixture for a spicy kick.
- White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Crack: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips and add crushed candy canes for a festive peppermint twist.
- Salted Caramel Christmas Crack: Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the cooled Chex mix for an extra layer of sweetness and saltiness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It is best to use a nutritional calculator for precise values based on your exact ingredients.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This Christmas Crack Chex Mix is the perfect easy recipe for your holiday gatherings or a simple, satisfying treat for yourself. Enjoy the festive flavors and happy baking!