Are you craving a delicious and easy snack that’s both sweet and salty? Look no further! This Sweet and Salty Chex Mix recipe with Bugles is the perfect solution for satisfying those cravings. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it ideal for a quick weeknight snack or a fun weekend activity. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game days, or simply enjoying a delightful homemade treat. Get ready to experience the irresistible combination of crunchy Chex cereal, savory pretzels, and sweet candy, all tossed together for a truly unforgettable snacking experience. This recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix)
- 2 cups Bugles corn chips
- 1 cup pretzels (twists or sticks)
- 1 cup chow mein noodles
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (peanuts, cashews, almonds)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional, for extra sweetness and fun!)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, Bugles, pretzels, chow mein noodles, and mixed nuts. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
- Prepare the Sweet and Savory Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and stir gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal too much.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the coated Chex mix in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mix is golden brown and the coating is slightly crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Cool and Sweeten: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Chex mix cool completely. Once cooled, gently toss the mix with powdered sugar and sprinkles (if using). This final step adds that delightful sweetness and a pop of color.
Tips for the Best Sweet and Salty Chex Mix:
- Customize Your Mix: Feel free to experiment with different types of cereal, nuts, pretzels, and even add some dried fruit for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Even Coating is Key: Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the mix for optimal flavor and texture.
- Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on your Chex mix while it's baking to prevent burning. The perfect level of crispness is key.
- 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 sauce for a spicy kick.
- Chocolate Chex Mix: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the mix before baking for a delicious chocolate twist.
- White Chocolate Chex Mix: Swap the brown sugar for white sugar and add white chocolate chips for a lighter, sweeter version.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Cholesterol: 10-15mg
- Sodium: 200-300mg
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 3-5g
This delicious Sweet and Salty Chex Mix with Bugles is a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are fun to make and enjoy. It's a great way to incorporate homemade cooking into your routine and always makes for delicious dishes. So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this incredibly tasty and addictive snack!