Are you looking for a delicious and easy snack recipe that's perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in? Look no further! This sweet and spicy Chex mix is incredibly addictive, surprisingly simple to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It's the ultimate combination of crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will leave you wanting more. Forget store-bought mixes – this homemade version is far superior and allows you to customize the spice level to your liking. Let's get started on this quick dinner idea that's also a healthy alternative to heavily processed snacks.
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 chow mein noodles
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
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 Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, chow mein noodles, and mixed nuts (if using).
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Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
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Coat the Mix: Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and toss gently until all the pieces are evenly coated. Make sure everything is well-combined to ensure even flavor distribution.
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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 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. This allows the mix to crisp up further and the flavors to meld together. Once cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature. This snack will stay fresh for several days, if it lasts that long!
Tips for the Best Sweet and Spicy Chex Mix:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. Start with less and add more if you like it extra spicy!
- Nutty Goodness: Toasted nuts add extra flavor and crunch. Consider using a variety like peanuts, cashews, or pecans.
- Sweetness Control: If you prefer a less sweet Chex mix, reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- Even Coating: Make sure to toss the cereal mixture thoroughly to ensure that every piece is coated in the delicious sauce.
Variations:
- Ranch Chex Mix: Substitute the Worcestershire sauce with your favorite ranch seasoning packet.
- Chocolate Chex Mix: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the mix after baking and stir gently to coat.
- BBQ Chex Mix: Use your favorite BBQ sauce in place of the Worcestershire sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, one serving (approximately 1 cup) may contain:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Sugar: 8-10g
This sweet and spicy Chex mix recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or a simple, satisfying snack. Enjoy this delicious and addictive homemade cooking creation!