Get ready to revolutionize your snacking experience with the most addictive Chex Cheerios Snack Mix you've ever tasted! This isn't just another boring recipe - it's a crispy, caramel-coated adventure that will have your taste buds dancing and your friends begging for the secret. Imagine a perfect blend of crunchy cereals, salty pretzels, and nutty goodness, all wrapped in a golden, buttery caramel that'll make you weak in the knees. Whether you're hosting a party, need a quick treat, or just want to indulge in something extraordinary, this snack mix is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups Chex cereal
- 2 cups Cheerios
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will help to evenly coat and crisp your snack mix without burning it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of Chex cereal, 2 cups of Cheerios, 1 cup of pretzels, and 1 cup of peanuts. Gently mix them together to ensure an even distribution of the ingredients.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, add 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, allow the mixture to boil for 2 minutes without stirring. This will help to create a nice caramel coating for the snack mix.
- After 2 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up when you add the baking soda.
- Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and nut mixture in the large bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the caramel into the dry ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated mixture evenly onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and coating. The snack mix should become golden and fragrant.
- Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the snack mix cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will harden and become crunchy.
- Once cooled, break apart any large clumps if necessary, and transfer the Chex Cheerios Snack Mix to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy your delicious homemade snack mix!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a low oven temperature (250°F) to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
- Stir Consistently: Mix the snack mix every 10 minutes while baking to guarantee uniform coating and crispness.
- Caramel Technique: Let the caramel mixture boil for exactly 2 minutes for the perfect sticky-sweet consistency.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the mix to cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve that satisfying crunch.
- Storage Hack: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).
- Customize Your Mix: Feel free to swap nuts or add chocolate chips for your own unique twist.
- Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
