Churro Chex Mix

4.50 from 4 votes

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with our Churro Chex Mix recipe. This crunchy snack, featuring cinnamon, sugar, and Chex cereal, is a delightful treat for any occasion. Learn how to make it and discover tips for customization. Get ready for snacking bliss!

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Cool Time30

Total Time1 30

Course: Snack

Servings:

Calories: 430kcal

Ingredients

1 ¼ cups Sugar
3 tablespoons Cinnamon
3 ½ cups Rice Chex Cereal
3 ½ cups Corn Chex Cereal
3 cups Thin Pretzel Sticks
1 cup 2 sticks Butter, Melted
¼ cup Packed Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
Optional: 3 Cups Pecans halves

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature will help to crisp the mixture without burning the sugar.
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Mix Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine the 1 1/4 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
Prepare the Chex and Pretzels: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal and pretzel sticks. (add the pecans here if you opt to include them in the dish)
Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine: Gradually pour the butter mixture over the Chex and pretzel mixture, gently stirring to ensure that everything is well coated but be sure to do this gently so not to crush the Chex cereal too much.
Add the Sugar Mixture: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture slowly over the coated Chex mixture, incorporating continuously (and gently) to evenly coat all pieces.
Bake: Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring and rotating pans every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the Churro Chex Mix to cool completely on the sheets. The mixture will continue to crisp as it cools.
Store or Serve: Once cooled, you can serve the Churro Chex Mix immediately, or store it in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

How to Store Churro Chex Mix:

If you happen to have any leftovers (which can be rare given how addictive this snack is), you'll want to keep them fresh and crunchy. Simply store your Churro Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help preserve its delightful crunchiness for several days.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can This Be Frozen?

While we doubt you'll have any left to freeze, it's a common question. Unfortunately, we don't recommend freezing this snack. The moisture from the freezer can affect the texture, making it less appealing when thawed. The best way to enjoy Churro Chex Mix is to make it fresh and savor it while it's at its crispy best.

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic make-ahead snack. You can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container until you're ready to indulge. It's an ideal option for parties, gatherings, or just having a handy snack on standby.

Substitutions & Variations

While Churro Chex Mix is already a flavor-packed treat, you can get creative and add your own twist to it. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

- Chocolate Lover's Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mix for an extra layer of decadence.

- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spicy-sweet kick.

- Nutty Crunch: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews for a diverse nutty flavor profile.

Helpful Cooking Notes

- Gentle Mixing: When combining the butter mixture with the Chex and pretzels, be gentle. You want to coat everything evenly without crushing the Chex cereal.

- Even Baking: To ensure that every piece gets its fair share of deliciousness, make sure to stir and rotate the pans every 15 minutes during baking. This will help prevent any pieces from getting too brown or burnt.

- Customization is Key: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste. Whether it's adding more cinnamon for extra spice or experimenting with different mix-ins, this is a canvas for your culinary creativity.

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