Description
This Hot Honey Chex Mix is a spicy and sweet twist on the classic snack mix, combining crispy cereals, crunchy pretzels, and bagel chips coated in a warm, flavorful hot honey butter glaze. Baked to perfection, it offers a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and savory spices, making it an irresistible snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cereal and Snacks
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup bagel chips
- 1 cup salted peanuts (optional)
Hot Honey Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup salted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
- 1/2 cup hot honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 275°F and line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, mini pretzels, bagel chips, and peanuts if using. Toss gently to evenly distribute all components.
- Make the hot honey butter mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the hot honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Remove from heat once combined.
- Coat the Chex mix: Pour the warm hot honey butter mixture over the cereal and snack blend. Use a large spatula to gently stir until everything is thoroughly coated with the hot honey glaze.
- Bake: Spread the coated Chex mix evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring well every 15 minutes. When stirring, rotate and switch the baking sheets between the middle and bottom oven racks to ensure even baking and prevent hot spots.
- Cool: After baking, remove the Chex mix from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheets. The mix will crisp up as it cools.
- Serve or store: Once cooled, break into clusters and serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for later enjoyment.
Notes
- You can omit the salted peanuts for a nut-free version.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to make the mix more or less spicy according to your preference.
- Ensure to stir and rotate the pans frequently during baking to avoid burning and promote even crisping.
- This mix makes a great gift when packaged in decorative jars or bags.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to two weeks.
