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Best Sweet and Salty Football Chex Mix Recipe

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This sweet and salty football Chex Mix is the ultimate game-day snack, featuring a perfectly balanced combination of crunchy cereal, pretzels, nuts, and a glossy caramel coating with a savory kick. It’s easy to make, incredibly addictive, and guaranteed to be the first bowl emptied at any party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Chex cereal (mix of Corn and Rice Chex)
  • 3 cups mini pretzel twists
  • 2 cups mixed nuts (salted cocktail peanuts and whole almonds)
  • 1 cup Cheerios (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, mixed nuts, and Cheerios (if using). Toss gently to distribute evenly.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, whisking constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth and bubbly (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Remove saucepan from heat. Carefully whisk in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). The mixture will bubble up.
  5. Pour the hot coating over the dry cereal mixture. Gently fold and toss with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Divide the coated mixture evenly between the prepared baking sheets, spreading into a single layer. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot mix. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to soften, then gently stir to incorporate. Do not over-stir.
  8. Let the Chex Mix cool completely on the baking sheets (at least 1 hour). Once cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

The low oven temperature (250°F) is crucial for even crunch without burning. Stirring every 15 minutes prevents hot spots. The mix will look wet initially but will dry out during baking. Let cool completely for maximum crunch. For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the coating. For a peanut butter twist, replace 1/4 cup butter with creamy peanut butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chex mix, sweet and salty, football snack, game day snack, party mix, caramel Chex mix, chocolate Chex mix

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/best-sweet-and-salty-football-chex-mix-recipe/