Spicy Honey Mustard Chex Mix is the perfect snack for those who crave a bit of heat with a touch of sweetness. This mix is a delightful twist on the classic Chex Mix, offering bold flavors and a crunchy texture that's hard to resist. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a tasty treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Let's talk about the key players in this recipe. Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Wheat Chex form the foundation, each bringing a unique texture and flavor. The pretzel sticks add a satisfying saltiness and crunch, while the mixed nuts offer richness and a hint of earthiness. For the coating, honey provides natural sweetness, and Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth. The melted butter ensures everything is evenly coated and adds a luscious texture. Hot sauce brings the heat, and the combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika layers in savory complexity. A touch of salt and black pepper rounds out the flavors perfectly.
This Spicy Honey Mustard Chex Mix is a hit at parties and gatherings. Serve it in a big bowl for guests to help themselves, or portion it into small bags as a thoughtful party favor. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp, cold beer or a refreshing lemonade on a hot day.
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F. This low temperature ensures that your Chex Mix gets nice and crispy without burning. While that's heating up, grab a large bowl and mix together the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel sticks, and mixed nuts. Set this dry mixture aside for a moment.
In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: honey, Dijon mustard, and melted butter. Add in the hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it's smooth and well-blended. This is your flavor-packed coating.
Pour the wet mixture over your prepared dry ingredients. Toss them gently but thoroughly to make sure every piece is coated. It's important to do this gently to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.
Spread the coated mix onto a large baking sheet, ensuring it's in an even layer. Place in your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This helps to ensure that everything bakes evenly and achieves that perfect crunch.
Once your hour is up, take the sheet out of the oven and let it cool completely before serving. This cooling step is crucial as it allows the coating to set and the mix to become irresistibly crunchy.