Spicy Maple Chex Mix

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Spicy Maple Chex Mix is the perfect snack to spice up your day. With a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, this mix will quickly become your go-to for gatherings or just a cozy night in. Plus, it's easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients for Spicy Maple Chex Mix

The foundation of this snack is a mix of cereals: Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex, which provide a satisfying crunch and different textures. Pretzel twists add an extra layer of saltiness, while the mixed nuts offer richness and a bit of protein.

The sweet and spicy coating is made with maple syrup for its rich sweetness, balanced with the kick from hot sauce. Unsalted butter helps the flavors meld together and makes the mix extra luscious. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika introduce a savory, smoky depth, while a touch of salt enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Stirring every 15 minutes is key to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
  • Adjust the hot sauce to your spice preference—start small and add more if needed.
  • Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easier cleanup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Spicy Maple Chex Mix in a decorative bowl for parties or game nights. It's also perfect for a road trip snack or as a gift—just pack it in a mason jar or a festive tin. For an extra treat, pair it with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade to balance the spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts, like almonds or pecans.
How long does it stay fresh?
Store it in an airtight container, and it should stay fresh for about 2 weeks.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, reduce or omit the hot sauce to suit your taste.

Spicy Maple Chex Mix Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to preheat your oven to 250°F. This low temperature ensures that your mix gets evenly toasted without burning. While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel twists, and mixed nuts. Give them a gentle stir to combine everything evenly.

Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. Pour this delightful concoction over your Chex mix, and stir gently. Your goal is to coat every piece with the spicy maple goodness.

Spread the coated mix onto a large baking sheet, making sure it's in a single layer for even baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. This ensures that all pieces are toasted to perfection. Once done, let it cool completely before serving or storing. This helps the mix to crisp up beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Quick and simple to prepare, with minimal cleanup.
  • Ideal for parties, game days, or as a tasty gift.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

2 cups Rice Chex
2 cups Corn Chex
1 cup Wheat Chex
1 cup pretzel twists
1 cup mixed nuts
1/2 cup maple syrup
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp hot sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel twists, and mixed nuts.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in maple syrup, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour the maple syrup mixture over the Chex mix, stirring gently to coat evenly.
5. Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
7. Allow to cool completely before serving or storing.

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