Festive Crunchy Chex Mix
Celebrate the season with our Festive Crunchy Chex Mix, a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors that's perfect for gatherings, snack time, or festive movie nights. This easy-to-make treat combines crispy Chex cereal, crunchy peanuts, and colorful M&M's, all coated in a warm, buttery caramel sauce. Your guests are sure to love this irresistible snack that captures the spirit of the holidays and brings everyone together.
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 cup (unsalted, cut into chunks)
Brown Sugar
2 cups (packed)
Salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Karo Syrup
1/2 cup (light or dark)
Baking Soda
1 teaspoon (sifted)
Corn Chex or Rice Chex
17 ounces (your choice)
Dry Roasted Peanuts
1 cup (unsalted)
M&M's
1/2-1 lb (any variety)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, salt, and Karo syrup. Heat over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, continue to cook for 1 1/2 minutes, keeping an eye on the bubbling mixture.
2
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
3
In a large paper bag (or a large bowl), combine the Chex cereal and dry roasted peanuts. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the cereal and peanuts, closing the bag tightly or covering the bowl.
4
Microwave the bag or bowl on high for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove and shake or stir the mixture to coat evenly. Repeat this step two more times, making sure to shake or stir between each time.
5
Once cooked, pour the mixture out onto a sheet of wax paper to cool. As it cools, gently separate any clumps with your hands.
6
Once the Chex mix is completely cool, fold in the M&M's, ensuring even distribution throughout the mix.
7
Store in an airtight container or serve in festive bowls for your holiday gathering.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
48g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Crunchy Chex Mix?
It is a delightful sweet and salty holiday snack made with Chex cereal, peanuts, and M&Ms coated in a buttery caramel sauce.
Which type of cereal is best for this recipe?
You can use either Corn Chex or Rice Chex depending on your personal preference.
How much cereal is required?
The recipe calls for 17 ounces of your chosen Chex cereal.
Should I use salted or unsalted peanuts?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of unsalted dry roasted peanuts.
What kind of Karo syrup should I use?
You can use either light or dark Karo syrup for this recipe.
How long do I need to boil the caramel mixture?
Once it reaches a boil, continue to cook the mixture for 1 1/2 minutes while stirring constantly.
Why is baking soda added to the caramel sauce?
Baking soda reacts with the acidic components to create air bubbles, making the caramel sauce lighter and easier to coat.
Can I use a large bowl instead of a paper bag?
Yes, a large bowl works perfectly fine if you do not have a large paper bag.
What is the microwave process for this mix?
Microwave the mixture on high for 1 1/2 minutes, then shake or stir, and repeat this step two more times.
Do I need to stir the mix between microwave cycles?
Yes, it is important to shake or stir the mixture between each 1 1/2 minute microwave session to ensure even coating.
When should I add the M&Ms?
The M&Ms should only be folded in once the Chex mix has completely cooled.
Why must the mixture cool before adding the chocolate candies?
Waiting for the mix to cool prevents the M&Ms from melting and losing their shape or color.
How should I cool the finished mixture?
Pour the hot mixture onto a sheet of wax paper to cool completely.
How do I prevent the mix from clumping together?
Gently separate any clumps with your hands as the mixture cools on the wax paper.
Is this snack recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use Rice Chex and ensure all other ingredients, like the M&Ms and syrup, are certified gluten-free.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this mix?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
How much butter is used in the caramel sauce?
The recipe requires 1 cup of unsalted butter, cut into chunks.
How should the brown sugar be measured?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of brown sugar, firmly packed.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
What variety of M&Ms can I use?
You can use any variety of M&Ms, though holiday-colored ones are great for a festive look.
How should I store the Festive Crunchy Chex Mix?
Store the cooled mix in an airtight container to keep it crunchy.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy-to-make treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings or snack time.
Does it matter if I use light or dark corn syrup?
No, the recipe allows for either light or dark syrup based on what you have available.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat in a single serving.
Should the peanuts be roasted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for dry roasted peanuts.
What is the total time spent microwaving the mix?
The total microwave time is 4 1/2 minutes, split into three 1 1/2 minute intervals.
Do I need to sift the baking soda?
Yes, sifting the baking soda helps prevent lumps in the caramel mixture.
What is the best way to serve this for a party?
Serving the mix in festive bowls adds to the holiday spirit at any gathering.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 48 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I be careful of when adding the baking soda?
Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up significantly once the baking soda is stirred into the hot caramel.