Spicy Crunchy Oat Snack Mix
Revitalize your snack time with this delightful Spicy Crunchy Oat Snack Mix! Having grown tired of expensive pre-packaged snacks, I experimented and crafted this zesty recipe that rivals the best gourmet treats. Made using Cheerios and a blend of aromatic spices, this snack is perfect for those seeking a low-fat, guilt-free crunchy alternative to traditional potato chips. With every bite, you'll experience a burst of flavor from the chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Plus, it's super easy to whip up at home, letting you control the ingredients while enjoying a healthy snack that can be shared with friends or enjoyed solo.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg white
1 (Whisked until foamy)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (Ground spice)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Ground spice)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (Ground spice)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Or to taste with pepper sauce)
Cheerios toasted oat cereal
3 cups (Regular or multi-grain)
Nonstick cooking spray
As needed (For coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes foamy.
3
Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper (or pepper sauce) to the whisked egg white. Mix until well combined.
4
Gently fold in the Cheerios (or your choice of Chex cereal) until each piece is evenly coated with the spiced egg mixture.
5
Prepare a large cookie sheet by coating it with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the cereal mixture evenly across the sheet.
6
Lightly spray the top of the cereal with additional nonstick cooking spray for extra crunch.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
8
Once the snack is golden and crunchy, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Crunchy Oat Snack Mix?
It is a savory, zesty snack made by coating toasted oat cereal like Cheerios in a blend of spices and baking them until crunchy.
How do I make the snack mix crunchy?
Baking the cereal at 325°F and using whisked egg whites as a binder ensures a crispy, crunchy texture.
Is this recipe low-fat?
Yes, it is designed as a low-fat, guilt-free alternative to traditional potato chips and pre-packaged snacks.
Can I use other cereals besides Cheerios?
Yes, you can substitute Cheerios with Chex cereal or any other toasted oat cereal of your choice.
How long does it take to bake this snack mix?
The mix needs to bake for 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should coat a large cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cereal from sticking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, you would need to replace the egg white with a plant-based binder like aquafaba.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is gluten-free as long as you use a certified gluten-free toasted oat cereal.
What spices are used in this snack mix?
The recipe uses chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and ground pepper.
Why do I need to whisk the egg white until foamy?
Whisking the egg white creates a light foam that helps the spice mixture adhere evenly to every piece of cereal.
Can I use hot sauce instead of ground pepper?
Yes, the recipe allows for the substitution of ground pepper with pepper sauce for a different kind of heat.
How often should I stir the mix while it is baking?
You should stir the mixture every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent the cereal from burning.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use a large enough baking sheet so the cereal stays in a single layer for even crunching.
How should I store the leftover snack mix?
Store the cooled snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispiness.
Is this a healthy alternative to potato chips?
Yes, because it uses whole-grain cereal and very little fat, it is much healthier than traditional deep-fried chips.
Can children help make this recipe?
Yes, children can help whisk the egg whites and stir the cereal, though an adult should handle the oven.
What can I use if I don't have cumin?
If you lack cumin, you can omit it or try a small amount of smoked paprika for a different earthy flavor.
Can I use multi-grain Cheerios for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that both regular and multi-grain toasted oat cereals work well.
How do I know when the snack mix is finished baking?
The snack is done when it appears golden and feels crunchy to the touch.
Can I add nuts to this snack mix?
Yes, adding almonds or peanuts would be a great way to add extra protein and crunch to the mix.
What makes this recipe spicy?
The heat comes from a combination of chili powder and ground pepper (or pepper sauce).
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in the seasoning, making it a great savory snack option.
How many cups of cereal do I need?
You will need 3 cups of toasted oat cereal for this recipe.
Can I use garlic salt instead of garlic powder?
You can, but you should reduce the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the snack too salty.
What is the preparation time for this recipe?
Prep time is very quick, taking only about 5-10 minutes before the mix goes into the oven.
Can I use a microwave instead of an oven?
The oven is recommended for the best texture, as a microwave may not provide the same level of consistent crunch.
Why is it important to let the mix cool completely?
Allowing it to cool completely ensures that the coating sets and the cereal reaches its maximum crunchiness.
Can I use chili flakes instead of chili powder?
Yes, but chili flakes will provide more concentrated bursts of heat rather than an even spice coating.
Is this recipe suitable for weight loss diets?
Yes, because it is low-fat and portion-controlled, it can be a satisfying snack for those watching their weight.