This Parmesan Chex Mix recipe is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining the savory flavors of parmesan cheese with the crunch of Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, and mixed nuts. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a tasty treat, this mix is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in your pantry, but you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Rice Chex cereal and Corn Chex cereal are specific types of cereal that might not be in every household. Additionally, make sure to get grated parmesan cheese rather than shredded, as it coats the mix more evenly.
Ingredients For Parmesan Chex Mix Recipe
Rice Chex cereal: A light and crispy cereal made from rice, providing a neutral base for the mix.
Corn Chex cereal: Another crispy cereal, made from corn, adding a different texture and flavor.
Pretzel sticks: Salty and crunchy, they add a satisfying bite to the mix.
Mixed nuts: A combination of various nuts, adding richness and protein.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy flavor that ties the mix together.
Melted butter: Helps the seasoning adhere to the mix and adds a rich flavor.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the mix.
Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the mix.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure even coating of the cereal mixture, use a large mixing bowl and gently fold the ingredients with a spatula. This helps distribute the butter mixture more uniformly, preventing clumps and ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
rice chex cereal - Substitute with wheat chex cereal: Provides a similar texture and crunch with a slightly different flavor profile.
corn chex cereal - Substitute with oat chex cereal: Offers a different grain option while maintaining the same crunchiness.
pretzel sticks - Substitute with bagel chips: Adds a similar crunch and can be found in various flavors to complement the mix.
mixed nuts - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Provides a nutty flavor and crunch, suitable for those with nut allergies.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Offers a cheesy flavor and is a great option for vegans.
melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Adds a rich flavor and is a healthier fat option.
garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: Provides a similar garlic flavor with a slightly different texture.
onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Delivers a similar onion flavor with a bit more texture.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the mix.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Snack Mix
How to Store / Freeze This Snack Mix
Allow the Parmesan Chex Mix to cool completely after baking. This ensures that any residual heat doesn't create condensation, which could make the mix soggy.
Transfer the cooled mix into an airtight container. Mason jars, resealable plastic bags, or any container with a tight-fitting lid work perfectly. This helps maintain the crispiness and flavor.
Store the container in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight is ideal. The mix should stay fresh for up to two weeks.
For longer storage, consider freezing. Place the Parmesan Chex Mix in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the mix fresh.
Label the bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The mix can be frozen for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, remove the desired amount from the freezer and let it come to room temperature. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. The mix will retain its crunch and flavor.
Avoid storing the mix in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make it lose its crispiness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the Parmesan Chex Mix evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This method helps to restore the crunchiness without burning the mix.
Use a microwave-safe bowl to reheat a small portion of the Parmesan Chex Mix. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mix is warm and crispy. Be cautious not to overheat, as the cheese can become too soft.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 250°F (120°C). Place the Parmesan Chex Mix in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method is quick and helps maintain the crunchiness.
For a stovetop method, use a large, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the Parmesan Chex Mix and stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy. This method requires constant attention to prevent burning.
If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 250°F (120°C). Spread the Parmesan Chex Mix on a baking tray and heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method is similar to the conventional oven but can be more convenient for smaller batches.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the Chex mix at a low temperature to ensure even toasting and flavor infusion.
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining the rice chex, corn chex, pretzel sticks, and mixed nuts.
Small mixing bowl: Used to mix the melted butter, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the rice chex, corn chex, pretzel sticks, mixed nuts, and grated parmesan cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt precisely.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the mixture evenly for baking.
Spatula: Useful for stirring the mixture every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even coating and toasting.
Cooling rack: Allows the Chex mix to cool evenly after baking.
Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking sheet.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients like rice chex, corn chex, and mixed nuts before starting to save time during preparation.
Use pre-grated cheese: Opt for pre-grated parmesan cheese to cut down on prep time.
Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.
Combine spices ahead: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in advance to streamline the process.
Line baking sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Parmesan Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- In a large bowl, mix Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzel sticks, and mixed nuts.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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