This Aged Cheddar-Bacon Snack Mix is a unique twist on a classic Chex Mix! It's smoky, spicy, cheesy, and savory, you won't be able to stop eating it! Take it to your tailgate, parties, cookouts...anywhere you'd like to get rave reviews.
- 12 ounces center-cut bacon (about 16 strips)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper, optional
- 3 cups Corn Chex™ cereal
- 2 cups Wheat Chex™ cereal
- 2 cups pretzel nuggets
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted pecan halves
- 6 ounces Aged Cheddar cheese (1-2 year recommended), shredded (1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cubed and melted
- 1/3 cup chipotle pepper hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
| 1. Heat oven to 400°F. Place greased wire racks on two aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheets. |
| 2. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on racks, taking care to not overlap. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until just crisp, turning once. |
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3. Brush bacon with maple syrup. Sprinkle with chipotle chili pepper if desired. Bake for 3-5 minutes longer or until crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack. Chop bacon into 1/4-inch pieces. Set aside. |
| 4. Reduce oven temperature to 250°F. |
| 5. Combine the cereal, pretzels, pecans and cheddar in a large bowl. Whisk the butter, hot sauce and salt in a small bowl. Pour over cereal mixture; toss until coated. |
| 6. Spread out cereal mixture in a single layer on two parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Stir in reserved bacon. Cool completely. |