Ingredients
Cereal and Mix-Ins
- 3 cups rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups wheat Chex cereal
- 3 cups corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts
Sauce and Seasonings
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (favorite brand and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large slow cooker, add the rice Chex, wheat Chex, corn Chex cereals, mini pretzels, and unsalted peanuts. Stir gently to mix the dry ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, low sodium soy sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until fully combined and smooth.
- Coat the mix: Drizzle the prepared butter and seasoning mixture evenly over the cereal and nut mixture in the crockpot. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well coated with the sauce.
- Slow cook the mixture: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to the low setting. Cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring the Chex Mix every 30 minutes to promote even cooking and browning, preventing burning. The mix should develop a light brown, toasted appearance.
- Cool the Chex Mix: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the cooked Chex Mix evenly over the sheet and allow it to cool completely for approximately 15 minutes before serving. Cooling helps it crisp up perfectly.
Notes
- Stirring every 30 minutes is crucial to avoid burning and to ensure even toasting.
- Use your preferred BBQ sauce flavor to customize the taste.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to one week, maintaining its crunch.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mix.
- If you lack a slow cooker, you can lightly toast the coated mix in the oven at 250°F for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American