Bacon makes everything better, so don't settle for the plain old traditional recipe - this Bourbon Bacon Chex Mix recipe is the smoky, salty version of the famous snack that you didn't know you were craving!
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon chex mix
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Cooling Time 1 hourhour
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
Servings 12
Calories 572kcal
Author Erica
Ingredients
2cupscorn Chex cereal
2cupsrice Chex cereal
2cupswheat Chex cereal
1cuppretzels
1cupcheese crackers
1cupbagel chips
1cuppeanuts
8strips crispy cooked baconchopped
2tablespoonsWorcestershire sauce
¼cupunsalted buttermelted
2tablespoonsbacon grease
4drops liquid smoke
2tablespoonsbourbon whiskey
1teaspoonseasoning salt
½teaspoongarlic powder
Instructions
Heat oven to 275 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with foil, then spray foil with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix Chex, pretzels, cheese crackers, bagel chips, peanuts, and bacon. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat butter, bacon grease, and liquid smoke over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool 2-3 minutes, then stir in the bourbon, seasoning salt, and garlic powder. Pour over snack mixture; toss until evenly coated.
Spread mixture in even layers on prepared pans. Bake 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, to evaporate liquid. Cool completely, about 1 hour, before serving.
Notes
Alternative cooking methods:
Slow Cooker. This is a very popular prep method for parties since you can take the whole thing with you! Place all of the mix ingredients in the crock of a slow cooker, drizzle the butter sauce over, toss it well, and cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to keep it from burning.
Microwave. An alright method in a pinch. Place the bowl of Chex mix in the microwave and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring well every ~2 minutes. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on a baking sheet and allow it to cool and crisp before enjoying.
Air Fryer. The is ideal for smaller batches! Just toss your pre-mixed and seasoned ingredients into the basket of an air fryer, shaking it into a single layer (as much as possible - you may need to cook it in batches). Air fry it at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes, shaking it once or twice during the cook time.
Alternative mix-ins:
Not a fan of Cheez-Its? Add Goldfish or crunchy Cheetos
Swap the pretzels for popcorn or corn chips(add the popcorn after the mix cools, though!)
Leave out the bagel chips and add granola clusters for a different texture
Don't like peanuts? Try pistachios, pecans, and cashews, or leave them out completely for those allergic
Trade the greasiness of bacon for leaner beef jerky
Like sweets? After the mix is cooled, stir in some chocolate chips, M&Ms or Reese's Pieces, dried fruit, or mini marshmallows
For a spicy mix, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste to your melted butter
If you want a sweet and savory mix, try swapping in of the sweet Chex cereals (honey, vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon). Even adding other cereals in place of some of the Chex would be tasty:
Crispix is a close cousin to Chex texture-wise
Cheerios have wonderful crunch, and come in many flavors
Maybe some Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a bit of sweetness
Cocoa Puffs for chocolate lovers
Reese's Puffs for peanut butter fiends
Storage:
This Chex mix is best when eaten within 2 days of preparation for max crunchability, but it's safe to eat for 10-14 days if stored in an air-tight container at room temperature. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.