Smoked Chex Mix

There are some things were self-control just doesn’t happen for me. This smoked Chex mix is one of them. Put a big bowl of it in front of me and it’ll be gone soon. I can’t help myself and no matter what I do to control myself, I fail. Specially the bagel chips. There’s something about the bagel chips in Chex mix, specially after they’ve been smoked. The smoke flavor is not overwhelming, but it’s there, and it’s different in a wonderful way. The smoke compliments traditional flavors perfectly. I make this often, and in big batches because it is the perfect snack to take to a family get-together. Everyone loves it.

Smoked Chex Mix

The cereal in this smoked Chex definitely soaks up the smoke, so do not go crazy with the wood in your smoker. Use a very small chunk, smaller than would fit in your palm, and use only a lighter wood. No mesquite or hickory here, go for something like a fruit or nut wood instead. Remember, you want that hint of smoke, and nothing overpowering.

I used a variety of Chex cereals in my mix, but you can do whatever works for you1

For another great snack idea, try my smoked olives and smoked Cheetos.

Smoked Chex Mix
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Chex Mix

Put a big bowl of it in front of me and it’ll be gone soon. Specially the bagel chips. Specially after they’ve been smoked. 
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword Chex mix, smoked
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12 cups
Calories 351kcal

Ingredients

Homemade seasoned salt (makes more than you’ll need for the Chex mix)

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for cooking at 250 F. Add only one small piece of light wood, such as apple or peach. If you are using a smoker that has a water pan, such as the Weber Smokey Mountain, do not fill the pan with water.
  • Combine the cereals, pretzels, nuts and bagel chips in a large bowl.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir.
  • Combine the seasoned salt, garlic powder and onion powder and slowly whisk into the melted butter.
  • Drizzle the butter mixture over the cereal and gently toss to coat.
  • Place into a disposable 9″ x 13″ deep aluminum pan and place on the top rack of the smoker.
  • Smoke for 1 hour or until the mixture turns golden brown, stirring every 15 minutes.
  • Remove and let cool completely before serving, or store for up to 2 weeks.

Homemade seasoned salt

  • Combine all ingredients. Store in an air-tight container.

Notes

For a slightly spicier version, add a few teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce to the melted butter and Worcestershire sauce mixture. Don’t go crazy with it or the mix will take longer to get crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 5547mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 733IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 11mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Pork Chorizo Stuffing

This is my go-to stuffing for a whole lot of dishes. I use pork chorizo stuffing in baked potatoes, on grilled potato skins, in stuffed mushrooms, dips, omelets, you name it. It’s very versatile and very tasty. It has just enough spicy kick to it but not so much as to overwhelm no matter how I use it.

Here are my tasty mushroom caps with pork chorizo stuffing. Grilled on a cedar plank for even more outstanding flavor.

Pork Chorizo Stuffing

This recipe makes a big batch of stuffing. I divide it into smaller portions and freeze it so I always have some on hand.

I make this stuffing in a cast iron skillet.

Cedar Planked Chorizo Portobellos
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Pork Chorizo Stuffing

This recipe makes a big batch of stuffing.
Course Main or Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pork, stuffing
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 3 pounds
Calories 1296kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  • Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until just starting to soften.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add the crumbled pork, chorizo, cumin and paprika and cook until the meats are done.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 1296kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 74g | Fat: 102g | Saturated Fat: 37g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Cholesterol: 312mg | Sodium: 1259mg | Potassium: 1089mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1689IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Ranch Dressing Mix

It seems like forever that I’ve been searching for a replacement for those rather expensive packets of dried Ranch dressing mix you can buy at the store. Finally, I’ve found the perfect one. And the nice thing about making the mix at home is that I can tweak it a bit for my own tastes. For me that means a bit more dill.

Ranch Dipping Sauce for Wings

This recipe for Ranch dressing mix requires dry buttermilk. I found it near the canned and powdered regular milk in our grocery store. Although it wasn’t cheap, it’ll make a very big batch of dressing mix, more than making up for the cost versus the packaged stuff.

Ranch Dipping Sauce for Wings
Print Pin
No ratings yet

Ranch Dressing Mix

Course Dressing Mix
Cuisine American
Calories 271kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients. Crush in a mortar or pestle or pulse a few times in a spice blender.
  • Store in an air-tight container.
  • To make salad dressing combine 1 tablespoon of the mix with 1 cup mayonnaise and 1 cup milk.
  • For use in recipes, substitute 1 tablespoon of mix for each envelope required.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 2650mg | Potassium: 1167mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 206IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 776mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.