Chipotle Cheddar Bacon Snack Mix

Yield: about 9 cups

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (16 slices) center cut bacon
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1/3 cup chipotle hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups Wheat Chex™ cereal
• 3 cups Corn Chex™ cereal
• 1 1/2 cups raw pecan halves
• 2 cups pretzel nuggets
• 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) Wisconsin aged cheddar, shredded

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Top two rimmed baking sheets with wire racks.
2. Lay bacon strips in single layer on racks, leaving at least 1/2 inch between strips.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until crisp, but not burned.
4. Brush with maple syrup and sprinkle with chipotle powder (if using).
5. Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and cool.
7. Cut bacon strips into 1/4 inch pieces. Set aside.
8. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees F.
9. In large bowl, whisk together melted butter, chipotle hot sauce and salt.
10. Add cereal, pecan halves and pretzels. Mix well.
11. Add cheddar and mix well to incorporate.
12. Spread mixture over 2 rimmed baking sheets in even single layer.
13. Bake for 1 hour, mixing every 15 minutes.
14. Remove from oven. Divide bacon pieces evenly between two sheets and mix well.
15. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin