Combine the flavors of fall with this simple, crunchy apple peanut butter Cheerios snack mix. Made with Honey Nut Cheerios, dried apple chips, and peanut butter chips!
Thank you to General Mills Big G Cereals for sponsoring this post. No matter which team you want to win, this recipe is perfect served at any family-friendly tailgate!
When I think about the things that bring me joy, it’s family, food, then football. Seriously. Needless to say fall is MY time of year for #3, and Joey and Anthony know Mommy’s TV show on the weekend is football. There’s little to none of Thomas the Train and Paw Patrol allowed! My love for football [and of course, tailgating] has really changed over the years as have most things since bringing our three amigos into the world. Growing up, I would go to Michigan State University football games with my parents and brother. In college, I would tailgate for hours before game time with roommates and plenty of ice cold beverages. And now? Well I get to watch my favorite teams at home with my home team—- plenty of ice cold beverages AND great food involved. Tailgating looks a bit different!
Speaking of food and at home tailgates with toddlers, I keep the duo at bay when I’m watching my football with food. I know, I know, don’t distract kids with food! But really, how else am I supposed to watch four quarters [approximately 3 hours] of TV?! That’s where this apple peanut butter snack serves a dual purpose. A sweet and savory snack mix with Cheerios cereal, making it the perfect snack for any occasion, especially tailgates with small children! Remember my post on choosing a healthy cereal? Yep, Cheerios, along with other Big G [for General Mills] cereals are on my go-to list because “whole grain” is the first ingredient in all Big G cereals, meaning there is more whole grain than any other single ingredient. Plus, General Mills cereals has committed to removing artificial flavors and colors from artificial sources in response to consumers’ changing preferences. I live most days feeling like no one is listening to me [thank you toddlers], but I know the Big G team is- especially when it comes to making products with wholesome, nutritious ingredients! Plus, who can say “no” to a tailgate recipe appropriate for those of us older or younger than 21 years of age?!
Apple peanut butter snack mix combines all my favorite fall flavors and basically completes my fall trifecta when enjoyed with my family while watching the Michigan State Spartans or Detroit Lions play. Notice I didn’t say win… both teams have hit a rough patch lately! And the boys know NOT to bring it up to Mom. I’ve been told I’m a sore loser….
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
- 3 cups mini pretzels
- 3 cups apple chips
- ½ cup peanut butter chips
- In a small microwavable safe bowl, melt butter in the microwave for 40-60 seconds. Add cinnamon and stir to combine.
- In a large microwavable safe bowl, add Cheerios, pretzels, and apple chips. Pour butter mixture over the cereal mixture. Stir to combine.
- Microwave on high for one minute and thirty seconds. Stir. And microwave again for one minute and thirty seconds.
- Spread mix on baking sheet to cool. Add peanut butter chips before serving.
- Store in resealable plastic bag or airtight container.
And just because I can’t get enough of Honey Nut Cheerios AND you never know if the game you’re watching will head into overtime, here’s another way of serving up this apple + peanut butter + Honey Nut Cheerios combo: Apple Nachos! Yep, whole apple slices, warm peanut butter [drizzled], and a sprinkle of Honey Nut Cheerios. Like the snack mix above, but remixed!
What’s your go-to game day snack?! Here’s to hoping your team is doing better than mine this year!
This is seriously the perfect fall snack! So fun! I want to make some and send it into pre school with Micah!
What brand peanut butter chips did you use? I can only find the Reese’s brand which is full of junk. I saw some diy recipes but I am worried they might not hold up in a snack mix. Any suggestions?