10 Amazing Cheerios Recipe Ideas You’ll Want to Try Today
Cheerios aren’t just for breakfast anymore! These crunchy little rings can transform into incredible snacks, treats, and even dinner coatings.
From spicy party mixes to sweet chocolate bars, these creative recipes will change how you think about cereal forever.
01. Savory Garlic Snack Mix
A perfectly spiced party mix with bold garlic flavor and satisfying crunch. This addictive snack disappears quickly at every gathering.
Ingredients: 3 cups Cheerios cereal, 2 cups mixed nuts, 2 cups bite-sized pretzels, 1 cup oyster crackers, 4 tablespoons butter, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
How To Make Savory Garlic Snack Mix
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine Cheerios, nuts, pretzels, and crackers in a large mixing bowl, tossing everything together evenly.
2. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, cayenne, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and fragrant.
3. Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss thoroughly with a large spoon until every piece is coated with the flavorful mixture.
4. Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
5. Cool completely on the baking sheet before storing in an airtight container for up to one week.
02. Homemade Cereal Granola Bars
Chewy granola bars packed with wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness. These homemade treats beat store-bought versions every time.
Ingredients: 2 cups Cheerios cereal, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, ½ cup honey, ½ cup peanut butter, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup mini chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Homemade Cereal Granola Bars
1. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray. Mix Cheerios, oats, chocolate chips, and flaxseed in a large bowl.
2. Combine honey, peanut butter, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture bubbles and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla and salt, then immediately pour the hot mixture over the cereal mixture.
4. Stir everything together rapidly while the mixture is still warm, ensuring all dry ingredients are completely coated with the sticky honey mixture.
5. Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your hands, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
6. Cut into 12 bars and store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
03. Classic Holiday Party Mix
Traditional Chex-style party mix with a perfect blend of salty and savory flavors. This timeless recipe brings back wonderful holiday memories.
Ingredients: 2 cups Cheerios cereal, 2 cups Chex cereal, 2 cups small pretzels, 1 cup mixed nuts, 1 cup bagel chips (broken), 6 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1½ teaspoons seasoned salt, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder.
How To Make Classic Holiday Party Mix
1. Preheat oven to 250°F and combine all cereals, pretzels, nuts, and bagel chips in a large roasting pan, mixing everything together evenly.
2. Melt butter in the microwave, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
3. Drizzle the seasoned butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss thoroughly with your hands until every piece is evenly coated.
4. Spread mixture evenly in the pan and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent any pieces from burning.
5. Spread on paper towels to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
04. Sweet Maple Cereal Treats
Gooey marshmallow treats with a delightful maple twist and satisfying crunch. Perfect for using up stale cereal in the most delicious way.
Ingredients: 6 cups Cheerios cereal, 4 tablespoons butter, 4 cups mini marshmallows, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup chopped pecans.
How To Make Sweet Maple Cereal Treats
1. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside. Place Cheerios and pecans in a large mixing bowl.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, then add marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
4. Immediately pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the cereal and nuts, stirring quickly with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated.
5. Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan using buttered hands or wax paper, then cool completely before cutting into squares.
05. Easy Chocolate Crunch Bars
Simple no-bake chocolate bars with irresistible crunch and rich flavor. These beginner-friendly treats require just a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients: 3 cups Cheerios cereal, 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, ¼ cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Easy Chocolate Crunch Bars
1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Place Cheerios in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth.
3. Stir vanilla and salt into the melted chocolate mixture, then immediately pour over the cereal and mix until every piece is coated.
4. Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan using the back of a spoon, creating an even layer throughout.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm, then lift out using parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares.
06. Wholesome Oat Cereal Bars
Nutritious snack bars loaded with oats, cereal, and natural sweetness. Kids absolutely love these healthy treats that taste like dessert.
Ingredients: 2 cups Cheerios cereal, 1½ cups old-fashioned oats, ½ cup honey, ⅓ cup almond butter, ¼ cup coconut oil, ⅓ cup dried cranberries, ¼ cup sunflower seeds, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
How To Make Wholesome Oat Cereal Bars
1. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil. Combine Cheerios, oats, cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
2. Heat honey, almond butter, and coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and just beginning to bubble, about 3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and vanilla, then pour the warm mixture over the dry ingredients.
4. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well coated and sticky, then press firmly into your prepared pan using clean hands.
5. Refrigerate for 2 hours until set, then cut into 12 bars and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
07. Fiery Chipotle Snack Mix
Bold and spicy party mix with smoky chipotle heat and addictive crunch. Warning: this intensely flavored snack is impossible to stop eating.
Ingredients: 3 cups Cheerios cereal, 2 cups corn nuts, 1 cup peanuts, 1 cup pretzel sticks, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
How To Make Fiery Chipotle Snack Mix
1. Preheat oven to 275°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine Cheerios, corn nuts, peanuts, and pretzels in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together olive oil, chili powder, chipotle powder, paprika, garlic salt, and cayenne in a small bowl until well combined.
3. Drizzle the spice mixture over the cereal mixture and toss thoroughly with your hands until every piece is evenly coated with the fiery seasoning.
4. Spread in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
5. Cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container, where it will keep for up to 2 weeks.
08. Crispy Cereal-Crusted Chicken
Tender pounded chicken breasts coated in seasoned cereal crumbs for extra crunch. This unique schnitzel-style dish creates an incredibly crispy exterior.
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 3 cups Cheerios cereal, 2 large eggs, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ cup vegetable oil, lemon wedges for serving.
How To Make Crispy Cereal-Crusted Chicken
1. Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap until ¼ inch thick using a meat mallet. Crush Cheerios in a food processor until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs, then transfer to a shallow dish.
2. Set up your breading station with flour mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and the crushed cereal in a third.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in seasoned flour first, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the cereal crumbs.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then cook chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly, then serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the crispy coating.
09. Sweet White Chocolate Trail Mix
Colorful sweet and salty snack mix drizzled with creamy white chocolate. The perfect combination of textures and flavors in every handful.
Ingredients: 2 cups Cheerios cereal, 1 cup pretzel twists, 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup salted peanuts, ½ cup M&M candies, 12 ounces white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons coconut oil.
How To Make Sweet White Chocolate Trail Mix
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and combine Cheerios, pretzels, cranberries, peanuts, and M&Ms in a large bowl, mixing well.
2. Melt white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth and creamy.
3. Drizzle half the melted chocolate over the snack mixture and toss gently with a wooden spoon until partially coated.
4. Spread the mixture on your prepared baking sheet and drizzle with remaining white chocolate in decorative patterns across the surface.
5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes until chocolate is completely set, then break into chunks and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
10. Simple No-Bake Energy Bars
Kid-friendly energy bars that require no baking and come together in minutes. These wholesome treats are perfect for lunchboxes and after-school snacks.
Ingredients: 3 cups Cheerios cereal, 1 cup quick-cooking oats, ½ cup honey, ½ cup peanut butter, ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips, ¼ cup ground flaxseed, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
How To Make Simple No-Bake Energy Bars
1. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking oil. Combine Cheerios, oats, chocolate chips, flaxseed, and chia seeds in a large mixing bowl.
2. Warm honey and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 45 seconds, then stir until smooth and well combined.
3. Add vanilla to the warm peanut butter mixture, then pour over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
4. Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan using clean hands or the back of a spoon, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm, then cut into 12 bars and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Final Thoughts
These creative Cheerios recipes prove that cereal belongs far beyond the breakfast bowl. From savory party mixes to sweet treats, there’s something for every taste.
Try these recipes when you want to surprise your family with something new and delicious using ingredients you already have at home.
