Iowa Party Bites

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and mixed nuts. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Glaze

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Stir in the corn syrup and brown sugar, then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly.

4. Coat the Mixture

  • Pour the glaze over the cereal mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

5. Bake

  • Spread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crispness.

6. Cool and Add Chocolate (Optional)

  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the mixture cool completely.
  • Once cooled, stir in M&M’s or chocolate candies if desired.

7. Serve and Store

  • Break into bite-sized clusters and serve in a large bowl.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Tips for Success