Today I am sharing an old school snack, one I grew up on in the 70s and 80s – Fried Cheerios, also know as Hot Buttered Cheerios. A fun, tasty throwback for Thursday!
Fried Cheerios (aka, Classic Hot Buttered Cheerios)An old school classic snack – buttery, crunchy, salty goodness that’s ready in about 5 minutes! Simple to make, so good. Skip the popcorn and give this recipe a try!
CHECK OUT MY MINI DOUGHNUT FRIED CHEERIOS POST
Yesterday afternoon, I grabbed a small bowl of dry Cheerios for a snack and had a flashback – I remembered my mom making hot buttered cheerios as a kid. I haven’t thought about them in decades.
Last night during dinner, I asked my husband if he grew up with them…he hadn’t. Our daughter said one of her friends was just talking about them, that she and her family make them all the time – they love them. Of course, my husband couldn’t wait to try them so I made a batch today.
For today’s batch, I fried the Cheerios in butter on the stove with a little sea salt. So good! A crunchy, salty winner!
These fried Cheerios are addictive!! Not the least bit healthy, but a great cure for a crunchy, salty craving. The next time we have movie night, I’m whipping up a batch of these instead of popcorn.
I have to admit, these taste so much better as an adult than they did as a kid. I’m pretty sure my mom used margarine instead of butter. I don’t remember a lot of real butter in the house growing up, unless it was the holidays. I also think she made them in the microwave so they were not super crispy, often a little wet and soggy. So if you want to give them a try, skip the margarine and microwave.
Fried Cheerios (aka, Classic Hot Buttered Cheerios)
- 4 cups Cheerios
- 1/4 cup butter (salted butter)
- salt to taste
Directions
Instead of salt, season with seasoning salt (like Lawry’s Seasoning Salt). Add a little Worcestershire (1/2 teaspoon) to the butter for extra flavor.
Here are three new twists on this classic recipe (from Betty Crocker, click links below for the recipes):
Mini-Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios
“A sweet sugar-cinnamon mix that tastes just like everyone’s favorite fair food!”
Apple Pie Hot Buttered Cheerios
“A great snack for when an apple-pie craving hits – try it with Apple-Cinnamon Cheerios for even more apple flavor.”
Garlic Toast Hot Buttered Cheerios
“This savory spin is a perfect alternative to movie-night popcorn!”
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Cheers!
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1. I used a stockpot this time. Cheerios did not spill over as they did when I used a skillet.
2. I used a rubber spatula which seemed to help turn the cereal better than using a spoon.
3. I added a teaspoon of garlic salt. Using one ingredient instead of two.
4. I didn’t measure, just shook in two squirts of Worchestershire sauce.
I love Chex Mix. Addicted to it, in fact. so we make it only at New Year’s. I should have known not to start on the Fried Cheerios. I am on my third batch in four days. I think I am going to have to assign it a holiday and limit myself. I like the crunch and the flavor of the garlic and Worchestershire.
PS Don’t anyone suggest using anything connected to pepper or chili. I hate them.
It’s a little bland but that’s my fault. I meant to use Garlic Salt and didn’t. It’s fine but it needs more pep.
The first thing that happens when I click is you do everything possible to cover up what I want to see. Please slow down on the ads so we can enjoy your wonderful recipes 😁
Thanks for letting me know, Cathy.
My thought is to add Cayenne Pepper in the skillet. Spicy!!!
Can you put pumpkin filling in the butter
What if you sprinkled them with ranch seasoning mix instead of just salt? Wouldn’t that be awesome?
I used the butter and Worcester sauce and sitting on my stove was Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning. Added about a tsp or so. Made it a nice spicy little snack. To regulate heat use less, if you like it hot, add more.
I’m intrigued with this recipe. Can it be cooled and stored like you do chex party mix?
yes, Cathy.
I bet a couple tablespoons of honey would be awesome.
A recipe my mom always made was what she called wilted lettuce. Made with crispy bacon, bacon grease & lettuce, I don’t know if there’s anything else she added or not. I just know it was my favorite & when she unexpectedly passed away in 1989, I never found out how to make it!! Boo!
Grew up on it! You can find the recipe in Better Homes and gardens red checkered cookbook
Mine is the 1970’s era. But after you cook the bacon and set aside add vinegar (I use Apple cider vinegar) to the drippings with Onions and sugar. Be careful around the vinegar it will take your breath away! I use spinach Since I don’t know where to buy the lettuce mom grew in her garden.
When onions are tender mom put the lettuce in the skillet and put a lid on it till it was wilted.
The recipe calls for pouring hot vinegar mixture over lettuce in a bowl and serve but I like it wilted in all that good stuff!
The lettuce that my grandma always used back in the 50s and 60s was endive and it is seasonal. Grandma also used green onions
It’s better to sprinkle the sugar and salt directly on the lettuce in the bowl. Next spoon the vinegar on top of the lettuce. You will pour the hot drippings next. I use tongs to turn the lettuce gently while pouring. It’s delicious!
My mom who has passed so I cant ask her amounts used to add a little vinegar and a little sugar to it too.
Add some Worcestershire sauce to the butter when melting!!! Enhances the flavor!
Can I use Honey Nut Cheerios instead?
Yes – salty and sweet is great 🙂 But if you plan to use savory seasonings – stick with regular cheerios.
I’ve never heard of the fried Cheerios. But am definitely going to try it. Cheerios are a staple in our house
This sounds so yummy! I have to be gluten free so Cheerios and Chex have many flavor options yay! I was wondering if honey could be used? As well as..cinnamon added? I like the fruit flavored Cheerios and the only recipes I find are marshmallow treats. I’m a grown up and I do like it occasionally but I still feel there’s got to be more you +an do with them. Thank you for the recipe and your time!
I am going to try this by adding some brown sugar to the butter then add cheerios have carmelized cheerios!