Hot Buttered Cheerios, aka, Hot Buttered O’s and Fried Cheerios – buttery, crunchy, salty goodness that’s ready in about 5 minutes and made with just 3 Ingredients, Cheerios, butter and salt! Simple to make, so good. Skip the popcorn and give this recipe a try! An irresistible old school snack from the 70s and 80s.
Fried Cheerios (Hot Buttered O’s)
Today I am sharing a classic snack, one I grew up on in the 70s and 80s, Hot Buttered Cheerios (Hot Buttered O’s), a fun and tasty throwback recipe from Betty Crocker!
Yesterday afternoon I grabbed a small bowl of dry cheerios to snack on and had a childhood flashback, I remembered my mom making Hot Buttered Cheerios, a favorite go-to snack as a kid. The recipe is quick, easy and inexpensive. I have not had them in decades.
Last night during dinner, I asked my husband if he grew up on them (he grew up in California) – he did not. Our daughter knew about them, her friend’s family makes them all the time – they love Hot Buttered Cheerios! Of course, that meant my husband needed to try them asap…so I made a batch. They were a big hit! Better than I remembered all those years back.
Original post date, April 27, 2017. Post Updated, March 18, 2023.
TIPS FOR MAKING HOT BUTTERED CHEERIOS
- Real butter that’s salted is best with this recipe. Growing up, my mom used margarine – it’s just not as tasty.
- You can use the microwave, but the stove top method is best to get the Cheerios nice and crunchy. *Please see Recipe Notes in recipe card for the microwave version.
- Hot Buttered Cheerios are a great alternative to popcorn. They are kid and older adult friendly – no popcorn skin (hulls) or kernels to worry about.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I remember this recipe from the late 70s and the 80s. I grew up in Michigan, they were a favorite go-to snack. There was even a commercial with a catchy tune – “Hot buttered O’s, fry them in a pan, man oh man…” I think that’s how it went.
Yes, but they turn out so much better made on the stove top. The stove gets them super toasty and crunchy.
Yes, but I personally think butter tastes best.
Yes! You can use all sorts of seasonings. People use garlic, seasoning salt and more. You can make these sweet or savory. *See comments from readers.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE HOT BUTTERED CHEERIOS (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR FULL RECIPE)
- Cheerios
- butter, salted
- salt
How To Make Hot Buttered Cheerios
In a large skillet, melt-butter over medium to medium-high heat.
Add Cheerios, coating evenly in butter, stir for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, until cheerios are nicely toasted and crispy.
Remove, sprinkle with salt…enjoy!
For today’s batch, I “fried” the cheerios on the stove top with a little sea salt. So darn good. A crunchy, salty winner! The next time we have movie night, I’m whipping up a batch of these instead of popcorn.
Looking for more easy snacks?
Please Note: This is not a sponsored post, I have no affiliation with Betty Crocker or General Mills – I am just a fan of this fun recipe.
Fried Cheerios (aka, Classic Hot Buttered Cheerios)
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cheerios
- ¼ cup butter, salted
- pinch or more of salt to taste (I use sea salt)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt-butter over medium to medium-high heat.
- Add Cheerios, coating evenly in butter, stir for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, until cheerios are nicely toasted and crispy.
- Remove, sprinkle with salt…enjoy!
Notes
- Using a large microwave safe bowl, melt the butter (high for about 30-45 second)
- Next, add Cheerios – stir, coating in butter evenly.
- Place Cheerios back in microwave, cook on high for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring Cheerios every minute.
- Last, sprinkle with salt. Enjoy!
Donna
I’m from California and our Mom made this as a snack. It’s been ages since I’ve had it. Time to make some myself. Thanks!
Beth
As an 80’s baby, I grew up with these as my after school and movie night snack. So nostalic and delicious!
Kel
I will plan for Superbowl next Sunday
Kelly
Try adding wheat chex, rice chex, shreddies, pretzels, cheese nibs or squares and peanuts. Add garlic, paprika, tabasco and washyersister sauce to the melted butter. Mom would make this every Christmas.
Lynne
That’s called Chex Mix!
Molly Finch
I wonder if you could mix it up like you do for cinnamon-sugar pretzels then bake in the oven. (Especially for big batches)
bonnie warren
Will try recipe accordinly but what if you add some cinnamon also?
Mary Neumann
Hi Bonnie – I have a sweet & salty cinnamon version too! Head here:
https://sweetlittlebluebird.com/mini-doughnut-fried-cheerios/
Christine E Lownds
I made these with honey nut Cheerios coated with cinnamon//sugar, this is now my new go to crunchy snack!!
Mary Neumann
That version is great, Christine! I have the recipe on my site – they’re known as Mini Doughnut Hot Buttered Cheerios 🙂
Recipe can be fond here: https://sweetlittlebluebird.com/mini-doughnut-fried-cheerios/
Kelly Mortimer
Multigrain cheerios are great too if you are looking for a salty/sweet combination as well.
Su
I have never heard of these! I was born in 1956 and grew up in Lockport Il. South of Chicago. I have 2 grand boys today and we’re going to make it. I can’t wait!!! Thank you!
Jolene
Anybody know how long they last? Days, weeks, months? How do you store them?
Tracy
These were easy to make and tasty! I added nacho cheese and kettle corn popcorn toppings (separately not mixed together) instead of salt and it was really good!
Wilma
I made these cheerios for a function in our park. Everyone was trying them. Saying how good they were.
Martha Nickerson
These are the most addictive snack I have ever eaten. They are so easy. I added Worchestershire and garlic salt. Cherrios, butter, garlic salt and worchestrshire are staples in my kitchen. Thanks for the GREAT recipe…never going to misplace this one.
MJ Kaufmann
I started making these after I found the recipe on the Cheerios box. My kids were too young to eat regular popcorn and this worked out great! The box only gave microwave directions and never mentioned added salt which I never put in. If you’re making it for kids it’s not needed anyway
Cheryl Gant
I crush up Honey nut Cherros and use it as a coating for my pork chops and bake in the oven. It is so delicious.
Jacqueline Davis
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.
Mary Neumann
Thanks for letting me know, Cathy.
Jacqueline Davis
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.
Lori
Try taco seasoning..
Barb. G.
My thought is to add Cayenne Pepper in the skillet. Spicy!!!
Jerrie Avis
Can you put pumpkin filling in the butter
Dawn
In the fall they have pumpkin spice cheerios
Lee Ann King
What if you sprinkled them with ranch seasoning mix instead of just salt? Wouldn’t that be awesome?
Lee
I’m trying ranch popcorn season in place of the salt.
Kynthia Rosgeal
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.
Cathy Williams
I’m intrigued with this recipe. Can it be cooled and stored like you do chex party mix?
Mary Neumann
yes, Cathy.
Shawn
I bet a couple tablespoons of honey would be awesome.
Janet White
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!
Susan
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!
Peggy
The lettuce that my grandma always used back in the 50s and 60s was endive and it is seasonal. Grandma also used green onions
Lily Kerns
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!
terri
My mom who has passed so I cant ask her amounts used to add a little vinegar and a little sugar to it too.
Carol Williams
Try equal parts vinegar, sugar and bacon grease.😊
michael dunham
Janet always my favorite summer salad.Get some fresh garden lettuse ,not head lettuce.Fry some bacon up crisp,and crumble it up when cooled.sprinkle it on your lettuce and drizzle it with some of the bacon grease,add salt and pepper as desired,ENJOY
Sandy
Add some Worcestershire sauce to the butter when melting!!! Enhances the flavor!
Connie T
Can I use Honey Nut Cheerios instead?
Mary Neumann
Yes – salty and sweet is great 🙂 But if you plan to use savory seasonings – stick with regular cheerios.
C more
I’ve never heard of the fried Cheerios. But am definitely going to try it. Cheerios are a staple in our house