Making Mealtime Meaningful: Discover how we're giving back with the 12T Cares program →
hearts
When you share or print a 12 Tomatoes recipe,
you're making mealtime meaningful.
100% of the Share to Care sponsor fees fund meals for families in need. Learn More
Kansas City Crunch Horizontal 2
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

If you’re from the Midwest (especially Iowa, Kansas, or Missouri), you’re likely familiar with the practice of pairing a bowl of chili with a cinnamon roll. And if you’re not from this region you likely think that this combo sounds crazy. But hear us out, it’s the kind of unexpected pairing that just works— warm and spicy alongside buttery and sweet. It works so well in fact that it inspired this snack mix. Kansas City Crunch plays on the flavor combo with sweet cinnamon and just the right amount of heat with a subtle chili spice. Take our word on this one, it’s GOOD. Whether you’re making a batch for the big game, or just need a crunchy snack for movie night, this mix is a game-changer.

Kansas City Crunch Vertical 21
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Kansas City Crunch Vertical 1
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

For the base of this snack mix we’ve got some classic chex cereal, Rice Krispies, a little saltiness with some Fritos, and a handful of cashews for a little nuttiness. But the real magic is in the sweet and spicy coating that brings it all together. You’ll combine butter, corn syrup, cinnamon powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper on the stovetop and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it all cook together for another minute or two, then add a sprinkle of baking soda. The mixture will fizz and expand at this point! Pour it over the snack mixture and give it a good stir until all the goodies are fully coated.

Kansas City Crunch Vertical 5
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Kansas City Crunch Vertical 10
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Spread the mix out on a baking sheet and let it fully cool and harden up. The waiting is hard, but it’s worth it! And if you sneak a piece or two we won’t judge. Once the coating has set, break the sheet into bite-sized pieces and give it a taste. It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and a little bit spicy—basically everything you could ever want in a snack. Make up a batch for your Super Bowl watch party and it will disappear before your eyes!

Kansas City Crunch Vertical 14
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Kansas City Crunch Vertical 17
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
Kansas City Crunch Vertical 11
Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Yield(s): Serves 10-12

15m prep time

1h inactive

4.5
Rated by 15 reviewers
hearts
When you share or print a 12 Tomatoes recipe,
you're making mealtime meaningful.
100% of the Share to Care sponsor fees fund meals for families in need. Learn More
Ingredients
  • 4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
  • 2 cups Rice Krispie cereal
  • 2 cups Fritos chips
  • 1 cup cashews
  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Optional: colored sugar sprinkles
Preparation
  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set aside.
  2. Pour cereal, chips and cashews into a large bowl (or two large bowls if you don’t have a bowl big enough).
  3. In a small saucepan, add butter, sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes then remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Continue stirring until mixture fizzes and expands in size.
  4. Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss to combine.
  5. Spread mix out on the prepared baking sheet (top with sprinkles is using).
  6. Allow mix to cool for 1 hour, then break into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Store in an airtight container.

Recipe adapted from 12tomatoes.com