Hey, Good News! Are you looking for a delicious and easy snack mix recipe that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests? If so, you are in the right place. In this article, we will show you how to make homemade doo dads, the ultimate snack mix that is crunchy, salty, cheesy, and addictive.
Doo dads are a type of snack mix that consists of various cereals, pretzels, nuts, and cheese. They are coated with a buttery sauce that is seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and Tabasco sauce. They are baked in the oven until crispy and golden. Doo dads are perfect for parties, holidays, or just snacking on any time of the day.
What are the origins of doo dads?
Doo dads are a variation of Chex mix, a popular snack mix that was created by the Ralston Purina Company in the 1950s. Chex mix was originally made with Chex cereal, butter, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and nuts. It was marketed as a convenient and tasty way to use up leftover cereal.
The name doo dads comes from a brand of snack mix that was produced by Nabisco in the 1970s. Doo dads were similar to Chex mix, but they also included Cheerios, pretzel sticks, and cheese crackers. Doo dads were discontinued in the 1990s, but many people still make their own versions of doo dads at home using their favorite ingredients.
Why are doo dads so popular?
Doo dads are popular because they are easy to make and customize. You can use any combination of cereals, pretzels, nuts, and cheese that you like. You can also adjust the amount and type of seasonings to suit your taste buds. Some people like to add more Worcestershire sauce for a tangy flavor, while others like to add more Tabasco sauce for a spicy kick.
Doo dads are also popular because they are versatile and fun. You can serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a dessert. You can eat them by the handful or use them as a topping for salads, soups, or casseroles. You can also package them in cute containers or bags and give them as gifts to your friends and family.
How to store doo dads?
Doo dads can last for several weeks if stored properly. You should store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to six months and reheat them in the oven before serving.
However, doo dads are so delicious that they might not last that long. You might find yourself munching on them every day until they are gone. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a large batch of doo dads and share them with others.
How to make homemade doo dads?
Making homemade doo dads is simple and fun. You only need a few ingredients and tools to get started. Here is what you will need:
- A large roasting pan or baking sheet
- A large garbage bag or a big mixing bowl
- A small saucepan
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- An oven
Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 box Rice Chex
- 1 box Wheat Chex
- 1 box Corn Chex
- 1 box Cheerios
- 1 lb bag pretzels
- 12 oz cocktail peanuts
- 2 sticks butter
- 3/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- Kosher salt to taste
- Tabasco sauce to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
The step-by-step instructions for making homemade doo dads are as follows:
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F.
- In a large garbage bag or a big mixing bowl, combine all the cereals, pretzels, and peanuts. Shake or stir well to mix everything together.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, kosher salt, and Tabasco sauce. Stir well and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture in the bag or bowl. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and shake or stir well to coat everything with the sauce.
- Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly on a large roasting pan or baking sheet. You might need to use two pans or sheets if your mixture is too big.
- Bake the doo dads in the oven for about 2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and browning.
- If you like, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the doo dads before or after baking for extra flavor.
- Let the doo dads cool completely on the pan or sheet before storing or serving.
- Enjoy your homemade doo dads!
A table breakdown of doo dads nutrition facts
Doo dads are not only tasty, but also nutritious. They contain a good amount of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also provide some vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. However, doo dads are also high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat. Therefore, you should enjoy them in moderation and balance them with other healthy foods.
Here is a table breakdown of the nutrition facts of doo dads per serving (1 cup):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 360 | 18% |
| Total Fat | 20 g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 620 mg | 26% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40 g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g | 16% |
| Sugars | 4 g | – |
| Protein | 8 g | – |
| Vitamin A | 10% | – |
| Vitamin C | 6% | – |
| Calcium | 10% | – |
| Iron | 40% | – |
| Vitamin B12 | 15% | – |
FAQs about doo dads recipe
What are some variations of doo dads recipe?
There are many ways to customize your doo dads recipe according to your preferences and availability of ingredients. Here are some ideas:
- You can use different types of cereals, such as Crispix, Shreddies, or Oatmeal Squares.
- You can use different types of pretzels, such as sticks, twists, or nuggets.
- You can use different types of nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or pecans.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss.
- You can add some dried fruits, such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots.
- You can add some chocolate chips, M&M’s, or Reese’s Pieces for a sweet touch.
- You can add some herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or cumin for a savory flavor.
How to make vegan doo dads?
If you are vegan or dairy-free, you can still enjoy doo dads by making some substitutions. Here are some tips:
- Use vegan butter or margarine instead of regular butter.
- Use vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce instead of regular Worcestershire sauce.
- Use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Use vegan-friendly cereals, pretzels, nuts, and cheese that do not contain any animal products or by-products.
How to make gluten-free doo dads?
If you are gluten-free or have celiac disease, you can still enjoy doo dads by making some adjustments. Here are some suggestions:
- Use gluten-free cereals, such as Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or Cheerios.
- Use gluten-free pretzels, such as Snyder’s or Glutino.
- Use gluten-free nuts and cheese that do not contain any wheat or barley.
- Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce that do not contain any malt vinegar or wheat flour.
How to make keto doo dads?
If you are following a keto diet or a low-carb lifestyle, you can still enjoy doo dads by making some changes. Here are some options:
- Use low-carb cereals, such as HighKey Protein Cereal or Magic Spoon Cereal.
- Use low-carb pretzels, such as Fat Snax Almond Flour Pretzels or Keto Factory Pretzel Sticks.
- Use low-carb nuts and cheese that are high in fat and protein and low in carbs.
- Use sugar-free Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce that do not contain any added sugars or corn syrup.
How to make spicy doo dads?
If you like spicy food and want to add some heat to your doo dads, you can easily do so by adding some extra ingredients. Here are some examples:
- Add more Tabasco sauce or use a hotter sauce, such as Sriracha, Frank’s Red Hot, or Habanero Sauce.
- Add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or paprika to the sauce mixture.
- Add some jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, or ghost peppers to the cereal mixture before baking.
How to make sweet doo dads?
If you have a sweet tooth and want to make your doo dads more dessert-like, you can easily do so by adding some extra ingredients. Here are some ideas:
- Add some brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar to the sauce mixture.
- Add some cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or vanilla extract to the sauce mixture.
- Add some chocolate chips, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, marshmallows, or candy corn to the cereal mixture after baking.
How to make healthy doo dads?
If you want to make your doo dads more nutritious and less caloric, you can easily do so by making some modifications. Here are some tips:
- Use whole grain cereals instead of refined cereals.
- Use unsalted pretzels and nuts instead of salted ones.
- Use low-fat or fat-free cheese instead of full-fat cheese.
- Use light butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
- Use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce instead of regular ones.
- Use less sauce and more cereal mixture to reduce the fat and sodium content.
How to make doo dads in a microwave?
If you don’t have an oven or want to save some time, you can make doo dads in a microwave. Here are the steps:
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine all the cereals, pretzels, and nuts. Mix well.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, kosher salt, and Tabasco sauce. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until the butter is melted. Stir well and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and toss well to coat everything with the sauce.
- Microwave the doo dads for about 10 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
- If you like, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the doo dads before or after microwaving for extra flavor.
- Let the doo dads cool completely on a large baking sheet or plate before storing or serving.
- Enjoy your microwave doo dads!
How to make doo dads in an air fryer?
If you have an air fryer or want to make your doo dads crispier and healthier, you can make doo dads in an air fryer. Here are the instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cereals, pretzels, and nuts. Mix well.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, kosher salt, and Tabasco sauce. Stir well and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and toss well to coat everything with the sauce.
- Preheat your air fryer to 300 degrees F.
- Spray your air fryer basket with some cooking spray or line it with some parchment paper.
- Add some of the coated cereal mixture to the basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket.
- Air fry the doo dads for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even frying and browning.
- If you like, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the doo dads before or after air frying for extra flavor.
- Transfer the doo dads to a large baking sheet or plate and let them cool completely before storing or serving.
- Repeat with the remaining cereal mixture until all the doo dads are air fried.
- Enjoy your air fryer doo dads!
How to make doo dads in a slow cooker?
If you have a slow cooker or want to make your doo dads more tender and flavorful, you can make doo dads in a slow cooker. Here are the directions:
- In a large slow cooker, combine all the cereals, pretzels, and nuts. Mix well.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, kosher salt, and Tabasco sauce. Stir well and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and stir well to coat everything with the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and sticking.
- If you like, you can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the doo dads before or after slow cooking for extra flavor.
- Spread the doo dads on a large baking sheet or plate and let them cool completely before storing or serving.
- Enjoy your slow cooker doo dads!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article on how to make homemade doo dads – the ultimate snack mix recipe. Doo dads are easy to make and customize with your favorite ingredients and seasonings. They are perfect for parties, holidays, or just snacking on any time of the day. They are also nutritious, versatile, and fun. You can make them in different ways using different appliances such as an oven, a microwave, an airfryer, or a slow cooker. You can also make them vegan, gluten-free, keto, spicy, sweet, or healthy by making some substitutions and adjustments. Doo dads are a snack mix that everyone can enjoy and love.
If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family. You can also check out our other articles on how to make different types of snack mixes, such as puppy chow, muddy buddies, popcorn balls, and more. Thank you for reading and happy snacking!