I'm always fascinated when something like these hot-buttered Cheerios shows up on social media. There's an old saying that "everything old is new again," and this seems to be one of those retro things that is being embraced by a new generation.
As a veteran of the 70s and 80s, I'm fascinated by why it holds so much appeal. And, I do not remember feeling any tug of nostalgia for things that happened forty years before I was a young adult. Was there some longing for the 30s and 40s back then that I'm forgetting?
I don't blame the younger generation looking back to what seems to have been an easier time, and while I see no signs of shoulder pads and big hair coming back, I understand the appeal of the iconic music, fashion, and pop culture.
The electricity generated by influencers who embrace the retro styles and activities of those decades sparks a wave of interest that quickly ripples its way into the mainstream. There's a certain appeal to the rebellious element of that era.
But why hot-buttered Cheerios? It's simple! They were good then, and they're still amazingly tasty today!
They are quick, cheap, easy, and very customizable, from basic to spicy to sweet, depending on the mood.
It takes exactly three ingredients and five minutes to make basic hot-buttered Cheerios, also called fried Cheerios. Melt one-fourth cup of butter in a skillet, add four cups of Cheerios, and fry until all the butter is absorbed and all the Os begin to crisp and brown ever so slightly.
You can stop right there and put them in a serving bowl, salt, and eat them like you would popcorn. For some extra crispness, put them on a rimmed baking sheet and pop them in a 200-degree oven for about thirty minutes.
I chose to season my first batch of hot-buttered Cheerios with Alessi brand sea salt and their dipping spices, the kind you put in olive oil and eat with crusty bread. I am crazy about the flavor!
You can also season with garlic salt, dry Ranch dressing mix, sprinkle it with barbecue seasoning, or even a favorite flavor of popcorn salt. See what I mean? It's totally up to you!
Want something sweet? Sprinkle your hot-buttered Cheerios with cinnamon sugar!
General Mills brand Cheerios are gluten-free, but some generic brands are not, so if that is a concern, buy the General Mills brand or read the label very carefully!
You can make a fast, easy, and cheap snack with three ingredients and five minutes of your time.
We love snacking, and right now, Papa has some dental issues that make popcorn a no-no, so this is a wonderful, crunchy, salty snack he can enjoy on movie nights! Here are two more of our favorite goodies with cereal as the main ingredient: Chocolate Chex Caramel Crunch and Festive Cornflake Cookies.
If you liked this recipe, you are my people! If you like this recipe, please share it on your social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter! It would sure tickle me, and I would be ever so grateful!
If you haven't already, please look for me on Facebook and Pinterest, where I will share easy, delicious, family-friendly recipes every week!
Love, GB (Betty Streff)
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free gift! A printable sign that would look great in your kitchen, framed above your sink, or just placed anywhere to remind us how lucky we are to have dirty dishes!
Sign up now!
We called them fried Cheerios in the early 60's. great then and great now!
Yes they're great! Hey thanks for taking timr from your busy life to stop and say hello!! In another post, I made "fried Cheerios" with cinnamon sugar- a great sweet treat for my precious need-to-avoid-gluten college age grandaughter! Have a great weekend!
https://gbskitchen.com/youll-love-cinnamon-sugar-fried-cheerios/
Hot buttered Honey Nut Cheerios are also very tasty😉
Wow! That sounds like a great idea! I have to stop at the store when I go to town. I will pick up a box and give it a go! Thank you!