Hot Buttered O's, Three New Ways

Think about the recipes you’ve been making for years and years. Now, think about how many of those recipes were trendy in the ‘80s. We’ll bet it’s not too many (although we do still love a good spinach-artichoke dip!) Many of the trends that came about in the ‘80s fell out of favor pretty quickly (RIP, shoulder pads). But some of the good ones—like Hot Buttered O’s, a super simple snack consisting of Cheerios toasted in a skillet with butter and a dash of salt—are timeless.

Hot Buttered O’s are now making a comeback with the help of three new exciting flavor variations: Mini Doughnut, Apple Pie and Garlic Toast. Toss together a batch for a whole-grain movie-night treat or a sweet or savory party snack—each recipe makes eight servings. They’re so simple to make that kids will have a blast helping with the incredibly easy prep.

Stovetop method: Melt ¼ cup butter in a 10-inch skillet. Stir in 4 cups Cheerios; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until cereal is well coated. Sprinkle with salt.

Microwave method: In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 45 seconds or until melted. Add cereal; mix well. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every minute. Sprinkle with salt. 

A sweet sugar-cinnamon mix that tastes just like everyone’s favorite fair food!

Stovetop method: Melt ¼ cup butter in a 10-inch skillet, then add ¼ teaspoon vanilla. Stir in 4 cups Cheerios; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until cereal is well coated. After the cereal is heated, stir in ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; toss well to coat. 

Microwave method: In large microwavable bowl, microwave ¼ cup butter uncovered on High about 45 seconds or until melted, then mix in ¼ teaspoon vanilla. Add cereal; mix well. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every minute. Add in ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; toss well to coat.

This savory spin is a perfect alternative to movie-night popcorn!

Stovetop method: Melt ¼ cup butter in a 10-inch skillet, then add 3 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir in 4 cups Cheerios; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until cereal is well coated and hot.

Microwave method: In large microwavable bowl, microwave ¼ cup butter uncovered on High about 45 seconds or until melted, then mix in 3 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Add cereal; mix well. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every minute.

A great snack for when an apple-pie craving hits—try it with Apple-Cinnamon Cheerios for even more apple flavor.

Stovetop Method: In 10-inch skillet, heat ¼ cup butter, 3 teaspoons maple syrup and 1 cup chopped apple over low heat. Stir in ¾ teaspoon apple pie spice. Add 4 cups Cheerios; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until cereal is well coated and hot.

Microwave method: In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter, 3 teaspoons maple syrup and 1 cup chopped apple uncovered on High about 45 seconds or until butter is melted. Stir in ¾ teaspoon apple pie spice. Add 4 cups Cheerios; mix well. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every minute.