Fried Cheerios™ are a thing and you need to try them! This version with truffle oil and parmesan cheese is flavorful and totally savory. This quick and easy, mom-friendly snack recipe can be made in under 10 minutes!
And trust me, you’re going to want to shove these in your face.
This post was originally published in 2016 and has been updated with better instructions and images.
Why this recipe works
Fried Cheerios, also sometimes known as Hot Buttered Cheerios™, is one of those snack recipes where the minute you see it you think, “where have you been all my life.”
It’s a simple idea that takes your favorite kid’s snack and makes them more flavorful and just right for a grown-up’s palette.
It takes just a few ingredients, most of which you will probably have on hand! Plus this would make a next level Cheerios™ snack mix. Can you even imagine?!
With just a sautee pan and spatula, you can create this quick recipe right on the stovetop. It makes a bunch and its great treat to share with mom-friends.
And your kids probably won’t like them which is GREAT since they steal everything else of ours. (wink).
This recipe is also almost foolproof. Unless you burn them, you really can’t make these wrong!
Fried would be a great addition to a family snack board. Or pair it with Chocolate Yogurt Dip and Banana Bites for a little snack buffet.
Ingredient notes
Cheerios are the perfect amount of crunch with a touch of sweet. I would only use the plain version for this Fried Cheerios recipe, none of the flavored kinds.
For this recipe to work the best use the pre-grated parmesan cheese that you find in the round can in the pasta aisle. The kind found in the refrigerated area won’t melt correctly and mix well.
I found the truffle oil at the grocery store which was really imitation flavor added to olive oil, but you can buy it online also. Or you can leave it out if you don’t enjoy the flavor of truffle.
If you find actual truffle oil (not just flavored olive oil), add to taste. It will be more pungent so you’ll most likely use less than called for in this Fried Cheerios recipe.
I did a mix of garlic powder and Old Bay for this Fried Cheerios recipe. If you don’t have Old Bay, you can use plain salt instead.
How to Make Fried Cheerios – step by step
Melt butter in a frying pan. Add the truffle oil or truffle-flavored olive oil and mix well.
Add garlic powder, Old Bay and parmesan and mix well.
Add in Cheerios and stir to coat.
Continue cooking for about 4 minutes until golden brown and toasty.
YOU GUYS! Fried Cheerios are the snack you didn’t know you even needed or wanted!
Tips and tricks
- To make sure the Fried Cheerios are extra crunchy, lay them out on a sheet pan to dry out a little before serving. This step will not make or break the recipe if you are in a snack emergency.
- If you couldn’t tell by all the desserts I have on the site, I love sweets. You can swap out the savory ingredients and use sweet instead! Make these taste like churros with a little cinnamon and sugar!
- Although I haven’t tried it, I don’t see why you couldn’t use the Gluten-Free Cheerios if you needed to.
- Add to or take away spices to the Hot Buttered Cheerios as you like. Rosemary would be a good addition as would black pepper!
Because of the dairy, I would store any leftover buttered Cheerios in an air-tight container in the fridge. I always serve this at parties and don’t have any leftover so I’m not sure how badly they might lose their crunch. I am guessing you could put them on a pan under the broil for a minute to bring them back to life.
I have seen other people say they just keep them in a plastic zipper bag for up to a week and they are fine… You do what you feel safest with. I’m a worrywart. Which ever way you store them, be sure they are completely cooled before putting a lid on or in a bag.
Yes! Use a large, microwave safe bowl. Melt the butter. Add the cereal and seasonings and stir. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring every minute.
Seriously! You are going to love these easy and delicious Fried Cheerios! They are savory and crunchy – like you want your snacks to be!
Related recipes
Fried Cheerios with Truffle and Parmesan
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cheerios
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 TBSP grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 TBSP olive oil with truffle Or truffle oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
- Melt butter in a frying pan.
- Add the truffle oil or truffle flavored olive oil and mix well.
- Add garlic powder, Old Bay and parmesan and mix well.
- Add in Cheerios and stir to coat.
- Stir for 4 minutes.
- Let cool, then enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have Old Bay, you can use plain salt instead.
- If you find actual truffle oil (not just flavored olive oil), add to taste. It will be more pungent so you’ll most likely use less.
- To make sure the Fried Cheerios are extra crunchy, lay them out on a sheet pan to dry out a little before serving. This step will not make or break the recipe if you are in a snack emergency.
- You can swap out the savory ingredients and use sweet instead! Make these Fried Cheerios taste like churros with a little cinnamon and sugar!
- Add to or take away spices as you like. Rosemary and black pepper would be a good additions or substitutes.
This is such a great snack. I’ve made this before (just last week) and this recipe looks tasty.
I think I heard about Buttered Cheerios from you!! Hope you guys are well!!
What a great way to honor your sister-in-law! We are huge Cheerios™ fans here (I have always loved the Honey Nut Cheerios™). I can think of a few deserving moms that I could give a box as a thank you for all they do for my family! #client
I love how Cheerios™ are the perfect snack, no matter what age you are!