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Savory Leftover Rice Crispy Treats with Cheese and Herbs

savory leftover rice crispy treats - featured image

A quick and easy savory twist on classic rice crispy treats, blending sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese with fresh herbs for a flavorful snack perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (150g) rice crispy cereal
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. (About 5 minutes)
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter slowly. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently but constantly until the cheese melts smoothly into the butter, creating a creamy base. (About 5-7 minutes)
  3. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors. (1-2 minutes)
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately add the rice crispy cereal to the melted cheese mixture. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, fold the cereal into the mixture gently but thoroughly, making sure every crispy bit gets coated without crushing the cereal. (3-4 minutes)
  5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press evenly and firmly into the pan using a spatula or lightly greased/dampened hands. (3-5 minutes)
  6. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
  7. Once set, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 12 even squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store for later.

Notes

Melt cheese and butter on low heat to avoid grainy texture. Press firmly but not too compact to keep treats crisp yet cohesive. If mixture is too dry, add a splash of milk; if too wet, add more cereal. Refrigerate to set before slicing. Can bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: savory rice crispy treats, cheese snacks, leftover rice crispy recipe, herb snacks, quick savory treats, easy snack recipe