Chex Mix is a popular snack mix consisting of Chex cereal combined with pretzels, bread sticks, nuts, and other ingredients. Among the ingredients are small cracker-like bread pieces that provide a crispy, savory element to the snack mix. These bread pieces go by a few different names, but are an essential part of the Chex Mix recipe.
Common Names
The bread pieces in Chex Mix are commonly referred to as:
- Bread sticks
- Hard bread sticks
- Cracker sticks
- Bread crackers
- Crispy bread sticks
These all refer to the same type of ingredient – miniature bread stick pieces that are crunchy and airy. They provide a starchy crunch that complements the cereal and nuts.
Composition
The bread sticks or crackers are made from wheat flour, yeast, salt, and baked until hard and crunchy. They contain:
- Wheat flour – provides structure and the main starch content.
- Yeast – causes the dough to rise and creates an airy texture.
- Salt – adds flavor.
- Water – hydrates the dough to allow mixing and rising.
The relative simplicity of the ingredients allows the bread pieces to bake up light and crisp. They are made in short, thin bread stick shapes that bake quickly and evenly to achieve the desired crunch.
Manufacturing Process
Commercial production of the bread sticks involves:
- Mixing – The flour, yeast, salt, and water are combined and mixed to form a dough.
- Kneading – The dough is kneaded to develop gluten and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Proofing – The dough is allowed to rest and rise slightly to develop air pockets.
- Shaping – The dough is passed through rollers to create thin bread stick shapes.
- Baking – The bread sticks are baked at high heat until hardened and crisp.
- Cooling – The bread sticks are cooled completely to set their crunchy texture.
Automated production lines perform this process efficiently to produce the bread sticks in large quantities. The entire process must be carefully controlled to create the desired crunch and consistency.
Purpose in Chex Mix
The bread sticks serve some important purposes within Chex Mix:
- Texture – They add a light crispiness that contrasts with the cereal and nuts.
- Flavor – They provide a mild baked bread taste and absorb other seasonings.
- Variety – They give the snack mix another shape, size, and visual appeal.
- Bulk – They help make the mix more filling as a snack.
The bread sticks complement the other ingredients to create a more complex, satisfying snack mix. Their crunch stands out and adds more dynamic contrast.
Pairings in Chex Mix
The bread sticks pair well with other common Chex Mix ingredients:
- Chex cereal – The bread sticks match the roasted, wheat flavors.
- Pretzels – Similar baked flavor profiles interact well.
- Nuts – Crisp bread sticks and crunchy nuts contrast nicely.
- Spices – Bread sticks absorb and carry seasonings like Worcestershire, garlic, or hot spices.
Together, these create a snack mix with diverse textures and complementary flavors.
Variations
There are many recipe variations when it comes to the bread stick components:
- Size – From small 1-inch pieces to longer bread stick shapes.
- Flavor – Buttery, salted, seeded, or flavored with cheeses or herbs.
- Ingredients – Made with wheat, rye, oat, or ancient grain flours.
- Texture – Ranging from soft and chewy to very crunchy.
- Shape – Sticks, squares, crisps, crackers, or croutons.
This allows for customization of the bread elements to match preferences. Homemade Chex Mix can experiment with artisan bread pieces.
Buying Ready-Made Bread Pieces
For convenience, pre-made bread pieces for Chex Mix can be purchased:
- Crackers – Look for crispy snack crackers or breadstick-shaped crackers.
- Croutons – Seek out small cubed bread croutons, seasoned or unseasoned.
- Bread sticks – Find mini breadsticks or breadstick bites near the crackers.
- Specialty mixes – Some Chex Mix flavored bread pieces are sold as ingredients.
Grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and online sites offer pre-made options to easily incorporate in homemade snack mixes.
Making Homemade Bread Cracker Pieces
For freshness and customization, bread pieces can be homemade by:
- Kneading a simple dough of flour, yeast, salt, and water.
- Letting dough rise then rolling it out thinly.
- Cutting into small squares or sticks.
- Baking at 350°F until hardened and drying out.
- Seasoning if desired with spices or herbs.
This allows control over the size, shape, crispness, and flavor. Any type of bread dough can be used from white to whole wheat.
Popular Brands
Some of the top brands for bread pieces in Chex Mix include:
| Brand | Product |
|---|---|
| Ritz | Ritz Crackers |
| Wheat Thins | Wheat Thins Multigrain Crackers |
| Cheez-It | Cheez-It Cracker Sticks |
| Goldfish | Goldfish Breadstick Snacks |
These are all widely available options that provide the signature crispy crunch.
Nutritional Profile
The bread sticks offer some nutritional value:
- High in carbohydrates – Mainly in the form of wheat flour.
- Low in fat – Very little fat used in baking.
- Calories – About 100 calories per 1 oz serving.
- Fiber – 1-2 grams of dietary fiber per serving.
- Vitamins & minerals – Small amounts of B vitamins, iron, and trace minerals.
- Sodium – Can range from 50-200 mg per serving depending on added salt.
They provide a crispy source of grains and nutrients. Look for whole grain options for the greatest nutritional benefits.
Storage Tips
To maintain freshness and crispness of bread pieces:
- Store in airtight containers or zipper bags by themselves.
- Keep in a cool, dry pantry away from light and humidity.
- Use within 2-3 weeks for optimal texture.
- Freeze for longer storage, at least 3 months.
- Use within 1-2 weeks after opening.
The crunchy texture stales over time so minimize air exposure and moisture. Refrigeration can help extend life slightly.
Uses Beyond Chex Mix
The bread sticks and crackers add tasty crunch to more than just Chex Mix:
- Salads – Croutons on leafy or grain salads.
- Snack mixes – Add to trail mixes, granola, or snack blend.
- Soup toppings – Garnish for chunky soups and stews.
- Casseroles – Mix into savory baked casseroles.
- Stuffings – Toss with herbs in meat or vegetable stuffing.
- Party mixes – Combine with nuts, pretzels, or chips.
Anywhere a crispy, savory crunch is desired, bread pieces can add tasty texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The bread sticks and crackers are an integral part of Chex Mix, adding signature crispness and flavor. They go by many names but most often are simply bread sticks or cracker sticks. Carefully baked from wheat dough to achieve an airy crunch, they complement all the other ingredients in Chex Mix. The bread pieces can be purchased ready-made or easily homemade. Store properly to maintain crisp freshness and use beyond just snack mixes for salads, soups, and more. Whatever you call them, the bread sticks are an essential element of Chex Mix.