The Best Chef’s Knife to Hone Your Cutting Skills

When it comes to cooking, one of the most important tools you can have in your kitchen is a high-quality chef’s knife. That’s why we’re excited to showcase our handmade Japanese chef’s knife from Korin, available on Blue Apron’s Market.

The Togiharu Chef’s Knife

Located in downtown Manhattan, Korin is home to the most extensive collection of Japanese chef’s knives in the world, including their own collection called Togiharu, named after the master Japanese craftsman who mentored Korin’s founder. Our culinary team worked closely with the makers of Togiharu to create this one-of-a-kind product for Blue Apron.

The Togiharu Chef's Knife for Blue Apron from Korin

Skilled artisans meticulously handcraft each knife using traditional Japanese techniques that have been passed down for generations. The result is an elegant and lightweight knife designed to deliver exceptional performance for many meals to come. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this all-purpose knife will become a staple in your kitchen arsenal.

Making Precise Cuts For Your Blue Apron Meal

The sharp blade makes slicing and dicing a breeze, while the ergonomic handle made from eco-friendly composite wood provides a comfortable grip. I used our all-purpose chef’s knife to cook my Blue Apron meal of the week, the Pesto Chickpea Grain Bowl. This dish incorporates a range of fresh ingredients that require precise chopping and slicing.

Chopped tomatoes with the Togiharu chef's knife.

The skilled craftsmen hone the high-quality steel blade of the Togiharu knife to achieve a razor-sharp edge. This allows you to make precise cuts on the zucchini, grape tomatoes, and garlic, ensuring even flavor distribution. Typically, I use my serrated knife for cutting tomatoes, but the sharp edge of this knife outperformed my serrated blade.

After you have prepped your ingredients, you can begin assembling your pesto chickpea grain bowls. Layer the farro, chickpeas, marinated tomatoes, and mozzarella and finish it off with a generous dollop of pesto. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make this dish using the hand-forged Japanese chef’s knife.

The Blue Apron Pesto Chickpea Grain Bowl cut with precision using the Togiharu chef's knife.

Don’t take it just from me, this knife is a favorite for our customers. A Blue Apron customer since 2020 says:

“The versatility of this knife makes it a perfect staple for any kitchen. I’ve enjoyed using it so much that I bought it for every member of my family.”

A functional gift for yourself or the home chef in your life, the Togiharu chef’s knife from Korin is a cut above the rest. Buy your own on the Blue Apron Marketplace.

Make Easy Homemade Sprinkles With Molly Yeh

Get inspired by Molly and add a little extra cheer to your dessert with homemade sprinkles. No baking and no chopping means that this recipe is a safe project for the whole family.

You can never have too many sprinkle colors!

Ingredients

2 Cups Powdered Sugar
2 Tbsps Meringue Powder
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
choice of Food Coloring

Directions

  1. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl combine the powdered sugar, meringue powder and vanilla extract. Add 1½ tablespoons of water and stir to combine. If necessary, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the mixture has the consistency of glue or tooth paste (thick but still pipeable).
  3. Add the food coloring and stir to combine. To make multiple colors, divide the icing mixture into separate bowls before adding coloring. Transfer the colored icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or a plastic sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut off the corner. Pupe the mixture onto the parchment paper in long rows.
  4. Let stand uncovered at room temperature for at least 4 hours until dry. The thicker that you pipe the lines, the longer it will take to dry. These can sit out at room temperature overnight if necessary to completely dry.
  5. Once the lines of icing are dry, break them into pieces of a desired size. Sprinkles will keep on the counter in a sealed container for up to 3 days. if you prefer, you can use natural dyes instead of food coloring, but the colors will be less vibrant. Enjoy!

Now that you’ve made your homemade sprinkles, keep cooking with Molly with our Molly Yeh x Blue Apron collaboration box, featuring Ginger-Scallion Burgers, Peanut Noodles, Crunchy Cabbage Slaw, and Miso Apple Pie, available to order now through the week of 6/19.

How To Core a Tomato

Tomatoes are the base of some of our favorite dishes: spicy salsas, sweet marinara sauces, and summery Caprese salads. Pretty much nothing beats a perfectly in season summer tomato, but even in the winter we’ll search out vine-ripened and cherry tomatoes to get our fix.

sweet summer tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are delicate enough to be eaten whole, but larger tomato varieties, like beefsteak or Roma tomatoes, have a fibrous core at the top of the tomato that should be removed before using it in a recipe. It won’t hurt you, but it has an unpleasant woody texture. This core can be tough to remove with a regular kitchen knife, but a paring knife is the perfect tool for the job.

Remove the core from a tomato

Step 1: Choose a Ripe Tomato

Let’s not waste our efforts on sub-par fruits (yes, it’s a fruit). Ripe tomatoes are easier to work with and will have a sweeter flavor. Look for a tomato that is plump and firm to the touch, but not too hard.

Step 2: Cut Off the Stem

If the stem is still attached, pull it away or remove it with a knife. Hold the tomato steady with one hand and use the paring knife to cut around the stem, making a small circular cut. Then, gently lift the stem off the tomato and discard it.

Step 3: Make a Small Incision

Holding the paring knife by the back of the blade, make a small incision at the top of the tomato where the stem was removed. Be careful not to cut too deep, as you only want to cut through the skin and not the flesh of the tomato.

Step 4: Remove the Core

Once you have made the incision, insert the tip of the paring knife into the tomato and gently twist it to create a small hole. Then, insert the knife a little deeper and twist it again. Continue this process, working your way around the core of the tomato, until you have removed the entire top part of the core.

Watch our chef demonstrate this technique below, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more cooking videos.

How To Make a Rice Dome

curry served with rice dome

In our two favorite riffs on Thai curries, Coconut-Poached Tofu with Lemongrass and Red Curry and Thai Shrimp Soup with Coconut, Lemongrass & Red Currywe use a quick presentation technique that will make your stewy supper look as good as it tastes: topping the bowl with a molded rice dome.

Instead of scooping rice into the bottom of your bowl, then pouring the curry on top, we do exactly the opposite. On top of our steaming, lemongrass-scented bowl of tofu or shrimp curry, we scoop out a perfect dome of rice.

making rice for rice dome

To make the dome, pull a small, shallow bowl from your cabinet. Something you might normally use for cereal will work perfectly. Pack about half of the rice into your bowl, and press in down with a spoon. This will help everything stick together. Turn the bowl upside down and nudge the packed rice out of it, on top of your bowl.

To eat, use a spoon to gently break apart the rice and scoop up a bit of curry. It’s easy to get a spoonful of sauce and a bit of rice in each bite. To make this dish even more beautiful, garnish with chopped scallions and a few cilantro leaves.

Curry recipes topped with a rice dome

Thai Shrimp Soup with Coconut, Lemongrass & Red Curry

shrimp red curry

In this recipe, we’re using lemongrass, an ancient Southeast Asian herb, two different ways. First, we’re smashing one of the stalks, and simmering it in the coconut milk broth to infuse the dish with flavor. We’re also thinly slicing another stalk and briefly sautéing it with other aromatics (garlic, ginger and scallion). This step brings a wonderful crunch to the rich curry, adding texture and brightness to each bite.

Coconut-Poached Tofu with Lemongrass and Red Curry

curry topped with rice dome

Mild tofu and bright herbs like ginger, garlic, and lemongrass bring a refreshing crunch to this delicate, creamy soup.

How to Carve a Whole Roasted Chicken

So, you roasted your chicken. Nicely done! It came out perfectly—crispy skin and juicy meat. But now you want to chop it up into edible pieces that you can elegantly serve to guests. Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds! All you need to carve a whole chicken is a knife, a cutting board, and that chicken.

Watch our test kitchen chef demonstrate his technique below.

How to carve a whole chicken

Step 1: Gather your tools and set up your workspace.

Before you start cutting, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board. It’s also a good idea to have a pair of kitchen shears to help with cutting through bones.

Step 2: Remove the legs.

Start by removing the legs of the chicken. Hold onto the leg and pull it away from the body to expose the joint. Cut through the joint with your knife or kitchen shears. Repeat on the other side.

Step 3: Remove the wings.

Next, remove the wings. Pull the wing away from the body to expose the joint. Cut through the joint with your knife or kitchen shears. Repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Separate the drumstick from the thigh.

To separate the drumstick from the thigh, locate the joint and cut through it with your knife or kitchen shears.

Step 5: Cut the breast in half.

Place the chicken breast-side up on the cutting board. Use your knife to cut down the center of the breastbone. Cut through the rib bones to separate the two halves of the breast.

Step 6: Remove the backbone.

Flip the chicken over so the back is facing up. Use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone. Remove the backbone and discard or save for making stock.

Step 7: Cut the breast into smaller pieces.

Cut each half of the breast into two smaller pieces by cutting through the middle of each half.

Step 8: Cut the thighs in half.

Cut each thigh in half by cutting through the middle of the meat.

Now you have successfully cut up a whole chicken! Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect on the first try— it takes practice to get the hang of it. With this knowledge, you can now use different parts of the chicken for various recipes, such as roasted chicken, fried chicken, chicken soup, and more. So go ahead and experiment with your new skills and enjoy your homemade chicken dishes.

Like watching cooking videos? Subscribe to our channel on YouTube!

How to Cook with Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a herb that has been used in Southeast Asian cuisine for centuries. The plant is native to Thailand, Vietnam, and India and has a citrusy aroma that adds a refreshing flavor to rice or noodle dishes. Learn how to cook with lemongrass and bring this beautiful flavor to your kitchen.

How to cut lemongrass:

The tough outer leaves of lemongrass are inedible, so they need to be removed. To cut lemongrass, you’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Start by trimming off the root end of the stalk, leaving about 2 inches of the bulbous base intact.
  2. Cut off the top portion of the lemongrass, about 2-3 inches from the tip of the stalk.
  3. Remove the tough outer layers of the lemongrass by gently peeling them away with your fingers or a knife until you reach the softer, pale-yellow interior layers.
  4. Once you’ve peeled away the tough outer layers, you can slice the lemongrass into thin rounds or chop it into small pieces for use in recipes.

How to cook with lemongrass

Lemongrass is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some common ways to use it in your cooking:

  1. Infuse it in soups and broths: Add sliced lemongrass to your chicken or vegetable broth to add a citrusy flavor to your soups and stews.
  2. Use it in marinades and dressings: Lemongrass can be combined with other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to create a flavorful marinade for meats or a zesty dressing for salads.
  3. Add it to curries and stir-fries: Lemongrass pairs well with coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables in Thai and Vietnamese curries. You can also use it in stir-fries with meats or tofu.
  4. Brew it into tea: Lemongrass tea is a popular beverage in Southeast Asia and is said to have a calming effect on the body. To make lemongrass tea, steep sliced lemongrass in hot water for several minutes.

Knowing how to properly cut lemongrass and incorporating it into your cooking can elevate your meals and introduce new flavors to your palate.

Try some of our favorite recipes with lemongrass

Coconut-Poached Tofu with Lemongrass and Red Curry

This rich, lightly spicy soup, combines lemongrass and red curry to create a flavorful broth.

lemongrass tofu stew

Lemongrass & Ginger Turkey Burgers

These turkey burgers use two traditional Asian aromatics, ginger and lemongrass, to create a patty with a bright and citrusy flavor profile.

burgers with lemongrass

Chilled Lemongrass Beef & Noodles with Marinated Carrots & Cucumber

This summer-friendly cold noodle dish highlights bright, citrusy lemongrass, cooked alongside tender beef and mixed with springy lo mein noodles and crisp veggies.

chilled noodles with lemongrass

Find more recipes like these in the Blue Apron cookbook.

How to Make a Whole Fish at Home

steamed whole fish with ginger and scallion

Preparing a whole fish at home might sound intimidating, but we promise: this recipes comes together in about 15 minutes. 

This recipe was inspired by the steamed ginger and scallion fish at Noyona, a Malaysian restaurant in NYC. This fish is cooked whole, then doused with a sweet, salty, and aromatic sauce that flavors the delicate fish perfectly. Make sure to have some rice ready to go on the back burner, you’ll want something to soak up all the extra delicious sauce on your plate. 

How to debone a whole fish 

The bone should slip out from the flesh easily once steamed. To remove, use a spoon to lightly separate the head from the filets on the body. Run the spoon tightly against the length of the spine, making an incision. Then push the spoon further into the filet from the spine, the filet should loosen and separate from the spine leaving the bones behind; flip the filet to be skin side down on the plate. Spoon the sauce over the cooked fish fillets. While the head is edible, if you choose to not eat it, remove the bones from the fish by lifting the head, the spine will follow, and discard. 

How to eat a whole fish 

For a beautiful presentation, we recommend serving this fish whole on a large platter. Don’t attempt to cut the fish with a knife. Instead, use a fork to pull the meat away from the bones. After the first side is picked clean, flip the fish over and repeat on the other side. Don’t forget about the fish cheeks! This cheeks are located on the head of the fish, right behind the eyes. This is the most tender part of a fish. 

clean whole fish

Where to buy a whole fish 

You can find whole fish by visiting your local fishmonger, or by checking out the seafood counter at your grocery store and placing a special order. 

Whole Branzino with Soy-Ginger Glaze

Serves 2 | Cook Time: 25 to 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 piece ginger 
  • 2 scallions
  • 1 small bunch cilantro
  • 1-1.5 lbs whole bone-in branzino, gutted and scaled*
  • 2 Tbsps soy sauce 
  • ½ Tbsp brown sugar 
  • 2 Tbsps vegetable oil

Directions:

Prepare the ingredients: Wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel the ginger, then cut into thin strips to get 2 tablespoons. Thinly slice the scallions on an angle, separating the white bottoms and hollow green tops. Pick the cilantro leaves off the stems to get 2 tablespoons; discard the stems. 

Set up the steamer & steam the fish: Start by double checking sizes. You want a steamer** that fits the size of the fish on a heat proof plate*** and also fits nicely into a pot with a lid. Once you have everything gathered, place about 1 inch of water in the pot and heat to boiling on high. Meanwhile, rinse the fish to take off any lingering scales. Place the fish on the heatproof plate. Once boiling, carefully place the plate of fish in the steamer. Cover and steam 15 to 20 minutes, or until opaque and cooked through.****

Make the sauce: While the fish teams, in a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of warm water. In a small pan, heat the vegetable oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced ginger and sliced white bottoms of the scallions. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the soy sauce mixture (carefully, as the liquid may splatter) and half the cilantro leaves. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened. Turn off the heat. 

Finish & serve your dish: Discard any liquid that has pooled on the plate of steamed fish. Carefully remove the fish bone. Pour the sauce over the fish. Garnish with the sliced green top of the scallions and the remaining cilantro leaves. Enjoy!

*CHEF TIP: Not all branzino are farmed the same way. Talk to your fishmonger to see if they were sustainably sourced. Sustainable fishing is critical to protect the Earth’s natural supply of seafood. We partner with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, a highly respected non-profit organization recognized as an authority on seafood sustainability, and only source seafood that Seafood Watch has rated “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative,” or that has a comparable third-party verified sustainability certification (Marine Stewardship Council, Best Aquaculture Practices or Aquaculture Stewardship Council). The fishmonger can also clean the fish for you if it’s not already done. The scales should be removed and the inner organs should be removed. 

**CHEF TIP: Some steamers will be too small to fit the whole fish. You can snip off the tail to make it fit better. If your steamer is still too small you can make a DIY steamer. Use a large, high sided skillet or braiser with a lid and place an empty tinned-fish can inside. Fill the skillet with about 1 inch of water. And there you have it!

***CHEF TIP: Steam the fish in a heat-proof plate or vessel you wish to serve in, as the fish will be too delicate to transfer without falling apart (which isn’t the worst thing!)

****The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for fish. 

How To Finish Pasta Like a Pro

how to finish pasta on the stove

Today, we’re talking about improving your spaghetti endgame so that your pasta primavera tastes like it’s from the best Italian restaurant in the world. Learning how to finish pasta will help take your spaghetti dinners from good to great.

If you know how to cook, chances are you can make a plate of pasta just fine. If you love noodles, there are a few secret tips that separate your average bowl of penne with tomato sauce from a lip-smackingly delicious dish of Fresh Rigatoni with Spicy Pork Ragu.

Of course, there are tricks for cooking: use plenty of water, season adequately with salt, let it come to a roiling boil before you introduce the noodles, and then pair them with a delicious sauce. These steps are all crucial, but the most important step comes after the pasta is mostly cooked.

How to finish pasta in the pan

Here’s the trick: when the pasta is 90 percent cooked, remove it from the pot. But don’t toss the water! Reserve at least 1 cup of the cooking water in a little bowl or cup. That water is no longer plain old H20. Now it’s salty and starchy and a key ingredient in its own right.

For this trick to work, you need to have your pasta sauce simmering on the stove in a separate pan. Transfer the mostly cooked pasta to the pan of sauce along with a little bit of pasta water. The noodles will finish cooking in the sauce. This does two things. First, as your noodles finish cooking each morsel will absorb more flavor from the sauce. Second, the starchiness of the pasta water will help thicken the sauce so it coats each bite of pasta instead of pooling in the bottom of your bowl.

You can watch this clever tip in action in our video about cooking pasta with heirloom tomatoes

Craving a noodle dinner? Learn about pasta shapes you need to know.

The Best Soup Noodles & How To Cook With Them

You have a signature scent, but do you have a signature soup? Within the beautiful world of soup, there’s infinite room to customize. Your favorite bowl might be a light brothy soup spiked with spices like anise and cinnamon, or a hearty stew rilled with tomatoes, noodles, and beans. When it comes to creating your signature dish, choosing the best noodles for soup is just as important as deciding on the flavor profile. 

For light soups with fragrant spices, long noodles can enhance the flavor. When you eat ramen or long rice noodles, the twirling and slurping aerates the broth, bringing the aromatic flavors forward. This wouldn’t work as well in a thick soup, where managing long noodles could make things very messy. For hearty broths, look for a short noodle that will fit on your spoon. 

The best noodles for soup

Rice noodles 

rice noodles for soup

Fast-cooking rice noodles are generally made from rice flour and water and are a favorite in soups, salads and stir-fries. Unlike wheat noodles, which get their chewiness from gluten proteins, rice noodles owe their deliciously chewy texture to a naturally occurring substance called amylose. Their thickness can range from skinny vermicelli to thicker, wider varieties, but all rice noodles have a delicate flavor and texture that’s ideal for soaking up flavorful sauces and broths.

Ramen noodles 

ramen soup
Winter Chicken Ramen
with Choy Sum, Soft-Boiled Eggs & Miso Broth

Wonderfully springy and delicious, fresh ramen noodles are a true delight. First brought to Japan by Chinese traders in the 19th Century, ramen has since become a national staple, with a seemingly endless variety of ramen dishes and ramen restaurants peppering the nation. This irresistibly customizable dish can contain a range of fillings, however it’s hard to argue that the true star of a good ramen is undeniably its noodles. Our fresh ramen noodles are made by Sun Noodle, with little more than flour, water and salt, and need just a quick bath in boiling water to achieve perfectly chewy texture and hearty flavor.

Ditalini 

Minestrone with ditalini

Ditalini, literally translated to “little fingers,” is a small, tubular pasta commonly found in Italian and Sicilian cuisines. Because of its small size (you can fit a few into a spoon), this pasta is perfect for soups.

Orzo 

Although it resembles a grain like rice or barley (and indeed, its name comes from the Italian for “barley”), delicious orzo is actually a short pasta. Particularly popular in soups, pasta salads or pilafs, orzo is a favorite in Greek and Italian cuisines alike. Orzo noodles soak up a lot of broth, so they can be a great way to thicken soup

Egg noodles 

egg noodles for soup

Generally thought to have originated in China (although Arabic and Italian cuisines have laid claim to them, as well), egg noodles are made from flour, egg, and water. The addition of egg to the dough makes the noodles chewier and shinier than regular pasta. Often ribbon-shaped, egg noodles eagerly absorb liquids, so they work well in sauces, casseroles, and soups.

Acini de pepe

acini de pepe

These tiny beads of pasta are a perfect way to bulk up meals like Italian wedding soup. They’re even smaller than orzo, and will absorb slightly less broth. 

Looking to take your noodle soup to the next level? Learn how to make your own broth from leftover kitchen scraps.

Diced Sweet Potatoes: Tips & Recipes

Cut down prep time in the kitchen by finessing your knife skills. Once you’ve mastered chopping onionsgarlic, and carrots, it’s time to learn how to dice a sweet potato.

Chopping sweet potatoes can be tricky. First of all: sweet potatoes are quite hard when raw, and it can take a little force to get a knife through them. This means you should be extra careful to keep your fingers out of the way.

The second obstacle is that sweet potatoes are rounded. When they’re whole, they have a tendency to roll around on the cutting board. When dicing a sweet potato, the first step is to create a flat surface to work with. To do this, first use a Chef’s knife to remove the pointed ends. You can use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin if you choose, but they’re completely edible. Once the ends are gone, lay the sweet potato on the counter and cut into long planks. Once you’ve created planks, lie them flat on a cutting board. Cut each of these new planks into one inch wide sticks, the shape of a large sweet potato fry. To finish off the dice, align sticks so that you can chop several at once and work the knife through to form a rough dice.

Video: how to medium dice a sweet potato quickly

Not that you know how to dice a sweet potato, try some of our favorite recipes.

Recipes with diced sweet potato

Hot Honey Chicken with Curried Sweet Potato Salad

To accompany our irresistibly spicy-sweet chicken, we’re whipping up a bold side of sweet potatoes tossed with vibrant yellow curry paste and currants.

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chili with Avocado & Cotija Cheese

The combo of sweet potatoes, carrots, and black beans add plenty of hearty, creamy texture to this vegetarian chili—which gets its spicy, smoky flavor from fiery chipotle paste.

Hot Honey Brussels Sprout & Sweet Potato Grain Bowls with Pickled Shallot & Walnuts

A vegetarian grain bowls with a base of hearty barley is served with a bevy of toppings: roasted sweet potato and brussels sprouts (finished with hot honey), tender kale, pickled shallot, crunchy walnuts, and a dollop of creamy yogurt to bring it all together.

Hungry for more? Find recipes like these in the Blue Apron cookbook.

Homemade Chex Mix Recipe

This homemade Chex mix recipe was contributed by Jules Esposito. Jules Esposito is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America. Event planner by day and freelance food writer by night, cooking is always on her mind. 

Think about what makes the perfect bite. To me, it’s all about a variety of textures. Consider the fried chicken sandwich. There’s a reason they’re currently all the rage at fast food restaurants. The crispy chicken, smooth sauce, crunchy pickle chips, and fluffy buttered bread come together and create a symphony of texture. A satisfying bite is what makes a meal memorable. I believe the same is true for snack food. When it comes to snacking, one texture is more appealing than all others—the addictively noisy crunch. As a crunch-lover, I can’t think of a more perfect snack food than Chex mix. The cereal-based blend has a variety of textures and the ability to take on almost any flavor profile. It’s the ideal candidate for leisurely snacking. 

When was Chex Mix invented?

Our love affair with Chex mix began back in 1955, when the wife of Ralston Purina brought her homemade party mix to a holiday gathering. Does the name Purina sound familiar? If  you’re thinking of dog food, then you’re on the right track. Before Purina started making puppy chow, he created the human chow we have come to know and love. Not to worry—the businesses have been kept entirely separate, so you won’t find any kibble in the classic blue bag. According to General Mills, Purina created the first version of pre-packaged Chex Mix in 1987. Back then, it was offered in just two flavors—traditional and cheddar. Nine years later the cereal conglomerate purchased Chex mix and expanded to offer the sixteen flavors we know today.

Making DIY Chex mix at home is an easy way to clear out your pantry, feed a crowd, or satisfy any cravings you may be having. I’ve broken down Chex mix snacking into three unique flavor profiles: sweet, savory, and spicy. All of these recipes can be altered or substituted based on what you have in your pantry. Get creative and try them out!

Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe

As a lover of the sweet and salty combo, I know that the balance of sugar and salt can make or break a snack. When you get it just right, it’s pure bliss. This sweet and salty Chex mix recipe is inspired by another nostalgic favorite: Seven-Layer bars. The sweet element comes from coconut flakes, graham cracker crumble, and a drizzle of dark chocolate. Topping with flaky sea salt balances it all out and completes this flavor profile. 

  • 2  Cups sweetened coconut, toasted
  • 5 Cups chocolate Chex
  • 4 Cups corn Chex
  • 1  Cup Rolos, cut in half
  • 1  Cup crushed graham crackers
  • 6 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 1  Cup chocolate chips, melted
  • Flaky sea salt to top
  • Powdered sugar, to top
sweet homemade chex mix

Preheat the oven to 275ºF. Evenly distribute coconut on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Toast the coconut in the oven, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned. About 10 minutes. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine both Chex cereals and the Rolos.

Into a separate small bowl, crush the graham crackers with your hands, keeping some coin-sized chunks.

Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs and stir to combine (this will help it stick to the cereal).

After the toasted coconut has cooled, combine the coconut and graham cracker crumbles with the Chex and Rolo mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a fork or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the Chex mix. Add sea salt if desired.

Place the tray in the fridge to set. Once the chocolate has hardened, break apart the chunks, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy!

Savory Seasoned Chex Mix

For a savory chex mix, I wanted to create something that wasn’t just salty. This everything bagel-inspired Chex mix recipe is full of deep, savory flavor from Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and copious amounts of everything bagel seasoning. Add bagel chips and pretzels, and you’ll end up with a snack that has just as many flavors as textures. 

  • 6 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • ¼ Cup everything bagel seasoning
  • 3 Cups rice Chex
  • 3 Cups corn Chex
  • 2 Cups wheat Chex
  • 1 ½  Cups crushed pretzels
  • 1 ½ Cups everything bagel chips
  • 1 Cup potato chips

Preheat the oven to 250ºF.

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and everything bagel seasoning.

Measure and combine all Chex cereals in a large bowl. Lightly crush pretzels and both chip varieties so they are bite-sized (roughly the size of the Chex) and add to the bowl.

Pour the butter mixture over the cereal and combine. Distribute the mix evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with more everything seasoning, if desired.

Bake at 250ºF for 15 minute intervals, tossing occasionally, until lightly toasted. Let cool and enjoy! 

Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix Recipe

In any crowd, there is always someone who loves heat. How spicy? Well, now that’s the question! This recipe can be adjusted to satisfy everyone—from fans of mild spice to wicked-hot wing lovers. Simply add more buffalo sauce or ranch seasoning to tailor it to your needs, bake, and enjoy!

  • 5 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 3 Tbsp. Buffalo ranch seasoning (or more if desired)
  • ¼ Cup Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce (or more if desired)
  • 3 Cups rice Chex
  • 3 Cups corn Chex
  • 2 Cups wheat Chex
  • 1 ½  Cups Cheez-Its
  • 1 ½ Cups pretzels, lightly crushed
  • 1 ½  Cups bagel chips, lightly crushed

Preheat the oven to 250ºF.

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Buffalo ranch seasoning, and Buffalo sauce. Stir to combine.

Measure and combine all Chex cereals in a large bowl. Lightly crush Cheez-Its, pretzels, and bagel chips with hands so they are bite-sized and add to mix.

Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and combine well. Distribute evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with additional Buffalo Ranch seasoning if desired.

Bake at 250ºF for 15 minute intervals, tossing occasionally, until lightly toasted. Let cool and enjoy! 

Still feeling snacky? Try these homemade jalapeño poppers, it’s hard not to love them. 

An Extra Juicy Leftover Turkey Sandwich

leftover turkey sandwich

Leftover turkey sandwich Friday is as much of a tradition as Thanksgiving itself. We love thick slices of turkey slathered with cranberry sauce and gravy in between two slices of hearty bread. If you’re feeling wild, toss a little stuffing in there too. We’re not here to knock the classic approach, but if you look forward to leftovers as much as we do, you might love this alternative take on a leftover turkey sandwich. 

The spirit here remains the same—it’s all about mixing together and piling up leftovers. Here, we’re transforming the experience into a warm and gooey sandwich reminiscent of a sloppy joe

making a leftover turkey sandwich

To do this, we’re taking our turkey and shredding it. Use two forks to pull a few slices of turkey apart into thick strands, as shown above. Once you have a sizable pile (however much you’d like to eat), add it to a medium-sized sauce pot with a few spoonfuls of gravy. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn, until the gravy has melted into a saucy texture and the turkey is warmed through. 

Even the simplest version of this sandwich will be delicious. For a quick and easy preparation serve your turkey and gravy mixture over a single slice of toast. Eat it as an open-faced sandwich, or grab a knife and fork.

If you’re craving a little more decadence, go all out and load your sandwich up with fixings. We created an over-the-top breakfast sandwich with pulled turkey and gravy, bacon, cranberry sauce, lettuce, and a fried egg. For a little textural contrast, we recommend serving on buttery Texas toast.

Try this technique to give your leftovers new life on Friday. This might become your new favorite way to create a turkey delicious breakfast or hearty lunch. Once you’ve finished your sandwich, check out some of our favorite ways to enjoy leftover mashed potatoes, greens, and pie.