Chef Andrew Zimmern is an award-winning TV host and must-follow on Instagram, not only for his entertaining anecdotes and helpful tips but also because he shares the most mouthwatering dishes he whips up in the kitchen. From tasty casseroles to a tutorial on how to perfectly fry a fish, the New Yorker-turned-Minnesotan keeps his foodie followers wanting more. Recently, the chef introduced an unexpected—some may say unhinged—twist on a classic cereal treat we all know and love.
Whether it’s your grandma’s famous recipe or the packaged ones you buy at the store, cereal treats like Rice Krispies Treats are the perfect sweet snack to enjoy any time of the day. But in a bold move, Zimmern created his own version—no Rice Krispies included—that’s both sweet and salty to satisfy multiple cravings in one bite. Though one savory ingredient in particular has us (and his fans) scratching our collective heads.
How To Make Andrew Zimmern’s ‘Savory Snack Heaven’ Treat
Coined his “Savory Snack Heaven,” Zimmern’s gooey treats are packed with crunchy, savory add-ins. If you’re keen to try for yourself, the recipe includes 3 cups of Cheez-It’s Extra Toasty crackers, 2 cups of Ritz Bitz Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, and 1 cup of French’s Crispy Fried Onions. On par with a regular cereal treat, the snack also includes butter and a bag of Jet-Puffed Marshmallows melted and mixed all together.
Once everything is combined in a bowl, all you do is lay the combination into a baking dish, let it cool, slice, and enjoy.
Now, if you’re stuck on the fried onions of it all, you’re not alone.
Fans Are Divided On Zimmern’s Marshmallow Treats With Fried Onions
While Chef AZ calls this the “snack of your dreams,” the comment section is divided on whether or not his unusual pairing is a hit or a miss. One person exclaims, “Why did you have to do this to me, this is my sweet and salty dream.” Another follower writes, “Looks insane, chef! I have to try it,” and someone else adds, “This is diabolical, AZ. I’m on my way to the store.” The Midwestern take on the treat is also called out, “What in the Minnesota?!”
But above all, there are questions about the choice of ingredients. Top Chef alum Joe Sasto echoes our question: “Wait—fried onions and marshmallows?” Though when someone stated, “Onions and marshmallows is throwing me,” Zimmern assured us all with a “Trust me” reply.
We guess we’ll have to take his word for it—this is the “Bizarre Foods” host we’re talking about, after all.
It’s up in the air whether or not this version will replace adventurous cooks’ go-to cereal treat recipes, but it’s definitely a compelling spin on a classic favorite. So if you’re ready to branch out from the savory s’mores that popped off last year, this might not be a bad option when you’re in the mood for a sweet and salty snacking delight.
Dining and Cooking