Aged Cheddar-Bacon Snack Mix

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Place greased wire racks on two aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheets.
2. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on racks, taking care not to overlap. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until just crisp, turning once.
3. Brush bacon with maple syrup. Sprinkle with chipotle chili pepper if desired. Bake for 3-5 minutes longer or until crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack. Chop bacon into 1/4-inch pieces. Set aside.
4. Reduce oven temperature to 250°F.
5. Combine the cereal, pretzels, pecans and cheddar in a large bowl. Whisk the butter, hot sauce and salt in a small bowl. Pour over cereal mixture; toss until coated.
6. Spread out cereal mixture in a single layer on two parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Stir in reserved bacon. Cool completely.