1-First Step: Prep and mise en place Gather all ingredients and measure them out. Break down the 9 cups of mixed cereal into equal parts of corn, rice, and wheat so the texture is even. Set the pretzels, oat cereal, and peanuts nearby so you can add them quickly to the slow cooker.

2-Second Step: Combine dry mix in the slow cooker Add cereal, pretzels, oat cereal, and peanuts to the slow cooker bowl. Give it a gentle shake so the components settle evenly. This gives the butter sauce a uniform surface to coat.

3-Third Step: Make the seasoned butter sauce In a separate bowl, whisk melted and hot butter with the seasoned salt until the salt dissolves. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce. If you like a savory garlic hit, add the 1 teaspoon garlic powder now. The sauce should be warm so it pours easily over the cereal mix.

4-Fourth Step: Coat the cereal Drizzle the sauce evenly over the cereal mixture and toss gently for about one minute until combined. Use a rubber spatula to stir gently to avoid breaking cereal pieces. The goal is even coating without crushing the cereal.

5-Fifth Step: Slow cook on low Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Stir at the 1 hour, 2 hour, and 2.5 hour marks to prevent burning. If your slow cooker runs hot, try stirring a little more often to keep everything cooking evenly. The slow, gentle heat toasts the cereal and infuses the flavor without scorching.

6-Sixth Step: Cool for crispiness After cooking, spread the mixture evenly on baking sheets or parchment paper to cool to room temperature before serving or storing. Cooling is a must: it allows steam to escape and locks in that satisfying crunch.

7-Final Step: Serve or store Once the mix is cool, break up any clumps, place in airtight containers, and enjoy. This recipe stores well and makes a great homemade gift when packed in pretty jars.