This seems like a no-duh question, right? If you have cereal- wouldn’t you just eat it?!

You definitely could. But sometimes I buy cereal for a particular recipe, and it’s a cereal I don’t necessarily buy regularly. While the easiest thing to do is just eat it in a bowl with milk, sometimes it’s more fun to be creative!

Here are some things you can do with that half empty box of cereal sitting in your pantry:

• Make a delicious chicken coating. Cornflakes are surprisingly good as a chicken coating! Crush them up and use them as you would breadcrumbs. The flavor and texture is so good! (This would also be tasty as a Mac n’ Cheese topper!)
• Rice Krispie treats. This seems obvious if you have a box of Rice Krispies sitting on the shelf, but this marshmallowy treat is so great with a variety of cereals! Cornflakes are extra crunchy (which I personally love!) but one of my very favorites is using Fruity Pebbles. Marshmallowy, crunchy, AND fruity- it’s addictive to say the least!
  
  
• Muddy Buddies. If you have some extra Chex lying around, do yourself a favor and make this classic treat. And there are SO many variations of “puppy chow” out there- don’t feel like you have to be limited to chocolate and peanut butter!
• Sprinkle on top of yogurt. One of my favorite breakfasts is Greek yogurt with almonds and granola. But you can get that same crunch effect with cereal! Cocoa pebbles would be delicious on vanilla!
• Throw them into cookies! Cookies are a great catch-all. So many cereals would make great add-ins! And it could be fun to experiment with different kinds to see which is your family’s favorite! Captain Crunch, Lucky Charms- the sky’s the limit!
• Add it to oatmeal. If you have kids with texture issues and hate mushy oatmeal, cereal can help add some crunch!
• Add to chocolate (or peanut butter) dipped bananas. Smother a banana with peanut butter or chocolate, and roll it in cereal for a delicious and healthier snack! The peanut butter would add some protein, but either way at least you’re getting a serving of fruit!
• Create a snack mix. I love snack mixes. You can cater it to whatever party and whatever tastes you’re craving. Cereal is a great mix-in! It’s crunchy, and so adaptable. You can keep it plain for a more bland flavor to off-set stronger ones, or you can coat it in caramel or chocolate or seasonings or whatever to take the flavor up a notch!
• Add to ice cream! Cornflakes would go particularly great with fried ice cream, but any cereal would be a tasty crunchy topper for your favorite bowl of ice cream! If you have an ice cream maker, you could even make your own flavor! Strawberry ice cream with Trix, banana ice cream with Honey Nut Cheerios, Vanilla ice cream with Cinnamon Toast Crunch- being creative is half the fun!
• Make popsicles. Make a creamy base with milk, cream, ice cream, pudding- whatever your favorite popsicle recipe is. Toss in some cereal and voila! You’ve got a unique and delicious popsicle flavor!
• Homemade yogurt bark. Spread some yogurt on a sheet, and sprinkle with cereal (Fruit Loops, Reese’s Puffs, Captain Crunch). Let it harden in the freezer, then break apart for a delicious, protein-packed snack!

How do you like to use up cereal? Share with us in the comments below!