Forget Rice Krispies — Make Marshmallow Treats With This Spicy Swap
Traditional Rice Krispies treats are great, but if you're craving something a little more jazzed-up (and fiery), swap out the cereal for spicy chips. Think Flamin' Hot Cheetos (the greatest Cheetos of them all), Spicy Nacho Doritos, jalapeño kettle chips — whatever your go-to is when you want a crunchy snack that brings the heat. If spicy snacks are up your alley, this one's for you. This is a painfully easy snack to create.
To make them, crush your chips slightly so they hold together but don't turn to powder. Then, melt butter and marshmallows just like you would for the original recipe. Once smooth and glossy, stir in your crushed chips until coated, press the mixture into a greased pan, and let it cool before slicing into bars. That's it — no baking, no chill time, and no need to turn on the oven. The heat of the chips gets mellowed out by the marshmallow's sweetness, creating a surprisingly balanced, familiar flavor.
This is the kind of snack that gets people talking — part nostalgia, part novelty. Whether you're making a treat for your spicy snack-obsessed kid or bringing something unexpected to a party, these bars are just as tasty as the original — if not more so.
Choose your chip and customize the flavor
The beauty of spicy chip marshmallow bars is how versatile they are. Hot Cheetos have a cult-like following, so they're a solid go-to — their puffed texture mimics cereal, and their bold, vinegary heat pairs well with marshmallow. But they're just the beginning. Spicy Doritos bring a cheesy kick that makes each bite feel richer. Kettle chips add a more intense crunch, while zesty lime or jalapeño varieties offer flavor combos (check out the most popular flavors of kettle chips here) that verge on gourmet. You can even mix chip types for a layered flavor effect — spicy and smoky, sharp and sweet, or tangy and creamy if you're working with a cheese-dusted option.
If you're more of a savory-sweet fan, a hot honey glaze on top of the bars gives a sticky finish that plays beautifully with the marshmallow base. And for those who live for heat, a pinch of cayenne or chili powder stirred into the melted marshmallow base can take things up a notch.
No matter what chips you choose, these treats are the kind of low-effort, high-impact dessert that delivers big on fun and flavor. Just don't expect leftovers. Once people taste what you've made, that tray's getting cleaned out.