Homemade Chex Mix is perfect for game nights, holidays, or just a cozy movie night! This recipe is quick to prepare and offers a scrumptious mix of savory and salty flavors and textures that everyone can enjoy!
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I know you can grab bags of store-bought Chex Mix, but it just isn’t as good as a batch of the homemade kind!
Whether you’re preparing it for a big game, a family movie night, or just as a tasty snack to have on hand, its appeal is universal. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute party prep or a simple family snack!
The original Chex Mix recipe dates back to 1952, when it was concocted as a party snack with a blend of Chex cereals and a variety of add-ins. This quintessential American snack gained popularity through a clever marketing campaign by General Mills during the holiday season and has evolved with countless variations over the years, incorporating different cereals, spices, and add-ins. It’s a staple at many gatherings and a beloved snack mix for any occasion.
For more yummy Chex mix recipes, check out my Halloween Chex Mix Muddy Buddies, Cupid Crunch Valentine Chex Mix, Christmas Puppy Chow, and Puppy Chow (aka Chex Mix Muddy Buddies) which you can use for making Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies Cookies!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Whether you need a gluten-free snack, are watching sodium intake, or prefer extra spice, this recipe can be modified to suit any preference, making it an inclusive option for any gathering.
- It’s often the first dish to disappear at parties, and making it yourself allows you to add a personal touch that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
- It’s a fantastic way to involve kids in the kitchen, teaching them about measuring, mixing, and baking—all safe and enjoyable tasks.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Rice Chex – Provides a light and crispy texture that absorbs flavors well.
- Honey-Nut Chex – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Corn Chex – Offers a slightly different crunch and flavor, adding depth to the mix.
- Bite-Size Pretzels – Contribute a salty touch and extra crunch, making the snack more satisfying. Mini pretzel sticks would also work well. Easily make your Chex Mix gluten-free by substituting regular pretzels with gluten-free options.
- Mixed Nuts – Include a variety of nuts for a hearty texture and a boost of protein. Omit the mixed nuts and add extra cereal or pretzels if allergies are a concern.
- Cheez-Its – Bring in a cheesy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Any bite-sized cheese crackers will do – even Goldfish crackers for the kids.
- Salted Butter – Acts as the binding agent for the spices and helps the seasoning stick to the cereals and snacks. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use unsalted butter instead of salted. For a dairy-free version, replace regular butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Garlic Salt – Provides a robust flavor that enhances the overall taste of the Chex Mix.
How to Make Chex Party Mix Recipe
- Prep. Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This preparation helps ensure that your Chex Mix cooks evenly and turns out crispy.
- Mix cereals, crackers, nuts, and pretzels. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Honey-Nut Chex, Corn Chex, bite-size pretzels, mixed nuts, and Cheez-Its. This combination of textures and flavors is what makes Chex Mix so delightful. Ensuring that everything is well-distributed before adding the wet ingredients is key to getting an even coating on each piece.
- Make the garlic butter. Microwave butter in a microwave-safe bowl to melt it. Stir the garlic salt into the melted butter to combine.
- Combine cereals and butter. Slowly pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients, stirring as you go to coat the cereal mixture evenly. The melted butter not only helps the seasoning adhere to the mix but also adds richness and depth to the flavor.
- Bake, cool, and serve. Transfer the mixture to your lined baking sheet, spreading it out into a single layer. If your mixture doesn’t fit, you might need to cook it in batches. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Once toasty and baked, allow the Chex Mix to cool on the baking sheet. This step is crucial as it helps the mix crisp up further. Once cooled, transfer it to a large bowl for serving, or store it for later enjoyment.
Recipe FAQ’s
If you want more Chex mix than what comes in a bag of premade Chex mix, then making your own will be cheaper. It may seem more expensive at first because you have to purchase full size bags of pretzels and cereal and such, but after the first batch and you have all of the ingredients, it will be much cheaper to make your own.
Of course! Add in any Chex cereals you’d like, simply keep the amount of Chex cereal the same, 6 cups total of cereal.
Absolutely! While traditional Chex Mix is savory, leaving out the garlic salt and adding chocolate chips, M&M’s, or a drizzle of caramel can turn it into a sweet treat. Just add these after baking so they don’t melt during the cooking process.
The mixture should be lightly toasted, you’ll know when they are done when they start to golden and smelling fragrant.
Yes, to make a gluten-free Chex Mix, use only gluten-free cereals and pretzels and ensure all other add-ins and seasonings are gluten-free.
Yes, you can easily omit the nuts and add more of the other ingredients like extra cereal or pretzels to compensate for the bulk.
Chex mix is best fresh or the same day it is made, however, when stored properly in an airtight container, homemade Chex Mix can last up to a week at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- To get an even distribution of flavors, mix the seasonings with the melted butter thoroughly before combining it with the dry ingredients. This step ensures that every piece of cereal and every pretzel is well-coated, providing consistent flavor throughout the snack.
- If you’re making a large quantity of Chex Mix, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Instead, bake in batches. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, ensuring they all crisp up nicely. Overcrowding can lead to uneven baking and soggy pieces.
- Stir the mix thoroughly at least once while it’s in the oven. This not only helps prevent any pieces from burning but also promotes even baking and flavor distribution. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final product.
Seasoning Adjustments
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
If you prefer a spicier mix, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or increase the garlic salt.
If you’re preparing this for kids or guests with milder palates, you might opt for less seasoning.
Tailoring the recipe to your audience can make all the difference.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use gluten-free pretzels and cereals to make your Chex Mix safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Opt for unsalted nuts and low-sodium pretzels, and replace garlic salt with garlic powder to reduce the overall sodium content.
- Explore using different seasonings such as onion powder or a couple tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
- Add a sprinkle of chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter mixture for an extra kick.
- Consider other savory add ins, such as mini breadsticks, sesame sticks, and rye chips.
- To make the mix nut-free, simply leave out the mixed nuts and add more of your favorite cereals or pretzels to maintain the bulk of the mix.
- If you love cheesy flavors, mix in some powdered cheese (similar to what’s found on cheese-flavored popcorn) for an extra cheesy taste.
Homemade Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice Chex
- 2 cups Honey-Nut Chex
- 2 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups bite-size pretzels
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1 cup Cheez-Its
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F and line your cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix all of the Chex cereal, pretzels, nuts, and Cheeze-Its in a large bowl.2 cups Rice Chex, 2 cups Honey-Nut Chex, 2 cups Corn Chex, 2 cups bite-size pretzels, 1 cup mixed nuts, 1 cup Cheez-Its
- Melt butter. Mix the garlic salt with the melted butter and slowly pour over the cereal mixture, stirring to incorporate the butter mixture into the cereal mixture.½ cup salted butter,, 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- Add the whole mixture to your lined baking sheet in one layer and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Repeat step 4 if the Chex mix mixture doesn’t fit in one layer on your parchment paper.
- Allow to cool, then add to a bowl to serve!
Notes
- Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutrition
More Favorite Snack Mix Recipes
- Halloween Monster Mix
- Twix Caramel Popcorn
- Easy Marshmallow Popcorn Balls
- Lucky Charms Snack Mix
- Easy S’mores Popcorn Balls
5 stars. * seasoned salt would give more flavor along with Worchestershire sauce mixed into butter.