Chex mix is a classic snack that is loved by people of all ages. It is made with a variety of crunchy cereals, pretzels, and nuts, and it is tossed in a flavorful coating. Homemade Chex mix is easy to make and it is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.
Making the Ultimate Homemade Chex Mix Recipe
Football season is here and this year is my son's first year playing college football. Many of his games are hours and hours away. We are going to need some game time snacks as we gather around the TV to watch and cheer him on.
Few treats can rival a bowl of freshly made Chex Mix. Bursting with a blend of savory, crunchy, and utterly addictive flavors, this classic snack has been a favorite for generations.
Ingredients
While this recipe will have more than five ingredients, I've divided it into two different sections. My youngest kids aren't really fans of the flavored version, so I half the recipe and put the cereals, pretzels and chips into one bowl for them. In another bowl I put the other half of the cereal mix but add the flavoring mix to it.
For the cereal mix you will need:
- Rice chex
- Corn chex
- Pretzels
- Bagel chips
- Nuts (optional)
For the flavoring you will need:
- Butter
- Worcestershire sauce
- Seasoned salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Directions
It's now time to make your homemade Chex mix!
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, pretzels, and bagel chips. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
Stir in the seasonings
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder into the melted butter. Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and gently toss to ensure an even coating.
Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting. Allow the Chex Mix to cool before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Customizing your Chex mix
Making Chex Mix at home gives you the freedom to customize it according to your preferences. You could experiment with different seasoning blends, adding dried herbs for an extra layer of flavor, or use different nuts for a personal touch.
- Chex mix with cheese: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the cereal mixture before baking.
- Chex mix with bacon: Add ½ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon to the cereal mixture before baking
- Chex mix with hot sauce: Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the melted butter mixture before pouring it over the cereal mixture
- Chex mix with candy: Add ½ cup of M&Ms, chocolate chips, or other candy to the cereal mixture before baking.
Tips for Making Homemade Chex Mix
- For a chewier Chex mix, use stale cereal.
- To add more flavor, you can add different spices, such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili powder.
- Store homemade mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
While baking is the traditional method, you can also prepare Chex Mix in a microwave. Simply coat the mixture in the butter and seasoning, microwave in 5-minute intervals, stirring in between until crisp.
When stored in an airtight container, homemade Chex Mix can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure it has cooled completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Yes, you can freeze Chex mix for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Yes, you can make Chex mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Is there a sweet version of Chex Mix?
There is a sweet version of Chex mix. It's typically called Chex Muddy Buddies. It contains a nut butter, chocolate, powdered sugar and Chex cereal.
Making Homemade Chex Mix for Dietary Needs
Here are some tips for making Chex mix if you have dietary needs or preferences:
Vegan
To make vegan chex mix, you'll want to use a vegan worcestershire sauce. You will also want to use dairy free butter.
Gluten free
Chex mix is super simple to make gluten free. Use rice and corn Chex, along with gluten free bagel chips and gluten free pretzels. You will also want to make sure that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten free too.
Nut Free
If you need to make this recipe nut free, just leave the nuts out! Add ½ cup more rice Chex cereal and ½ cup more corn Chex cereal.
Whether you're enjoying your homemade Chex mix as a movie night treat, sharing it with friends or nervously munching on it while watching your favorite player play (#45!) Chex Mix is bound to become a cherished favorite in your snacking lineup.
Homemade Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cereal Mixture
- 4 cups corn Chex
- 4 cups rice Chex
- 1 cup mixed nuts optional
- 2 cups pretzels can substitute gluten free pretzels
- 2 cups bagel chips can substitute gluten free bagel chips
For the Seasoning Mixture
- 1 cup butter melted
- 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- If you haven't already, melt the butter. To the butter mixture add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder into the melted butter. Stir until combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your carbs! Combine the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, pretzels, and bagel chips.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and gently toss until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Pour the cereal mixture onto the baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting. Allow the Chex Mix to cool before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Leave a Reply