Homemade Chex Mix Recipe

Looking for the ultimate snack to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this Homemade Chex Mix Recipe! This classic treat is perfect for game days, movie nights, or just when you need a little something to munch on. It’s a delightful mix of crunchy cereals, pretzels, and nuts, all perfectly seasoned to create a symphony of flavors. The best part? You can customize it to make it your own. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why Cooks Rave About It

Homemade Chex Mix is beloved for its versatility and simplicity. You can whip it up in no time, making it ideal for spontaneous gatherings or planned events. The combination of textures—crunchy, savory, and just a hint of sweetness—means there’s something for everyone. Plus, the aroma of the mix baking in the oven is irresistible, drawing everyone to the kitchen. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Ingredient List

To make this delectable Homemade Chex Mix, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups Corn Chex
• 4 cups Wheat Chex
• 3 cups Rice Chex
• 2 cups Cheerios
• 3 cups skinny bite-sized pretzels
• 1 cup salted nuts (your choice: peanuts, almonds, or cashews)
• 10 tablespoons (1 stick + 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 heaping teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen gear on hand:

• Large mixing bowl: For combining all your ingredients.
• Spatula: For mixing and folding the Chex Mix ingredients.
• Baking sheet: To spread the mix evenly for roasting.
• Parchment paper: Optional, for easy cleanup.
• Oven: Preheated to 250°F for the perfect baking temperature.

Homemade Chex Mix Recipe: How It’s Done

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this amazing snack.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will allow the Chex Mix to bake slowly, ensuring it gets crispy without burning.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Rice Chex, Cheerios, skinny bite-sized pretzels, and salted nuts. Stir gently to mix the cereals and pretzels evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoning Mixture

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. This mixture is what brings all the flavors to life!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the seasoning mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently toss everything together until all the pieces are evenly coated. This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Spread on a Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired. Spread the Chex Mix mixture evenly across the sheet, ensuring it’s in a single layer for even baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This will help to ensure that every piece gets that glorious crispy texture.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the Chex Mix from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This will help it to crisp up even more. After cooling, transfer it to an airtight container or serve it in a bowl for snacking!

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

If you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry! You can easily modify this Homemade Chex Mix Recipe:

• Use dairy-free butter or margarine instead of unsalted butter.
• Choose gluten-free Chex cereals and pretzels to make the mix gluten-free.
• Opt for a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, as some brands may contain gluten.

Avoid These Traps

While making your Homemade Chex Mix, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:

• Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the mix; it can quickly go from perfectly crispy to burnt.
• Be careful not to skip stirring. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain soggy.
• When adding seasonings, taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out if you add too much!

Storing Tips & Timelines

Once you’ve made your delicious Homemade Chex Mix, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
• To refresh stale mix, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F for about 10 minutes.

Reader Q&A

Can I add other ingredients to the mix?

Absolutely! Chex Mix is incredibly versatile. You can add things like popcorn, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just keep the proportions balanced to maintain that signature crunch.

Can I make this Chex Mix spicy?

Yes! If you love a kick, consider adding some cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or your favorite spicy seasoning to the butter mixture. Adjust according to your spice preference.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

No problem! You can substitute it with soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of vinegar for a similar flavor profile.

Can I make Chex Mix in the microwave?

While it’s best baked in the oven for that perfect crunch, you can microwave it in intervals. Spread the mix in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes at a time, stirring in between, until crispy.

Quick Weeknight Wins

Looking for more quick and easy snack ideas? Check these out:

• Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken
• Vegan Banana Bread
• Blueberry Bread

Let’s Eat

This Homemade Chex Mix Recipe is sure to become a staple in your snacking repertoire. Its crunchy texture, savory flavor, and customizable options make it a favorite for all occasions. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, this mix is perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness that you made yourself!

Homemade Chex Mix Recipe

This Homemade Chex Mix is the ultimate snack! Crunchy, savory, and oh-so-customizable, it's perfect for any gathering!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups Corn Chex
• 4 cups Wheat Chex
• 3 cups Rice Chex
• 2 cups Cheerios
• 3 cups skinny bite-sized pretzels
• 1 cup salted nuts (your choice: peanuts, almonds, or cashews)
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 heaping teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Rice Chex, Cheerios, skinny bite-sized pretzels, and salted nuts. Stir gently to mix.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
4. Pour the seasoning mixture over the dry ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly in a single layer.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
7. Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
• To refresh stale mix, bake at 250°F for about 10 minutes.