This homemade Chex mix is a classic snack with salty, savory and crunchy flavors and textures. Also called nuts and bolts snack mix, it’s easy to make at home and irresistible!
Best Homemade Chex Mix Recipe
I make this homemade Chex mix recipe anytime I’m craving something salty, savory, and crunchy, and lucky for me, it’s so easy to make at home! It’s made with Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts, coated in a salty and savory mixture then baked until crispy.
This classic American snack is one my kids ask for all the time. It makes a big batch which is great because it’s so addicting! I’ve made it in both the oven and slow cooker but I do tend to use the oven when I want that extra bit of original Chex mix crunch.
Ingredient Notes
- Chex cereal: While you can use any variety of Chex, I like to stick with the originals rice Chex, corn Chex and whole wheat Chex.
- Mini pretzels: I prefer mini twist pretzels but you can also use pretzel sticks.
- Mixed nuts: I like to use mixed salted nuts, but you can choose almonds, peanuts, cashews or pecans or even omit them.
- Salted butter: I prefer salted butter as it makes this Chex mix salty and so good!
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds what we call ‘umami’ flavor, it’s savory and makes this snack mix irresistible.
- Seasoned salt: Lawry’s adds the classic flavor that this mix is known for!
- Other seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder both add more layers of bold savory flavor.
How to Make Homemade Chex Mix
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. We need low heat so the cereal and nuts don’t burn.
- Combine: Mix the Chex, pretzels, and nuts in a large bowl and set aside.
- Melt: Melt butter in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl then add the Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Mix to combine.
- Toss: Pour half of the butter mixture over the Chex mix and stir. Then drizzle the remaining butter topping over top and give it another stir making sure everything is combined.
- Pour: Transfer the entire mix to a jelly roll pan by dumping it out and spreading it into an even layer.
- Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool before enjoying.
Helpful Tips
- For easier cleanup, line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper or foil paper.
- To make this in the slow cooker dump all of the ingredients into the crockpot and set it for 3 hours on low. Stir every hour.
- The original Chex mix recipe is my favorite but there are many ways to jazz it up or switch it up for a change!
- Fun holiday variations to try include Chex mix for Halloween or Christmas Chex mix.
- Store homemade chex mix in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Variations
- Goldfish crackers: Adds sharp cheesy flavor! This is not found in store-bought bagged Chex mix but I love how i tadds texture, color and flavor.
- Other cereal: Crispix or Cheerios each add their own unique shape to the mix.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, bold flavor.
- Bagel chips: I prefer garlic bagel chips as the flavors pair well with the homemade mix.
- Chips: If you love salt, regular potato chips or corn chips are an addition that is a no-brainer.
FAQs
Yes, but you may need to do it in batches if you don’t have a glass bowl large enough. Place your seasoned mix in the microwave and microwave uncovered 5-6 minutes, stopping and stirring every 2 minutes. Spread out on parchment paper to cool.
If you added too much butter or Worcestershire sauce this could be the reason, but the mostly likely reason is that you poured too much of the butter seasoning mixture over just one portion of the mix. You can try to bake it a little longer in hopes that it will dry out.
Sure! You can use your preferred variety of Chex cereal, a combination or try a totally different cereal as well.
More Homemade Snack Mixes
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Homemade Chex Mix
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex , or corn chex
- 3 cups whole wheat Chex
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1-2 cups mixed nuts
Topping
- ½ cup salted butter , 1 stick
- 3-4 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt , such as Lawry's
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the 4 cups Rice Chex, 3 cups wheat chex, 2 cups mini pretzels and 1-2 cups mixed nuts in a large bowl.
- Melt 1/2 cup salted butter in a medium size bowl. Then mix in the 3-4 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
- Pour half of the sauce over the Chex and stir. Then drizzle the remainder of the butter topping over top and stir until well combined.
- Bake. Dump the Chex onto a jelly roll pan and then bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Appetizers, Kid-Friendly, Snacks, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
We make this quite a bit! My kids love snacking on it & so do I! It’s great for game days, traveling, and pretty much all day!
Totally agree! So glad your kids love it, Kristyn! :)
This was amazing! We loved it and can’t wait to make it again.
I’m so happy to hear that, Eden!