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This crunchy and savory Homemade Chex Mix is the go-to snack for gatherings at my house. Every batch disappears faster than I think possible and I have come to rely on it as the answer to movie nights potlucks and casual parties. The buttery seasoned coating and blend of textures hit all the right notes.
I first tried making Chex Mix for a road trip but it has since become my family’s most requested snack even for holiday gift bags and game day.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps seasoning stick look for fresh high quality butter for best flavor
- Worcestershire sauce: brings classic tangy depth use a good brand for complex taste
- Seasoned salt: balances flavors and provides the signature savory note Choose a blend like Lawrys for consistency
- Garlic powder: infuses gentle heat and aroma opt for a finely ground fresh jar
- Onion powder: amps up the umami and savory notes go for pure onion powder without additives
- Bagel chips: add crunch and heartiness pick a bag with no broken pieces and good flavor
- Rice Chex cereal: keeps things light and crispy choose a fresh box for maximum crunch
- Wheat Chex cereal: gives wholesome texture and fiber check for crisp squares not stale or soft
- Mini pretzel twists: offer salty bite and fun shape find small evenly salted twists
- Roasted salted peanuts: complete the mix with nutty richness use fresh roasted nuts for snap and flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set Up the Oven:
- Divide your oven racks so there is room for two trays to bake evenly Preheat to 250 degrees This low heat is key for slowly drying everything without burning
- Melt and Flavor the Butter:
- Place the butter in a medium microwave safe bowl Melt it in short bursts or use the stovetop Add Worcestershire sauce seasoned salt garlic powder and onion powder Whisk until smooth and aromatic
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- Put the bagel chips in a large bowl and crush them gently with your hands You want appetizing bite sized pieces Add both kinds of Chex cereal mini pretzel twists and peanuts Toss everything together until well mixed
- Coat the Mix:
- Drizzle half the butter mixture over the dry ingredients Toss carefully with big gentle movements to avoid breaking the cereal Drizzle in the rest and toss again until every piece is glistening
- Arrange and Bake:
- Spread the mixture between two lined baking sheets into single even layers Bake in the preheated oven Stir every fifteen minutes so everything bakes evenly and absorbs the flavors Bake for forty five to fifty minutes until golden and crisp
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked let the Chex Mix cool on the trays for about ten minutes before serving This gives it time to crisp up to perfection
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My favorite part of this recipe is always the bagel chips especially the super crispy edge pieces I remember making this with my kids during a winter weekend and trying to pick out all the browned bagel bits before anyone else could get to them
Storage tips
Let Chex Mix cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or resealable bags You can keep it fresh and crunchy at room temperature for up to ten days If you want to prep ahead you can also freeze portions for three months Just leave a little space in the container so pieces stay crispy
Ingredient substitutions
Swap out Wheat Chex for Corn Chex if you need a gluten free option Sunflower seeds or almonds can stand in for the peanuts Rye chips or pita chips work in place of bagel chips If you are out of Worcestershire sauce a splash of soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar comes close
Serving suggestions
Pile Chex Mix into big bowls for game night or package it in small bags for party favors It is also a fantastic addition to lunch boxes or scattered over salads for crunch I love putting it out during holiday gatherings alongside spiced nuts and cookies for a mix and match snack bar
Cultural history
Chex Mix has been a beloved American snack since the 1950s It started as a clever way to use up pantry odds and ends and quickly gained a place at lunch counters and home kitchens The mix has evolved over decades with endless variations but the essence of homemade Chex Mix stays the same salty crunchy irresistible
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, feel free to swap peanuts for cashews, almonds, or mixed nuts based on your preference.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bagel chips and check that your pretzels and cereals are certified gluten-free.
- → How long does this snack stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain crispness.
- → Can I adjust the seasoning level?
Absolutely. Increase or decrease the garlic, onion, or seasoned salt according to your taste.
- → What’s the best way to melt the butter?
Microwave in short bursts or melt gently on the stovetop, stirring until completely smooth.
- → Should I serve it warm or cool?
Let it cool after baking to achieve maximum crunch, but you may enjoy it slightly warm if you prefer.