If you can’t resist the irresistible crunch of classic Chex mix, you’re going to love this bold Chex mix recipe! Each handful is loaded with crunchy bits coated in an ultra-savory seasoning blend. Serve this nostalgic snack at holiday parties, give it as gifts to friends and family, or enjoy it on game nights at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable: Mix and match add-ins and seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Crowd pleaser: It’s perfect for parties and gatherings since both kids and adults love it!
- Great for gifting: Pack it into cute jars or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Easy Bold Chex Mix Recipe
Chex mix has always been a staple at our family gatherings, especially during the holidays. So, I’m finally getting around to sharing my own recipe, and let me be the first to say that it exceeds even my expectations! Not only is this recipe more flavorful than pre-packaged versions, but it couldn’t be easier to customize.
I’ve blended two types of Chex cereal, bagel chips, pretzels, and peanuts, and covered them in a mixture of butter, Worcestershire, seasoned salt, garlic, and onion powder. I guarantee you’ll be hooked from your very first handful.
My favorite part is just how easy it is to make! Melt the butter, mix the spices, toss everything together, and bake it until golden brown. It’s really that simple. Once you try this homemade bold Chex mix recipe, you’ll never want to buy it from the store again!
Ingredients For This Bold Chex Mix Recipe
- Unsalted butter: Helps the seasonings adhere to the mix-ins and adds a rich flavor. I prefer unsalted butter to prevent an overly salty Chex mix, but salted butter will also do the trick. Margarine or vegan butter can be used as a dairy-free option.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives the Chex mix a unique savory flavor. Tamari or soy sauce will also work if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand.
- Seasoned salt: My go-to is Lawry’s, but feel free to use any seasoned salt you prefer. This can be substituted with regular salt and a pinch of paprika and garlic powder.
- Garlic powder: Adds a punch of savory flavor. If you don’t have garlic powder, it can be replaced with garlic salt. However, you’ll need to adjust the overall salt level.
- Onion powder: Brings a subtle savory sweetness and aroma. Onion flakes will work in a pinch, but they don’t adhere as well as onion powder.
- Bagel chips: Arguably the best part of Chex mix, bagel chips provide the perfect crunch. You can also use garlic rye chips, small pieces of Melba toast, or croutons.
- Chex cereal: Forms the foundation of the mix! I prefer Rice Chex and Wheat Chex, but you can use other varieties like Corn Chex or similar cereals like Crispix.
- Mini pretzel twists: Adds a salty twist. Any small-sized pretzel shape works, like pretzel sticks, pretzel bites, waffle-cut pretzels, and extra mini pretzels.
- Peanuts: Make sure they are roasted and salted for the perfect crunch and nutty flavor. You can also substitute them with roasted almonds, pecans, or cashews if you prefer.
How To Make A Bold Chex Mix Recipe
Step 1: Prepare The Seasoning Mixture
Place the stick of butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it until it’s melted. You can also melt it in a saucepan over low heat if you prefer. Once it’s completely melted, combine the butter with the Worcestershire sauce and spices to create the coating for your Chex mix.
Step 2: Combine The Ingredients
Place the bagel chips in a large bowl and lightly crush them with your hands into bite-sized pieces. Add the Rice Chex and Wheat Chex, mini pretzel twists, and peanuts. Gently toss everything together using your hands or a rubber spatula.
Step 3: Add The Butter Mixture
Pour half of the butter mixture over the Chex mixture and gently toss to coat. Pour in the remaining butter mixture and gently toss again. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor!
Step 4: Bake The Mix
Spread the mix out evenly on two rimmed baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake the Chex mix recipe in the oven at 250F until it’s light brown and crispy. Remember to check on the mix and stir it every 15 minutes.
This step is essential to bring out the crunchiness and meld the flavors perfectly. Once it’s done, let your bold Chex mix recipe cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheets before serving!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a hot twist.
- Cheesy: Mix in powdered cheese and add Cheez-its or Goldfish.
- Nut-free: Use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead of peanuts.
- Asian: Mix in wasabi peas and soy sauce instead of Worcestershire.
- BBQ style: Use BBQ seasoning for a smoky flavor.
Tips For The Best Recipe
- Even coating: Ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
- Avoid burning: Stir the mixture regularly while baking to prevent burning.
- Proper storage: Store your Chex mix in an airtight container to keep it crisp.
- Right temperature: Keep the oven temperature low to prevent burning before it’s done.
- Cool completely: Let your Chex mix bold recipe cool completely before storing it to prevent sogginess.
What To Do With Leftovers
You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days. I recommend keeping the container in a cool, dark, and dry place for the longest shelf life. It’s not necessary to refrigerate this bold Chex mix recipe.
Additional Recipes
If you love this Chex mix bold recipe, try out some more holiday-inspired appetizers like these:
- Charcuterie Skewers
- Frozen Potato Skins in the Air Fryer
- Christmas Charcuterie Board
- Pigs in a Blanket
- Turkey Cheese Ball
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to make Chex mix in the microwave?
It’s possible but oven-baking provides a better texture and doesn’t take much more hands-on effort.
Can I make Chex mix in the slow cooker?
Yes! Just add the dry ingredients to the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and seasonings. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook everything on low for 3 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes. Transfer it to baking sheets to cool.
Why is my Chex mix soggy?
If your Chex mix is soggy, it’s likely due to under-baking or not cooling completely before storing.
Ultimate Homemade Bold Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups bagel chips
- 4 ½ cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 ½ cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 3 cups pretzel twists
- 1 cup peanuts (roasted and salted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F. Arrange 2 racks inside the oven to divide the oven into thirds. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
Make the seasoning mixture.
- Place 1 stick unsalted butter in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted, 50 to 60 seconds total. (You can also do this in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat.)
- Add Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to the melted butter. Whisk well to combine. Set aside.
Combine the Chex Mix.
- Next, add the bagel chips in a large bowl and lightly crush them with your hands into bite-sized pieces. Add the Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, mini pretzel twists, and peanuts to the same bowl. Lightly toss with your hands to combine.
- Pour about half of the butter mixture over the Chex mixture and gently toss to coat. Then, pour in the remaining butter mixture and gently toss so all the pieces are evenly coated.
- Divide the mixture between the baking sheets and spread into an even layer. Bake for a total of 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until lightly browned and crisp.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheets before serving. Cool completely before storing.