Chex Mix is the ultimate party snack. Crunchy, salty, buttery, and full of bold flavor, it’s a go-to favorite for game days, holidays, and movie marathons. Forget the store-bought stuff—this homemade Chex Mix is cheaper, customizable, and seriously more delicious. With a blend of cereals, pretzels, bagel chips, and Goldfish tossed in a savory spiced butter, each handful is better than the last. Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal-prepping snacks for the week, this recipe is your new snack-time hero.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable: Add what you love, skip what you don’t
- Better than store-bought: Richer flavor and no preservatives
- Make-ahead friendly: Keeps crisp for up to 2 weeks
- Crowd-pleaser: A hit at parties, road trips, or casual hangouts
- Easy oven-baked method: Low and slow for the perfect crunch
Ingredients
- 4 cups Corn Chex
- 4 cups Wheat Chex
- 3 cups mini unsalted pretzels
- 2 cups plain or rye bagel chips
- 2 cups Goldfish or oyster crackers
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp MSG (optional, enhances flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup).
- Mix the base:
In a large bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, bagel chips, and Goldfish. Use your largest bowl—this is a big batch! - Make the seasoning butter:
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, paprika, and MSG if using. - Combine gradually:
Pour one-third of the butter mixture over the dry mix. Toss gently but thoroughly. Repeat two more times, ensuring even coating. - Bake low and slow:
Divide mix between baking sheets. Spread into an even layer. Bake for 1 hour, tossing every 15 minutes. - Cool and store:
Let Chex Mix cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: About 14 cups
Nutrition Facts (Per 1-cup serving, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Values will vary based on ingredients used.
Tips & Variations
- Nutty crunch: Add roasted peanuts or almonds for extra protein
- Sweet & salty: Mix in chocolate chips after baking and cooling
- Spicy kick: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne or chili powder to the butter mix
- Gluten-free version: Use GF pretzels, cereal, and crackers
- Storage tip: Keeps best in a cool, dry pantry in an airtight tin
Chex Mix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- In a large bowl, combine all cereals, pretzels, bagel chips, and Goldfish.
- Whisk butter, Worcestershire, and all seasonings in a small bowl.
- Gradually pour butter mix over dry mix, tossing between additions.
- Spread onto 2 baking sheets and bake for 1 hour, tossing every 15 minutes.
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
Notes
– Add-ins like nuts or hot sauce work great
– Let cool before adding any chocolate
FAQs
Can I make Chex Mix ahead of time?
Yes! It actually gets better a day after baking. Make it up to 2 weeks in advance.
Do I need MSG?
Nope, but it does bring that bold, savory “umami” you taste in store-bought mixes. Totally optional!
Can I microwave Chex Mix instead of baking?
Yes—microwave in 5-minute intervals, stirring between each, for 15 minutes total.
How do I make a smaller batch?
Halve all ingredients and use one baking sheet instead of two.
Conclusion
This homemade Chex Mix is the definition of irresistible. It’s got everything—crunch, flavor, nostalgia, and versatility. Once you’ve tried it fresh from your oven, you may never go back to the bagged version again. Perfect for any occasion, this snack mix deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box.