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I've been making this crunchy salty Chex Mix for years and it never fails to disappear at parties. The secret is my special butter seasoning blend that coats every piece perfectly. I love mixing cereals pretzels nuts and crispy bagel chips then baking them until they're irresistibly golden. Trust me once you try this homemade version you'll never go back to store bought.
Why You Need This Recipe
After years of testing I can tell you baking this mix makes all the difference. The oven brings out deeper flavors and gives everything the perfect crunch. I love that I can switch up the ingredients based on what I have or what my guests prefer. Plus it stays fresh for weeks in an airtight container though it rarely lasts that long in my house.
What You'll Need
- Butter: 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted, melted for the seasoning mix.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons, for a savory depth of flavor.
- Seasoned Salt: 2 teaspoons, such as Lawry's, for classic seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons, for a rich, savory kick.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon, for added depth.
- Rice Chex Cereal: 4 ½ cups, for a light, crunchy texture.
- Wheat Chex Cereal: 4 ½ cups, for a heartier bite.
- Bagel Chips: 2 cups, lightly crushed into bite-sized pieces.
- Pretzels: 3 cups of mini twists for salty crunch.
- Peanuts: 1 cup roasted and salted, or swap for your preferred nuts.
Let's Make It Together
- Preheat the Oven
- Heat the oven to 250°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Make the Seasoning Mixture
- Melt 1 stick of butter in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Prepare the Mix
- In a large bowl, lightly crush 2 cups of bagel chips. Add Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, and peanuts. Toss gently to combine.
- Coat with Butter Mixture
- Pour half of the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss gently. Repeat with the remaining butter mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Bake to Perfection
- Spread the mixture evenly across two baking sheets. Bake at 250°F, stirring every 15 minutes, for 45–50 minutes, until golden and crispy. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Keep It Fresh
I love making big batches of this mix because it stores so well. Just let it cool completely then pop it in an airtight container. It stays perfectly crunchy for weeks making it my go to snack for busy days or when friends drop by unexpectedly.
My Secret Tips
Here's a trick I learned from countless batches add the butter mixture in two stages to get perfect coverage. Don't skip stirring every 15 minutes while it bakes this prevents any pieces from getting too dark. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level and seasoned salt is non negotiable for that classic flavor.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I swap in Cheerios or Crispix for the Chex or trade peanuts for cashews my husband's favorite. My kids love when I add goldfish crackers and my friend Sarah got me hooked on adding pita chips. The seasoning is super flexible too you can really make it your own.
Why Baking Makes It Better
Trust me slow baking is the key to amazing Chex Mix. The low temperature lets all those buttery seasonings really sink in and everything gets perfectly crispy. No more soggy cereal like you get with stovetop methods. Every piece comes out golden and delicious.
Fun Flavor Ideas
Get creative with these variations: Ranch Chex Mix: Add ranch seasoning to the butter mixture. Honey Mustard Mix: Combine honey and mustard powder for a sweet-and-savory twist. Holiday Chex Mix: Add festive candies or dried cranberries for a seasonal touch. Spicy Chex Mix: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does homemade Chex Mix stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade Chex Mix stays fresh for up to two weeks. Make sure it's completely cooled before storing to maintain crispness.
- → Can I make this recipe in the microwave?
Yes, you can make this in the microwave. Place the seasoned mix in a large microwave-safe glass bowl and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring every two minutes. Let it cool on paper towels before storing.
- → Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! You can adjust the proportions of any ingredients or add different items, just keep the total volume at 9 cups. The seasoning can also be customized using different salt-free seasoning blends.
- → How do you know when Chex Mix is done baking?
The mix should be lightly toasted and fragrant after baking for 15-20 minutes at 300°F. Remember to stir halfway through for even cooking and let it cool completely before storing.
- → Can I make a larger batch for a party?
Yes, this recipe can be scaled up easily. When making a larger batch, use a roasting pan instead of a baking sheet and increase the baking time, making sure to stir every 10 minutes.
Conclusion
This homemade Chex Mix combines crispy cereals, pretzels, crackers, and peanuts tossed in a buttery seasoning blend. Baked until perfectly crispy, it's an addictive snack that's great for parties or everyday munching.