Why You Will Love This Easy Homemade Chex Mix
Growing up in the South, there was always a big glass bowl of “trash” (as some folks call it!) sitting on the counter from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. My recipe takes that nostalgic tradition and gives it a little Mediterranean-style upgrade by focusing on high-quality fats and a balanced seasoning blend.
This isn’t just a snack; it’s a lifesaver for busy moms. When the kids come home from school starving or neighbors drop by unannounced, having a jar of this ready makes you look like the most organized person on the block. It’s crunchy, salty, and has that perfect “umami” kick from the Worcestershire sauce. Plus, your house is going to smell absolutely heavenly while this slow-roasts in the oven.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Method
- Mix dry ingredients in a pan. Whisk butter and spices. Pour over cereal. Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 mins. Cool on paper towels.
Ingredients
- The Crunch Base: 3 Cups Corn Chex, 3 Cups Rice Chex, 3 Cups Wheat Chex.
- The Extras: 1 Cup mini pretzels, 1 Cup roasted peanuts (or pecans for a Southern twist), 1 Cup garlic rye chips.
- The Savory Sauce: 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted), 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ tsp seasoned salt, ¾ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder.
How to Make It
First, preheat your oven to 250°F. We go low and slow here, y’all! If you rush it at a high temp, you’ll burn the cereal and lose that delicate crunch.
In a large roasting pan (I use the same one I use for my Sunday chickens), combine all your cereals, pretzels, and nuts. Give them a gentle toss with your hands just make sure the kids have washed theirs if they’re helping!
In a small measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and all those dry spices. Drizzle the mixture over the cereal slowly, tossing as you go to make sure every single square is coated in that liquid gold.
Bake for 1 hour, but here is the crucial part: every 15 minutes, you need to pull that pan out and give it a good stir. This ensures the butter doesn’t settle at the bottom and everything crisps up evenly. Once the hour is up, spread it out on paper towels to cool. It will get even crunchier as it sits!
Marie’s Secret Tips for Success
- The “Slow Cool”: Don’t put it in a container while it’s even slightly warm. The steam will turn your crispy mix into a soggy mess. Let it sit on the counter for at least 45 minutes.
- Fresh Spices: Check the expiration date on your garlic powder! Since we use so few ingredients, the quality of your spices really shines through.
- Butter Quality: Use a high-quality grass-fed butter. Since the Mediterranean diet leans toward healthy fats, using a butter with higher fat content (and less water) makes for a richer flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan: Swap the butter for a high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. Use a vegan-certified Worcestershire sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use only Corn and Rice Chex, and swap the pretzels and rye chips for GF-certified pretzels and extra nuts.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a North Carolina “Zest” version.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container or a large Mason jar for up to 4 weeks. It stays fresh for a long time, making it great for gifting!
- Freezing: Believe it or not, you can freeze Chex Mix! Put it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. It’s actually delicious to eat straight out of the freezer.
- Reheating: If it ever loses its crunch, pop it back in a 250°F oven for 5–10 minutes to “wake up” the fats.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this in a microwave? You can (6 minutes, stirring every 2), but the oven method gives a much deeper flavor.
- What if I don’t like rye chips? Swap them for bagel chips or extra pretzels.
- Is this healthy? Compared to greasy potato chips, this is a great source of whole grains and protein from the nuts!
- Why is my mix soggy? You likely didn’t bake it long enough or didn’t stir it every 15 minutes.
- Can I use olive oil instead of butter? Yes! It adds a lovely Mediterranean earthiness to the mix.
- How do I make it a gift? Put it in a cellophane bag with a red ribbon and a handwritten “Tested in Marie’s Kitchen” tag.
- What’s the best cereal to use? I find the mix of all three (Wheat, Rice, Corn) provides the best texture variety.
- Can I add sweetness? Some folks like to add a handful of M&Ms after the mix has completely cooled.
Culinary disclaimer
This content is provided for informational purposes only. It does not replace medical advice, professional diagnosis, or personalized treatment.
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