Chex Mix Recipe – American Special
Chex Mix is a beloved snack that brings together crunchy Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex cereals with salty pretzels and mixed nuts—all coated in a rich buttery seasoning with garlic, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, and optional heat from cayenne. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this brew of salty, spicy, and umami flavors is ideal for snack time, road trips, holiday gatherings, or movie nights. Whip it up, let it bake low and slow, and enjoy the satisfying crunch that’s baked (not fried!) to perfection.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time1 hr
- Total Time1 hr 10 min
Chex Mix Ingredients :
- 3 cups Rice Chex
- 3 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups Wheat Chex
- 1 1/2 cups pretzels (mini pretzels or pretzel sticks)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (such as cashews, almonds, or peanuts)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
How to make Chex Mix:
Preheat the oven:Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Combine dry ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, and nuts. Stir gently to mix them evenly.
Make the seasoning mixture:In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until the mixture is well-combined.
Coat the dry ingredients:Pour the seasoning mixture over the Chex and pretzel mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
Recipe Notes :
Cereal Variations: Use different cereals like corn, rice, gluten-free Chex, or substitute with Crispix or Cheerios for a change in texture or dietary needs.
Nut & Pretzel Options: Swap nuts—almonds, peanuts, pecans—or go nut-free. Choose mini pretzels, sticks, or pretzel chips depending on crunch preference.
Spice Tuning: Adjust heat by increasing or eliminating cayenne. Try extra smoked paprika, ranch seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce for flavor twists.
Store & Make Ahead Tips: Store the mix in an airtight container so it stays crisp; it’s great made ahead for parties or road trips, and flavors often deepen over time.
