Chex Mix Oven Microwave Slow Cooker

Craving something sweet? Try my Sweet Holiday Chex Mix recipe!

Homemade Chex Mix

Who doesn’t love Chex Mix? A snack that goes way back when, and always a fun one around the holidays. For years I had just been buying Chex Mix at the store but this year I figured it was due time to try making it at home. And now I’m hooked because this fresher, buttery version is just that much better! I’ve listed three common options to cook it. My personal favorite is the oven method but all work well. With the slow cooker you just have to be available to stir every so often which can be a bit tedious in my opinion, and the microwave works fine but I think the perfectly crisp texture of the oven option wins. Here we use a homemade seasoned salt blend (including salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and sugar). The great thing about that is that you can have more control over amount of salt, and you can switch it up (using other spices or adjusting those listed here). It’s a versatile recipe with so many options. Or just stick with the classic because you can’t go wrong with it as is!

Chex Mix Recipe Ingredients

Chex cereal: You can use the 3 types listed here (corn, wheat and rice) or just use one type that you prefer. Mixed nuts: I like to use a low salt version to have more control over how much salt is added. Bagel chips: There are a few flavor options, I prefer plain though the garlic version will work too. Pretzels: You’ll notice the pretzels I used here are the really tiny ones, they’re great here because they are closer in size to the other ingredients. But the standard size mini pretzels work fine too if that’s all you can find. Unsalted butter: Salted butter will work but you’ll want to start with only 1/4 tsp salt in the recipe then add more to taste from there. Garlic powder and onion powder: These are great flavor boosters in the recipe. The offer such a tasty seasoning upgrade. Paprika: This adds a little color and flavor. Sugar: This is not critical, omit if preferred.

How to Make Chex Mix

Oven Method

Microwave Method

Slow Cooker Method

Storage and Shelf Life

Chex mix should be stored in an airtight container. It should keep well at room temperature for 2 weeks.

Can Chex Mix be frozen?

Yes it can be frozen for up to 4 months. Store in freezer bags or another airtight container. It thaws quickly, but in the hot summer months you might even find you like it straight from the freezer like I do.

Substitutes and Variations

Use other spices: Try adding other spices such as turmeric, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, mustard, etc. Make it spicy: Give it a kick! Add cayenne pepper or dried chipotle pepper to taste. Omit bagel chips: If you can’t find bagel chips you can omit them, or try making homemade (if you have lots of extra time). Add cheesy crackers: Replace pretzels or bagel chips with white cheddar crackers or even Goldfish crackers for a cheesy addition. Use one type of nut: Rather than using a blend of nuts you can use just one type you already have on hand such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios or peanuts. Adjust ratios: If you like lots of one ingredient (such as nuts or bagel chips) then add more and just reduce amount of cereal added.

Helpful Tips

Slowly drizzle in the butter mixture. If you pour all into one area it won’t coat as evenly. Toss cereal mixture well so butter and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout. Take it easy on the salt. It’s easy to over-season a Chex Mix and once it’s too salty you can’t go back, but you can always add more later. Reduce or increase seasoning as desired. If you don’t want a fairly strong garlic flavor then reduce garlic seasoning to 1 tsp. Don’t forget to toss during cooking or some areas will over-toast while others will be still be moistened and stale. With the slow cooker option be mindful of those edges when tossing. Some slow cookers cook fairly hot which result in dark edges so you may need to store more frequently. Don’t forget to spread out to cool so it has a chance to dry thoroughly and doesn’t get stale.