If you love a crunchy, salty, and utterly addictive snack, then this Oven Chex Mix Recipe is just what you need! A timeless favorite at parties, game nights, and holiday gatherings, this homemade Chex Mix is a step above the store-bought version. With the perfect combination of crispy cereals, savory seasonings, and a buttery, umami-rich coating, this recipe delivers an irresistible crunch in every bite.
One of the best things about making Chex Mix at home is the ability to customize it to your taste. Whether you prefer a spicy kick, a cheesier blend, or a nut-free option, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Plus, baking it in the oven ensures even coating and deepens the flavor, giving you a more satisfying snack than the microwave version.
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Oven-Baked Chex Mix Recipe
Difficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes1
hour300
kcalThis homemade Chex Mix is a crunchy, savory snack perfect for any occasion. Made with a mix of cereals, nuts, and a flavorful seasoning blend, it’s an easy and delicious treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup mini pretzels
1 cup bagel chips, broken into bite-sized pieces
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, mixed nuts, mini pretzels, and bagel chips.
- Coat with Seasoning: Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the mixture evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to substitute any of the Chex cereals with your favorite variety or use what you have on hand.
- Seasoning Variations: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more or less garlic powder, onion powder, or seasoned salt based on your preference.
- Nuts and Mix-Ins: You can customize the mix by adding different types of nuts or other mix-ins like cheese crackers or popcorn.
- Storage: Store the Chex Mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy. It can last for several weeks if stored properly.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes about 12 servings, but you can easily double or halve the recipe depending on your needs.
Why This Recipe Works
Perfectly Balanced Flavors
This homemade Oven Chex Mix Recipe combines a variety of textures and tastes. The mix of Chex cereals—corn, rice, and wheat—provides a satisfying crunch, while pretzels, nuts, and bagel chips add depth and variety. The real magic happens with the seasoning blend of butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt, which creates that classic savory, slightly tangy flavor we all love.
Customizable to Your Preference
One of the best aspects of making Chex Mix from scratch is the flexibility to tweak the ingredients. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free Chex and pretzels. Love spice? Add cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce. Prefer a cheesier version? Sprinkle in some Parmesan or cheddar powder.
Baked for the Best Texture
Unlike the microwave method, which can sometimes leave the mix unevenly coated or soggy, baking the Chex Mix in the oven allows the flavors to fully develop. Slow-roasting at a low temperature helps the butter mixture infuse into the ingredients, resulting in a crisp and golden snack with every bite.
Additional tips for the perfect Oven Chef Mix Recipe
- Even Coating: Make sure to stir the mixture well when adding the butter seasoning to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Stirring During Baking: Stir the mix every 15 minutes while baking to ensure even toasting and prevent burning.
- Cooling: Allow the Chex Mix to cool completely before storing it. This helps maintain its crunchiness.
- Spicy Variation: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Or a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- Sweet and Savory: For a sweet and savory mix, add a handful of chocolate chips or candy-coated chocolates after the mix has cooled.
- Party Presentation: Serve the Chex Mix in a large bowl or individual cups for easy snacking at parties.
- Gift Idea: Package the Chex Mix in decorative bags or jars for a homemade gift idea during the holidays.
Variants of the Recipe
Spicy Chex Mix
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a bold kick.
Cheesy Chex Mix
Mix in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan or cheddar powder before baking for an extra savory, cheesy bite.
Sweet and Salty Chex Mix
Toss in 1/2 cup of chocolate candies, dried cranberries, or caramel bits after baking for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Oven Chex Mix Recipe is perfect for snacking on its own, but you can also:
- Serve it alongside dips like ranch or cheese sauce.
- Package it in small bags for road trips or lunchbox treats.
- Pair it with a charcuterie board for added crunch and flavor variety.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Place in a sealed freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If it starts to lose crispness, bake at 250°F for 10 minutes to refresh.
FAQ
Absolutely! Chex Mix is highly customizable. Feel free to add your favorite nuts, pretzels, or even different types of cereals. You can also adjust the seasonings to match your taste!
Store your Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Yes! You can mix all the ingredients together and enjoy it as a no-bake snack. However, baking it enhances the flavors and gives it that classic crunchy texture, so it’s worth considering if you have the time!
Final Thoughts
This Oven Chex Mix Recipe is a snack-time game-changer. With its unbeatable crunch, customizable flavors, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. If you love savory and crunchy snacks, you might also enjoy trying this Texas Trash Recipe, another classic homemade mix. Looking for more crispy delights? Check out this Cheese Crisps Recipe for an irresistible cheesy crunch.
Give this Chex Mix recipe a try, and let it become a staple in your home!
Share with us in comments your experience with that recipe. Also, another snack we suggest you try, the Christmas Crack Recipe!
Leave a Reply