When it comes to crunchy packaged snacks, Chex Mix is the crème de la crème. Unlike a plain old bag of chips, Chex Mix offers variety: the crisp cereal, toasty pretzels, the unique crunch of the bagel chips. I have long been convinced that it’s the best snack ever. Until I tried a homemade version.
Homemade Chex Mix takes everything you love about the packaged snack and makes it even better. There’s a delightful butteriness that can only be accomplished by making it from scratch. The seasoning is more evenly distributed. You can customize it however you like. But beyond all of the flavor benefits, it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With only about 15 minutes of prep time, you can transform the humble cereal into something spectacular.
The ingredients for the best Chex Mix:
Other Chex Mix recipes incorporate nuts, Cheez-Its, and even Cheerios. Ours, on the other hand, stays true to the OG so the Chex can really shine. We call for both Corn and Wheat Chex for a variety of taste and texture. There’s plenty of bagel chips—both plain and rye. In place of the mini breadsticks, we use Original Goldfish (not the cheddar flavor) as a near identical substitute.
One important note: our recipe calls for unsalted pretzels. But if you can only find salted varieties, you should only add 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt instead of 2.
The seasoning:
You might be scared by the amount of seasoning, but you shouldn’t be: This recipe makes a lot of Chex Mix, so the salt and spices are definitely needed. We list MSG as an optional ingredient, but we strongly recommend that you use it here. Packaged Chex Mix uses MSG-rich additives like autolyzed yeast and hydrolyzed soy protein to give the snack its signature savoriness. Powdered MSG is the best way to replicate that same magic at home.
Storage.
We promise that this Chex Mix will be the star of your next partyor game day. But in the unlikely event that you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments!
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- Yields:
- 15 c.
- Prep Time:
- 15 mins
- Total Time:
- 1 hr 15 mins
Ingredients
- 4 c.
Corn Chex
- 4 c.
Wheat Chex
- 3 c.
mini unsalted pretzels
- 2 c.
plain bagel chips and/or rye chips
- 2 c.
Original Goldfish or oyster crackers
- 1/2 c.
(1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 Tbsp.
Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp.
garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp.
onion powder
- 1 tsp.
freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp.
MSG (optional)
- 1 tsp.
sweet paprika
Directions
- Step1Preheat oven to 250°. In a large bowl, combine Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, bagel chips, and Goldfish.
- Step2In a small bowl, mix butter, Worcestershire, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, MSG (if using), and paprika until combined.
- Step3Drizzle about one-third of butter mixture over Chex mixture. Toss to coat, then repeat with remaining butter mixture until coated. Divide Chex mixture between 2 unlined baking sheets; spread in an even layer.
- Step4Bake Chex Mix, tossing every 15 minutes, until crispy, about 1 hour. Let cool.
- Step5Make Ahead: Chex mix can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
