Your search for the perfect homemade chex mix ends here – this from scratch chex mix is SO much better than the recipe on the box!
Once you try making your own chex party mix, you’ll never go back to the store bought kind again! It takes just minutes to make in the microwave and is the perfect snack for game day, birthday parties and lunch boxes.
January is kind of a funny month, because everyone is trying to eat healthy….but everyone is also eating football food on the weekends! So I decided to bring you a little bit healthy recipes, a little bit game day grub. I can’t believe I haven’t shared this homemade chex mix recipe with you yet, I’ve been making it for years! This party mix is at every birthday party, every family gathering. And this batch pictured here? Didn’t even last 24 hours!
How to make homemade chex mix
Every box of Chex cereal comes with a recipe for Chex mix printed on it. But I’m sorry to say, their recipe is not the best. THIS is the best homemade Chex mix. And of course now I need to explain why. First of all, not all Chex varieties are created equal. Corn and rice chex are definitely superior to wheat chex, so I reduced the amount of wheat chex in this recipe.
For the rest of the mix-ins, I use a combination of pretzels, mixed nuts, oyster crackers and cheese crackers, which is a little different than what is called for in the classic recipe. The crackers add great flavor and crunch, sometimes I even use goldfish crackers if I’m making a batch for the kids.
There is one other thing that makes this recipe special, and it’s the seasoning salt. The ingredients of seasoning salt can vary widely, and my absolute favorite is the smoky seasoned salt from Penzeys. It has smoked paprika in the mix which really adds a unique flavor to this chex mix. You can find it on Amazon or on the Penzeys website.
Don’t have Penzeys seasoning? Use a standard seasoned salt from your grocery store and add 1/2 a teaspoon of smoked paprika to get the same effect.
Chex mix can be made in the oven or in the microwave; I’ve only ever made it in the microwave and it comes out perfectly every time. This chex mix can also be made up to a week before serving, which is perfect for planning ahead!
Once you try this homemade chex mix, you’ll be hooked – the pre-made stuff in the bag simply can’t compete. This recipe is perfect for pretty much any occasion, so stock up on cereal and give it a go!
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More party food ideas
Chex Mix Video
Homemade Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 11/2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 1/2 cups oyster crackers
- 1 cup cheese crackers
- 1 cup pretzel twists
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt I highly recommend Penzeys smoky seasoned salt
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Place the cereal, crackers, pretzels and nuts into a large microwave safe bowl.
- Mix together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt and onion powder.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal and toss to coat evenly.
- Microwave for 5-6 minutes, stirring thoroughly every 2 minutes; then spread onto paper towels to cool.
- Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- You can omit the nuts and use more of the crackers and pretzels in the same quantities if allergies are a concern.
- When I make this chex mix for kids, I often use the rainbow colored goldfish crackers instead of standard cheese crackers to make it more fun and eye catching!
Beth Walton says
Just made this with broken up triscuits and honey peanuts added in place of the pretzels. It’s divine 😍
Sara says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, love your additions!
Judith Tuttle says
I always include honey nut Chex and I use pistachios , garlic parmesan pretzels and m& ms for a bit of sweetness!
Sara says
Love this idea!! Will try it next time.
Frieda says
I made this but added too much seasoning salt so it’s too salty how can I remedy this?
Sara says
You could try making another half batch where you completely omit the salt, and stir the unsalted batch in with the over salted batch. I hope this help!
Michelle Oliver says
I made this for college finals care packages today using red and green Goldfish for the holidays. Followed the directions and used the smoked paprika…yum! I used the oven instead of microwave. Excellent recipe. Thanks!
Sara says
Love the idea of using colored goldfish!! Will try that next time!
Jim Grisham says
I use something similar to this for my party mix but always add Cheerios and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Have always used the oven but may try the microwave. Would certainly be quicker. Thanks for the recipe. Have never used goldfish; will now.
Sara says
Hope you enjoy, I need to try it with Cheerios next time!
Colinda says
I would like to makes this mix for my daughters party.
Question….can I make it a day in advance? Are they still crunchy then?
Sara says
Yes, you can make it up to a week in advance! You want to make sure that the chex mix is completely cooled before you put it away, it will stay crispy that way.
Vicki says
I’m sure glad to see that someone else uses things that are not in the “traditional” Chex mix….I myself do not bother with the wheat Chex, as I just do not like the taste of them. I also use cheese crackers of various brands-depends on what is on sale and I also use Bugles sometimes.
Sara says
I love the idea of bugles, I need to try that!
Aishah says
What is the serving size
How would I make this in the oven
Thx
Sara says
The serving size is 1/2 cup. You can bake this at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Debbie says
I serve this for my Bunco group and it’s always a favorite!
Juliette says
Smoked paprika was so clever. I am a newbie to the world of cooking and I love discovering new spices and this is one of the best. Thanks for the tasty recipe. I’m a forty year old mother of one and resigned from my busy medical practice so I didn’t miss another minute of my sons maturation. I’m still trying to prove to the mother in law I can cook but it’s never right. I don’t think she can diss this one.
Sara says
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it!! Hope your mother in law likes this one too 🙂
Our Family World says
I will have to try this recipe for chex mex. I am always in need for something to munch on when I work and I think this is going to be perfect.
Theresa says
Oooh, a smoky seasoning salt you say? Now, that definitely sounds like a scrumptious way to jazz it up from the boring box recipe!
Joyce brewer says
This made me wish I had all the ingredients in my pantry to make it right away. We have the cheese crackers, but that’s it. Yum!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
This would be fun to make for the family, as a snack after school or if we’re ever having a movie night. It think it’s definitely something that they’ll like.
Rosey says
The homemade Chex Mix is way better than store bought. I always feel like there are a bazillion preservatives in the mixes you can buy in the store already made.
Myrah Duque says
Chex mix is such a handy item to have around especially for game days and entertaining. Thanks for sharing this recipe, I’m sure everyone will love it.
AnnMarie John says
I love making my own snack mixes because you know what’s going in the mix. Not to mention, it’s perfect for parties and game night with the family! I’d love to keep the recipe!
Shell says
Mmmmm, I love Chex Mix. I’ll have to try your version.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That looks so good! I need to make up a huge batch of this. We love Chex Mix, and I’m sure the homemade variety is so much tastier than the store bought.
Beverly says
Today I made this version of Chex mix with the leftover ingredients from Christmas Chex mix. I’m pretty old school, so I had my doubts this would turn out using the microwave. Boy, was I surprised! It turned out with the perfect crunch, and the spices were just the right balance – delicious!! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Greg says
I made this and it is amazing! 10 out of 10! Best Chex mix ever!