Chex Mix Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Snack Mix

Chex Mix Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that’s easy to make and tastes great, you can’t go wrong with Chex mix. This classic recipe has been a favorite for generations, and it’s easy to see why. With a mix of savory flavors and crunchy textures, it’s the perfect snack for any occasion. Here’s how you can make your own delicious Chex mix at home.

Ingredients

To make Chex mix, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
• 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 1 cup pretzels
• 1 cup bagel chips
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Preparation Method

Once you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start making your Chex mix. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, mixed nuts, pretzels, and bagel chips.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, and stir to combine.
4. Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture out on a large baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
6. Remove the Chex mix from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.

That’s all there is to it! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you can make your own delicious Chex mix at home. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try today?

Cooking Techniques for This Chex Mix Recipe

When it comes to making Chex Mix, there are a few different cooking techniques you can use to achieve the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you master each technique:

Stirring and Mixing

Stirring and mixing are essential to making Chex Mix. You want to make sure that all of the ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. To do this, use a large mixing bowl and toss the ingredients together with a large spoon or spatula. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly coated.

Baking

Baking is the traditional method for making Chex Mix. To bake Chex Mix, preheat your oven to 250°F. Spread the mixture evenly on a roasting pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. This will ensure that the Chex Mix is evenly baked and crispy.

Microwaving

If you’re short on time, you can also make Chex Mix in the microwave. To do this, melt the butter and seasonings in a saucepan and then pour the mixture over the Chex Mix ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 6-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. This method is quick and easy, but you won’t get the same level of crispiness as you would with the oven method.

No matter which cooking technique you choose, make sure to keep an eye on the Chex Mix to prevent burning. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning blends and ingredient combinations to find your perfect mix.

Chex Mix Recipe Nutritional Information

When it comes to snacking, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional value of what you’re consuming. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for Chex Mix:

Calories

A 1/2 cup serving of Chex Mix contains approximately 140 calories. This serving size also provides 3 grams of protein, 16 grams of total carbohydrates, and 7 grams of total fat.

Fats

Of the 7 grams of total fat in a 1/2 cup serving of Chex Mix, 2 1/2 grams are saturated fat and 0 grams are trans fat. Additionally, this serving size contains 60 calories from fat and 10 milligrams of cholesterol.

Vitamins and Minerals

Chex Mix contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. A 1/2 cup serving provides 6% of the daily value of vitamin A, 2% of the daily value of vitamin C, 6% of the daily value of calcium, and 30% of the daily value of iron.

It’s worth noting that Chex Mix also contains 280 milligrams of sodium, 1 gram of dietary fiber, and 2 grams of sugars per 1/2 cup serving.

Overall, while Chex Mix can be a tasty and convenient snack, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and the nutritional value of what you’re consuming.

Variations of Chex Mix

Chex Mix is a versatile snack mix that can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or savory flavors, there is a Chex Mix recipe for you. Here are a few variations to try:

Sweet Chex Mix

If you have a sweet tooth, try making a sweet Chex Mix. You can add chocolate chips, M&Ms, or dried fruit to your mix. Here’s a recipe to get you started:

• 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 3 cups Golden Grahams cereal
• 1 cup pretzel sticks
• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 1 cup M&Ms
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cereals, pretzels, nuts, and M&Ms.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
4. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat.
5. Spread evenly onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Cool completely before serving.

Spicy Chex Mix

For those who prefer a little heat, try making a spicy Chex Mix. You can add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or zesty seasoning to your mix. Here’s a recipe to get you started:

• 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
• 1 cup pretzels
• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cereals, pretzels, and nuts.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
4. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture and toss to coat.
5. Spread evenly onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

Holiday Chex Mix

For a festive twist, try making a holiday Chex Mix. You can add dried fruit, cinnamon, or other holiday flavors to your mix. Here’s a recipe to get you started:

• 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
• 1 cup pretzels
• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ginger

1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cereals, pretzels, and nuts.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture and toss to coat.
5. Spread evenly onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

With these variations, you can enjoy Chex Mix all year round. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a snack, Chex Mix is sure to bring joy to your taste buds.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Storage

To keep your Chex Mix fresh and crunchy, it is important to store it properly. Once the mix has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or a large bowl covered with plastic wrap. This will prevent moisture from getting in and making the mix soggy.

If you notice any excess oil or butter on the surface of the mix, blot it with paper towels before storing it. This will help keep the mix evenly coated and prevent it from clumping together.

Store the Chex Mix at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It should last for up to two weeks if stored properly.

Serving

Chex Mix is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve it as a party snack in a large bowl or on a platter.
• Pack it in a small airtight container or ziplock bag for a snack on the go.
• Use it as a topping for salads or soups for an added crunch.
• Mix it with popcorn for a fun and flavorful snack.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Chex Mix is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

Additional Tips

Making a Large Batch

If you’re making Chex Mix for a big event or game day, consider making a huge batch to ensure you have enough for everyone. Simply double or triple the recipe and use large baking sheets or multiple baking sheets to spread out the mix. Make sure to stir the mix frequently during baking to ensure even cooking.

Gift Ideas

Homemade Chex Mix makes a great gift for birthdays or holidays. Package the mix in airtight containers or decorative bags and tie with a ribbon or bow. You can also add in some Cheez-Its, M&Ms, Goldfish crackers, or toasted nuts for a personalized touch.

Kid-Friendly Tips

Chex Mix is a great snack for kids, but you may want to adjust the recipe to make it more kid-friendly. For example, you can use garlic salt instead of regular salt for a more mild flavor. You can also add in some vegetable or high-fat meat for added nutrition.

When making Chex Mix with kids, make sure to supervise them during the baking process and use oven mitts to handle hot baking sheets.

Remember to follow MyPyramid servings guidelines and limit the amount of Chex Mix your child eats in one sitting.

Overall, Chex Mix is an easy-to-make and customizable appetizer that can be enjoyed by all. With a few simple additions or substitutions, you can make a Chex Mix that is tailored to your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some variations of Chex Mix?

There are many variations of Chex Mix that you can try. Some popular options include adding different types of nuts, such as almonds or cashews, or substituting pretzels for bagel chips. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own unique flavor.

What is the best savory Chex Mix recipe?

The best savory Chex Mix recipe is subjective and varies depending on personal taste. However, a classic recipe that many people enjoy involves mixing together Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, and mixed nuts. Then, coat the mixture with a combination of melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder before baking in the oven.

How can I make a spicy Chex Mix?

To make a spicy Chex Mix, you can add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the seasoning mixture. You can also try using spicy snack options, such as hot and spicy Cheez-Its or wasabi peas, to add an extra kick.

What is the original Chex Mix recipe from 1950?

The original Chex Mix recipe from 1950 consisted of Wheat Chex, Rice Chex, and Corn Chex mixed with peanuts and pretzels. The mixture was then coated with a combination of melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned salt before being baked in the oven.

What is a holiday Chex Mix recipe?

A holiday Chex Mix recipe often includes festive ingredients such as red and green M&M’s, dried cranberries, and white chocolate chips. You can also add seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to give it a holiday flavor.

Is it cheaper to make your own Chex Mix or buy it?

It is generally cheaper to make your own Chex Mix than to buy it pre-made. By purchasing the ingredients in bulk and making it yourself, you can save money and customize the recipe to your liking. Plus, homemade Chex Mix is always fresher and tastes better than the store-bought version.