Go Back
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal - 3 cups Corn Chex cereal - 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal - 1 cup mini pretzels - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts) - 1 cup holiday M&M's or chocolate candies - 1 cup popcorn (popped, unsalted) First, gather your main ingredients. Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex form the base of this snack. They give it a great crunch. The mini pretzels add a salty twist. I love using mixed nuts to bring in some healthy fats and protein. Next, you will want to add some fun! Holiday M&M's or chocolate candies bring sweetness and color. Finally, the popped popcorn adds lightness and a delightful texture. This mix of flavors and textures makes the perfect Chex mix. - 1 stick unsalted butter (melted) - 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick) - Salt to taste Now let’s move on to the coating ingredients. The melted butter adds richness and helps the seasonings stick. Worcestershire sauce gives it a savory depth. Garlic powder and onion powder add warmth and flavor. Smoked paprika brings a hint of smoke. If you like heat, you can add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Don’t forget the salt! It helps to balance all the flavors. Using these ingredients, you can create a tasty coating that will make your Chex mix truly special. Happy snacking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low heat helps the flavors blend well. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. 2. Combining dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 3 cups each of Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex. Then, toss in 1 cup of mini pretzels, 1 cup of mixed nuts, 1 cup of holiday M&M's, and 1 cup of popped popcorn. Make sure to mix well so everything is spread out evenly. 3. Preparing the coating: In another bowl, mix 1 stick of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce, and spices: 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Add a pinch of salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and well combined. 1. Mixing everything together: Pour the butter mixture over your dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together. You want to coat each piece lightly without breaking the cereal. 2. Baking instructions: Spread the Chex mix evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for about 1 hour. Stir the mix every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting and avoid burning. 3. Cooling down the Chex mix: Once the hour is up, take the Chex mix out of the oven. Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crisp and crunchy, making it perfect for snacking. To make the best Holiday Chex Mix, even coating is key. Start by mixing the dry ingredients well. This step helps all the flavors spread evenly. When baking, stir the mix every 15 minutes. This ensures each piece toasts evenly. It also prevents burning and keeps everything crunchy. Cooling is vital for crispiness. Let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will become crispier. Don’t rush this step for the best texture. For a festive touch, use a holiday-themed bowl to serve your Chex mix. You can also create small gift bags. Fill them with the mix and tie with ribbons. This makes a great snack for friends and family. Get creative with your packaging. You can use clear bags or small jars. Label them with fun tags. This adds a personal touch to your gifts. Pro Tips Mix It Up: Feel free to customize the nuts and snacks based on your preference or what you have on hand. Different combinations can create unique flavors! Add Some Sweetness: For a sweeter twist, consider adding white chocolate chips or dried fruit to the mix. This can balance the savory flavors beautifully. Storage Solutions: Store the Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh. It can last for up to two weeks if stored properly. Perfect for Gifting: Package the Chex mix in mason jars or festive bags with a ribbon for a delightful homemade gift during the holiday season. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your Chex mix. For sweet versions, try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. You can also mix in chocolate chips or holiday M&M's for a fun twist. They add color and joy to each bite. For a savory twist, you can play with spices. Adding ranch seasoning gives a tasty kick. You can also try using paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor. A dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up too. This makes your Chex mix unique and fun for everyone at the party. If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free Chex cereals. They work just as well in this recipe. Make sure to check the labels when you shop. For nut-free alternatives, just skip the mixed nuts. You can replace them with more pretzels or even seeds. This way, everyone can enjoy the snack without worry. Adjusting the recipe makes it friendly for all diets. To keep your Holiday Chex Mix fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. This helps keep moisture out and maintains crunch. When stored properly, your Chex mix lasts up to two weeks. If you want it to stay fresh longer, think about freezing. Yes, you can freeze Chex mix! Freezing keeps it fresh for months. To freeze, first let the mix cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to push out as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. Enjoy your Chex mix without losing any taste! How do I make Chex mix without nuts? To make Chex mix without nuts, simply skip the mixed nuts. You can add more pretzels or popcorn. You can also try adding seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for crunch. Can I make Chex mix ahead of time? Yes, you can make Chex mix ahead of time. It stays fresh for several days. Just store it in an airtight container. This makes it easy for your holiday parties. What else can I add to my Chex mix? You can add many fun things to your Chex mix. Try including dried fruit, chocolate chips, or cheese crackers. Different spices can also change the flavor. Explore what you like best! How do I store leftover Chex mix? Store leftover Chex mix in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. You learned how to make a tasty Chex mix. We discussed the main ingredients, coating ingredients, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for perfecting your mix and creative variations. You also found ways to store your mix for later. This snack is easy to adapt and fun to make. Enjoy sharing your delicious creation with friends and family. Whether sweet or savory, Chex mix can fit any occasion. Get creative and make it your own!

Festive Holiday Chex Mix

A delightful and crunchy mix perfect for holiday snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
  • 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
  • 1 cup holiday M&M's or chocolate candies
  • 1 cup popcorn (popped, unsalted)
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
  • 0.25 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
  • to taste Salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet or two with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, mixed nuts, holiday M&M's, and popcorn. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt.
  • Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until everything is lightly coated.
  • Spread the Chex mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet(s). Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will crisp up as it cools.
  • Once completely cool, transfer the Chex mix to an airtight container for storage or serve it in a festive bowl for snacking.

Notes

For a festive touch, serve in a holiday-themed bowl or small gift bags.
Keyword Chex mix, holiday snack, party food