5 Easy Steps to Make Chex Mix at Home

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Making a homemade batch of Chex Mix starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 cups of Corn Chex
• 3 cups of Rice Chex
• 3 cups of Wheat Chex
• 1 cup of mixed nuts or peanuts
• 1 cup of pretzel sticks
• 1 cup of garlic-flavored bagel chips
• 6 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons of seasoned salt
• ¾ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat)

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Preheating your oven is crucial for even cooking. Set your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (about 120 degrees Celsius).

• In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or stovetop.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using) to the butter, and mix well.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Now, let’s get to the fun part where everything comes together.

• In a large mixing bowl or directly on a large roasting pan, combine all your dry ingredients - Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, nuts, pretzels, and bagel chips.
• Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the dry ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Here’s a little tip: use a silicone spatula or a pair of salad tossing spoons for this to minimize breaking the Chex pieces.

Step 4: Bake the Mixture

Time for the oven magic:

• Spread the coated mixture evenly in one layer on a large roasting pan or cookie sheet.
• Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking. This frequent stirring is essential to prevent burning or uneven flavors.
• After baking, spread the mix on paper towels or parchment paper to cool. This helps it to dry out and become crispy.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Homemade Chex Mix

Once the mix is completely cooled:

• Store in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness.
• This snack is perfect for movie nights, party snacks, or as a delightful surprise in lunchboxes.

🔄 Note: You can customize this recipe by adding different spices or ingredients like cheese crackers, rye chips, or even chocolate pieces for a sweet-salty combo!

With these simple steps, you've not only made an iconic snack mix but also customized it to your taste. Whether you choose to enjoy it with friends at a gathering or as a special treat for yourself, this homemade Chex Mix offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that's hard to beat.