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Easy to Make Cheesy Chex Mix
A classic snack goes next level with this Cheesy Chex Mix. Made with Chex cereal, pretzels, 2 kinds of cheese crackers, and tossed with Parmesan cheese and other seasonings, this snack mix is on cheese overload!
Want a snack that will please everyone? Set out bowls of this Cheesy Chex Mix to munch on during your next party, for game day or just an after school snack that you can also pack in a lunch box!
If you’ve ever enjoyed a hearty handful of delicious homemade Chex Mix, you’re going to love this cheesy version! My mom used to make it every year for the big game. It’s perfect for snacking on while you’re watching the commercials…I mean, the game.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Cheesy Chex Mix
Simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store, and most you probably already have at home.
Chex Cereal – Rice Chex, Corn Chex and Wheat Chex. The recipe calls for equal amounts of both, but you can adjust the amounts as you wish, as long as the total is the same.
Pretzels – In the recipe I listed mini pretzel twists, but you can use larger pieces and break them up into 1-inch pieces, or use sticks.
Cheese crackers – I added both of my kids favorite snack crackers:Cheese-Its and Goldfish crackers.
Parmesan cheese – This is an excellent time to enlist the help of the canned pre-grated cheese. You want to powdery kind, not shredded.
Seasoning – Butter, Worcestershire sauce, Seasoned salt (like Lawry’s), garlic powder and onion powder.
How to Make Chex Mix
- Preheat your oven to 250℉. Set out 2 large baking sheets. You can line them with silicone mats or parchment paper. I don’t recommend foil because it will likely tear when you toss the mix.
- Mix cereals, pretzels and cheese crackers in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce and dry seasonings. Pour over the cereal mix and toss with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is completely coated.
- Spread the cereal mixture on two large baking sheets. You want the mix to be as even as possible, but since you’ll be stirring it periodically it will all cook evenly.
- Bake in the oven for about 45-50 minutes, stirring with a flat spatula at least twice at 15 minute intervals.
- Take the baking sheets out of the oven and set aside to cool for about an hour. You can dive in before that, but the longer it has to sit and cool, the crispier it will get.
FAQs
What is the Seasoning Made of?
The seasoning blend is made with melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt (which is a blend of table salt, paprika, garlic and other spices), garlic powder and onion powder. It’s salty and savory and gives the snack mix it’s delicious flavors.
How long can you store Homemade Chex Mix?
Store snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature (like in your pantry) for up to 2 weeks. No refrigeration is necessary, and do not freeze.
Can you make Chex cereal Mix in the microwave?
Just like the original version, this cheesy version can be made in the microwave. Mix the crackers, pretzels and cereal in a large, microwave safe bowl, then toss with the butter mixture. Microwave for 5-6 minutes, stirring well every 2 minutes. Lay paper towels out on a large baking pan and spread the snack mix out to cool.
Variations
While this Cheesy version is definitely a top favorite in my family, you can adjust elements of the recipe with simple additions or swaps.
- I included the three original Chex cereals – corn, rice and wheat – in my cheesy version. You can mix and match your favorites as long as you use a total of 9 cups of cereal.
- Replace 1 cup of the pretzels with 1 cup of peanuts or mixed nuts, Cheerios, bagel chips or Corn nuts.
- Crank up the heat! Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- For a party, place the snack mix in small bowls around the party for guests to munch on as they mingle.
- Or, place in a big bowl for everyone to grab a handful.
- Scoop individual servings into small cups or paper cones so no one has to scoop their own.
- Pour into individual cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon or twine for the perfect gift or party favor.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skimp on the butter. There are recipes that might suggest saving a few calories by using less butter. The butter is the glue that helps the seasoning to stick to the rest of the mix, and to get crispy and golden.
- Always preheat your oven for even cooking.
- Use a flat spatula for stirring. Rather than actually “stirring,” use the flat spatula to lift and flip the cereal mix on the baking sheets.
More Easy Snacks We Love
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Cheesy Chex Mix
Cheesy Chex Mix is made with Chex cereal, pretzels, 2 kinds of cheese crackers, and Parmesan cheese. This snack mix is on cheese overload!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Ingredients
- 9 cups corn chex cereal
- 2 cups goldfish crackers
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 2 cups cheese crackers like cheez-its
- 8 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese the powdery kind, not the shredded kind
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.
- In a large bowl combine the cereal, goldfish, pretzels and cheese crackers.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, worcheshire sauce, seasoning salt, garlic powder and onion powder together.
- Pour the seasoning mix over the cereal mixture and stir gently until evenly coated.
- Next sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and stir to coat again.
- Spread out the chex mix on your largest baking sheet or 2 smaller baking sheets. You want the cereal in as even a layer as you can but since we will be stirring frequently it will cook evenly.
- Bake at 250 degrees for 45-50 minutes stirring every 15 minutes until toasted and golden.
- Let the chex mix cool on the baking sheet before serving or packaging up.
Notes
Store snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature (like in your pantry) for up to 2 weeks. No refrigeration is necessary, and do not freeze.
Be sure to read the entire post for more tips and tricks.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 577mgPotassium: 41mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 310IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 3mg
