My Twist on the Classic Chex Mix Recipe (2024)

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Make this homemade Chex Mix Recipe in the microwave in 10 minutes or less! It’s adapted from the original Chex Party Mix recipe, but I use more butter and I think it’s better that way.

I grew up with Chex Mix. My mom would make a big batch at the holidays or for our summer trip Up To The Cabin, and I loved the stuff. The only change I ever wanted to make was: more flavor. Do you ever get those bites that just taste like the plain cereal? Or an unseasoned pretzel?

Now that I’m all grown up and making Chex Mix on my own, we’re adding more of the good stuff. (Hint: More butter, more seasonings).

And as much as I love my slow cooker and try to use it for everything, I think it defeats the purpose when it comes to Chex Mix. You can make the best Chex Mix Recipe in the microwave in under 10 minutes and you’re done. Prep this recipe for after-school snacking and your kids will think you’re a hero.

Recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

• Chex: I’m leaving out the Wheat Chex because I don’t love them. You’ll wantabout8 or 9 cups of cereal total, however you mix it. Crispix cereal is a good substitute.
• Nuts:The original recipe uses mixed nuts which just seems bizarre to me (what kid wants Brazil nuts?). I went with just peanuts, and I like co*cktail peanuts the best but any will work.
• Other mix-ins:Pretzels, yes obviously. I love the garlic rye chips like the ones Gardetto’s makes. Crunchy little Melba toast is good too. Sometimes I break them up (good for smaller children) and sometimes I don’t. Bagel chips also work. You can also try Cheerios, goldfish crackers, whatever!

Step-by-step instructions

1. In a large bowl (microwave-safe), combine Chex cereal, pretzels, garlic chips, and peanuts. In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave (about 30 seconds). Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until blended.

2. Pour the melted butter mixture over the cereal mixture in 3 batches, stirring well after each addition.

3. Microwave the Chex mix on HIGH for 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.

4. Spread the Chex mix on paper towels to cool.

5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe tips and variations

• Yield: This recipe makes about 12 cups of cereal (or more), enough for 24 servings, ½ cup each. The true yield depends on exactly which mix-ins you choose and how much of each you add.
• Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Oven method: To make Chex Mix in the oven, spread the coated snack mix evenly on rimmed baking sheets. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
• Customize your Chex: Substitute a few cups of wheat chex or use a cup of garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips instead of the garlic chips (break into 1-inch pieces if needed). I love peanuts, but you can use almonds or cashews. A few cups of Cheerios or cheese crackers would be good too!
• Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix: Omit the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add 1 packet of dry Ranch seasoning mix and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Swap in cheesy crackers such as Cheese-Itz for the garlic rye chips and omit the nuts.
• Cajun Chex Mix: Omit the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning and serve with a bottle of hot sauce on the side.