Homemade Oven Chex Mix

Nostalgic and totally crave-worthy this homemade Chex Mix is a salty snack my family requests all year especially on game nights and holidays when a big bowl disappears in no time It brings together crunchy cereals bagel chips and pretzels all toasted in savory butter and spices for a party mix no store bag can ever match

I first put out a tray at a New Years Eve years ago and everyone picked out different favorites the rye chips never last long It is now my go to for movie marathons and late night snacks

Ingredients

• Corn Chex: provides a classic crunch and absorbs flavor well aim for fresh boxes for crispiness
• Rice Chex: gives lightness and pairs with any seasoning check sell by date for best texture
• Wheat Chex: gives a hearty bite and tastes nutty important for balance and fiber
• Tiny twist pretzels: add salty crunch go for the smallest pretzels so every scoop gives an even bite
• Bagel chips: broken into small bits give extra crunch use fresh or bakery style for the best snap
• Rye chips: broken small add robust flavor I always choose the thickest ones for toasty flavor
• Butter: melted binds seasonings and toasts everything pick unsalted for seasoning control
• Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and a signature savory tang always check the bottle is well shaken
• Garlic powder: gives the mix a gentle flavorful punch use fresh for the most aroma
• Seasoned salt: balances all flavors and ties together the mix use your favorite trusted brand

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

If you own a large metal roasting pan you can use it for this recipe If not line a big rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent burning or sticking This is crucial since the mix will be stirred often

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a giant mixing bowl combine all your cereals plus pretzels bagel chips and rye chips Toss together gently to evenly distribute so no one gets a bite heavy on just one item

Blend the Seasoning Mix:

In a separate medium bowl stir together melted butter Worcestershire sauce garlic powder and seasoned salt Mix until you no longer see pools of butter or clumps of powder so each pour flavors every piece

Coat the Snack Mix Carefully:

Drizzle some seasoning mixture over the cereal blend Stir well with a large spoon or spatula Then pour more seasoning mix and stir again Repeat until all the seasoning is used Slow and steady helps every piece get coated and avoids soggy patches

Bake and Stir Frequently:

Pour the seasoned mix into the prepared pan Spread out into an even layer Bake at 250 degrees for one hour Stir every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting After an hour check for any soggy pieces If not quite crisp return to the oven for 15 extra minutes

Cool and Store:

Once crunchy let the mix cool on clean parchment paper or paper towels for about 15 minutes Do not skip this step as cooling helps keep everything crisp Once fully cool store in an airtight container for up to four weeks

As a big fan of bagel chips I always break them small so every handful has a piece My kids go on a mission to find every rye chip first and argue about who discovered the most It always sparks a little family fun

Storage Tips

Transfer the cooled snack mix into a sealed container or zip top bag Place in a dry cool pantry for up to four weeks Moisture is the enemy so always reseal tightly after serving A glass jar with a latch top is my favorite for showing off the colors and keeping it crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find rye chips or bagel chips swap in toasted pita chips or crunchy mini breadsticks For gluten free needs use only gluten free cereals and pretzels For a cheesy twist sprinkle a little parmesan right after baking while the mix is still warm Always match the volume when changing any item so everything bakes evenly

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a big platter or in bowls at your next party It is the ultimate finger food that goes with almost any drink or spread For a festive touch toss in a handful of colorful candies like chocolate coated pieces right before serving Kids especially love this bonus For fun gift giving scoop portions into cellophane bags and tie with ribbon

Cultural and Family Notes

Chex Mix has been a staple of American holiday parties for generations with roots in midcentury cookbooks Every family riffs on it in their own way making it a special tradition in many homes We love to bake it for big football weekends and pack it for summer road trips

A classic party snack never lasts long in my house You will want to make a double batch and watch it disappear

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute different cereals or snacks?

Absolutely! Swap out any of the Chex cereals or snack add-ins like bagel or rye chips to suit your taste, just keep measurements consistent for best results.

→ How do I keep the snack mix crispy?

Stir every 15 minutes while baking to ensure even coating and crisp texture. Cool fully before storing to maintain crunch.

→ Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?

Yes, once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to four weeks.

→ Are there tips to prevent sogginess?

Gradually add the seasoning mixture while stirring to evenly coat without over-saturating any part of the mix.

→ What’s the best way to serve this for a party?

Pour the cooled mix into a big bowl or individual cups for easy serving and mess-free snacking during gatherings.