Large Batch Chex Mix

This intensely flavorful large batch Chex Mix recipe is my go-to when I need something festive and crowd-pleasing that fills over 20 tins. Whether you are looking for a homemade gift or a party snack that brings comfort and nostalgia, this recipe blends classic crunch with bold seasoning, making every handful addictive.

I only started making this when classic Chex Mix tins disappeared from stores and now neighbors actually ask me in advance if I am making a batch during the holidays. It fills the house with a savory aroma and the final sprinkle of ranch makes it impossible for anyone to walk past without grabbing a handful.

Ingredients

• Chex cereal (both corn, wheat, and rice): Each brings its own crunch and texture
• Cheeze-Its: Adds a fun cheesy flavor and golden color
• Pretzels: I prefer Dot’s Homestyle but any sturdy pretzel will hold up in the mix
• Garlic Rye Chips: A classic Gardetto’s ingredient that gives earthy, garlicky flavor
• Nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts, peanuts): All roasted and unsalted or lightly salted for best texture and less salt overload
• Butter: You need a full pound for that intense coating. Go for high-quality butter for richness
• Worcestershire Sauce: This gives deep umami notes and slight tang
• Seasoning Salt: Lawry’s for my taste, but any favorite blend works. Adds boldness
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Foundation for that deep savory snack blend
• Dry Ranch Mix: This is the secret to crave-worthy Chex and saves time. Use in bulk for better value and more dusting
• Hot Sauce: Crystal or Louisiana style brings just enough warmth to wake up all those flavors

Instructions

Prepare Your Vessel:

Grab your largest mixing bowl or use a huge clean vessel such as a five-gallon bucket. Several large bowls work too. Since this is a huge batch, you need extra space to toss everything thoroughly

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

Open all the cereal, Cheeze-Its, pretzels, rye chips, and pour them into your vessel. Add in all four types of nuts. Give the mix a few gentle tosses with your hands to help everything combine evenly

Melt and Season the Butter:

Melt all the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, Lawry’s seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ranch mix, and hot sauce. Whisk until the seasonings are fully dissolved and the sauce looks homogenous

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

Slowly drizzle the warm seasoned butter mixture over the dry snack blend. Use disposable gloves if you wish and toss repeatedly, scraping the sides as you go. Make sure the sauce is distributed everywhere. Any leftover sauce can be drizzled across the baking sheets just before roasting

Lay Out and Dust:

Divide the coated mixture among several rimmed baking sheets. Spread it in an even layer. For extra flavor, sprinkle additional dry ranch mix across the top for that iconic powdery finish

Bake for Crunch:

Place baking sheets in a 250 degree oven. Bake for one hour, tossing well every 20 to 30 minutes. This slow bake crisps each bite without burning and sets in the flavor

Cool and Store:

Let the mix cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring to airtight tins or containers. This cooling step is crucial for max crunch

I am obsessed with the way hot sauce dances with the ranch and garlic. You get this subtle tingling savoriness in every handful. Sometimes the best memory is when we scoop still warm mix together late at night and realize we have eaten a whole tray before even gifting any out.

Storage Tips

Once fully cooled the Chex Mix will stay crisp in any airtight container for at least two weeks. Store in a cool dark spot for best freshness. If you need to prepare far ahead you can even freeze the cooled mix in large freezer bags and let it thaw before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap out any nuts for the ones you love or leave them out if there are allergies. Gluten free pretzels and crackers work beautifully to make this accessible for everyone at your table. If you cannot find garlic rye chips toss in bagel chips or just extra Chex for simplicity.

Serving Suggestions

Pile up bowls for parties or gatherings or fill decorative tins for holiday gifts and teacher appreciation. It also makes the perfect road trip companion or movie night treat. Sometimes we just pour it over a big baking sheet in the middle of the table for a totally casual snack fest.

Cultural and Historical Context

Chex Mix is a nostalgic American classic first appearing on cereal boxes in the 1950s as a make at home party mix. Over time home cooks turned the recipe into a canvas for endless variations, but the real-life homemade batch with butter and real seasonings has never gone out of style in my circle.

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in candy coated chocolate drops for a holiday twist
Use pumpkin pie spice and candied pecans for autumn flavor
Mix in wasabi peas and sesame sticks to give an Asian inspired pop

Success Stories

Last year I brought tins of this as gifts for coworkers and they handed back empty tins with a request for a refill Everyone from kids to grandparents grabs seconds or thirds Enthusiasm always runs high when this tray hits the table.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze portion the fully cooled Chex Mix into zipper bags. Lay flat so it takes up less space. Thaw at room temp before eating and re-crisp in a low oven if needed.

This is the ultimate crowd pleaser for snacking and gifting. You will love how easily it comes together and how quickly it disappears!

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you ensure even seasoning throughout the Chex Mix?

Thoroughly toss the snack blend with gloves as you drizzle the seasoned butter, then toss again on baking sheets for full coverage.

→ What nuts work best for this Chex Mix?

A mix of cashews, almonds, walnuts, and peanuts provides rich flavor and texture. Choose unsalted or lightly salted for best balance.

→ Can I substitute different types of pretzels or chips?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite pretzel style or try different savory chips to put your own spin on the mix.

→ How should I store the finished mix for freshness?

Once completely cool, store in airtight containers or tins to maintain crispiness and flavor for days or even weeks.

→ Is it possible to double or triple this batch?

This mix is ideal for scaling up. Use a very large vessel for mixing and prepare extra baking sheets to spread it out evenly.

→ Can I make this Chex Mix spicy?

Add more hot sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the seasoning blend to ramp up the heat to your liking.