Ingredients

3 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or wheat mix)

1 cup pretzels (small twist or sticks)

1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pecans, and cashews)

1 cup bagged cheese crackers

½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will allow the Chex mix to bake evenly and develop crunchiness without burning.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, mixed nuts, and cheese crackers, stirring gently to combine without crushing the cereal.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well blended.

Step 4: Pour the butter mixture over the cereal and snacks mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly using a spatula or a large spoon until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly onto one or two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are in a single layer for even baking.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting. This will help each piece absorb the spicy seasoning and prevent burning.

Step 7: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the Chex mix cool completely on the baking sheets. It will become crunchier as it cools.

Step 8: Once cooled, transfer the Chex mix to an airtight container for storage. If desired, sprinkle with dried parsley for a touch of color before serving.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the hot sauce and cayenne pepper to control the spiciness according to your preference.

Try using different nuts or adding sunflower seeds for extra texture.

For a smoky twist, add a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked sea salt.

Use a lower oven temperature if your mix tends to brown too quickly before becoming crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make this Chex mix without nuts?

Yes, simply omit the mixed nuts if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free snack. The mix will still have plenty of crunch from the cereal, pretzels, and cheese crackers.

How do I make the Chex mix less spicy?

Reduce or omit the hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the seasoning mixture. You can also add a little more butter and Worcestershire sauce to keep the flavors balanced while lowering heat.