Name: Chex Mix Recipe: Crunchy and Savory
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Corn Chex; 3 cups Rice Chex; 2 cups Wheat Chex; 1 cup mini pretzels; 1 cup mixed nuts; 1 cup bagel chips; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 tsp seasoned salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Optional: Parsley; Suggested Pairings: Cheese platter (sparkling water)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Chex Mix is a classic snack, perfect for game nights, holiday parties, or casual snacking. Its crunchy blend of cereals, nuts, and pretzels, coated in a savory, buttery seasoning, delivers a satisfying, addictive bite. Served in a white ceramic bowl, optionally garnished with fresh parsley, this Chex Mix creates a vibrant, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a traditional Chex Mix, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served at room temperature for a crisp, flavorful experience.

Ingredients

For the Chex Mix:

3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup mini pretzels
1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., peanuts, almonds)
1 cup bite-sized bagel chips or cheese crackers
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

For Serving:

Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
Suggested Accompaniments: Cheese platter, veggies with dip
Suggested Pairings: Sparkling water, light beer
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
Suggested Equipment: Large mixing bowl, baking sheet, microwave-safe bowl

Step-by-Step Process

Prep Oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, mixed nuts, and bagel chips. Toss gently to mix.
Make Seasoning: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter (about 30-45 seconds). Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until blended.
Coat Mix: Pour the seasoning mixture over the cereal mixture. Toss gently with a spatula or hands until evenly coated, being careful not to crush the cereal.
Bake: Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet, about 20 minutes, to crisp up.
Serve: Transfer to a white ceramic bowl. Optionally, garnish with parsley. Serve at room temperature with a cheese platter, veggies with dip, sparkling water, or light beer.

Tips for Better Chex Mix

Use fresh cereal for maximum crunch; stale cereal softens quickly.
Stir gently when mixing to avoid breaking delicate pieces.
Melt the butter fully for smooth seasoning distribution.
Stir during baking to prevent uneven toasting or burning.
Cool completely before serving to achieve a crisp texture.
Adjust seasoned salt to taste; reduce to 1 tsp for less sodium.
Use a large bowl for easy tossing without spills.
Enhance aesthetic: Sprinkle parsley sparingly and serve in a white ceramic bowl for a vibrant look.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Chex Mix: Use only Corn and Rice Chex (Wheat Chex contains gluten), replace pretzels and bagel chips with gluten-free versions.
Vegan Chex Mix: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use vegan Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
Spicy Chex Mix: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tbsp hot sauce to the seasoning mix.
Sweet-Savory Chex Mix: Add 1 cup honey-roasted peanuts and 1 tbsp brown sugar to the seasoning.
Low-Sodium Chex Mix: Reduce seasoned salt to 1/2 tsp and use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce.
Ranch Chex Mix: Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix to the seasoning blend.
Cheesy Chex Mix: Toss with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan after baking while still warm.
Nut-Free Chex Mix: Omit nuts and increase pretzels or crackers by 1 cup.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks.
Do not refrigerate or freeze; moisture softens the mix.
Serve at room temperature for the best crunch; a warm mix may be chewy.
Refresh stale mix by baking at 250°F for 10 minutes, then cooling.
Use leftovers as a salad topping or soup crunch.
Don’t leave exposed to air; it loses crispness quickly.
Pair with light snacks, like fruit, to balance saltiness.
Presented in a white ceramic bowl with parsley for an inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 12 servings (1 cup each):

Calories: 220 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 480mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 6% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
Calcium: 6% Daily Value
Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in sodium and moderate in fat; try low-sodium or gluten-free versions. Serve with veggies for balance.

Conclusion

This Chex Mix recipe offers a crunchy, savory snack perfect for any occasion. It turns simple ingredients into a party classic. Its easy preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The crisp cereal and bold seasoning, with delicate garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its addictive appeal.