There’s nothing like a big bowl of crunchy, savory Chex Mix to bring people together.
This classic snack combines cereal, nuts, pretzels, crackers, and bagel chips, all tossed in buttery seasoning and baked to golden perfection.
It’s easy to make ahead and absolutely irresistible for parties, holidays, or everyday munching.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The mix is packed with texture—crispy cereal, salty nuts, crunchy pretzels, and cheesy crackers.
The buttery Worcestershire seasoning adds deep, savory flavor with a hint of garlic and onion.
It’s baked low and slow for the perfect crunch every time.
You can easily customize it with your favorite mix-ins.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chex cereal provides the base with three kinds—corn, rice, and wheat—for variety.
Mixed nuts add a salty, hearty crunch to balance the flavors.
Mini pretzels bring that classic salty snap.
Cheese crackers add a savory, cheesy bite.
Bagel chips provide extra crunch and sturdiness in every handful.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Stir the mix every 15 minutes while baking to avoid uneven seasoning.
Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness.
Break full-size bagel chips into smaller pieces for easier eating.
Let the Chex Mix cool completely before storing—it crisps up as it cools.
How to Make Chex Mix
Step 1 – Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Step 2 – Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, nuts, pretzels, cheese crackers, and bagel chips. T
oss gently to mix.
Step 3 – Prepare the seasoning butter
Melt butter in a saucepan.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Step 4 – Coat the mix
Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5 – Bake until crisp
Spread the mixture onto two large baking sheets.
Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Step 6 – Cool and store
Cool completely before serving.
Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
What to Serve Them With
Serve as a party snack alongside drinks and appetizers.
Pair with cheese boards for a crunchy contrast.
Keep it handy for road trips, game nights, or movie marathons.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap peanuts for cashews, almonds, or mixed nuts.
Add goldfish crackers, rye chips, or popcorn for variety.
Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the butter mix.
Storage & Leftovers
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
For longer storage, freeze in sealed bags for up to 2 months.
Refresh by baking at 250°F for 10 minutes if it loses crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this in the microwave?
Yes, cook on high in 1-minute increments for about 5–6 minutes, stirring each time.
Can I use just one type of Chex cereal?
Yes, but using all three gives the best variety and texture.
How do I keep the mix crunchy?
Be sure to bake it low and slow, and let it cool completely before storing.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free Chex cereal and substitute with gluten-free pretzels and crackers.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use more baking sheets so the mix spreads out evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Chex Mix is everything a snack should be—savory, crunchy, and addictive.
It’s versatile, easy to make in big batches, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Once you try homemade, you’ll never want the store-bought version again.

The Best Homemade Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal 3 cups each of corn, rice, and wheat
- 1 cup mixed nuts or roasted salted peanuts
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1½ cups cheese crackers such as Cheez-Its
- 1½ cups mini bagel chips or broken full-size bagel chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113 g
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Method
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Mix cereal, nuts, pretzels, crackers, and bagel chips in a large bowl.
- Melt butter, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour butter mixture over dry mix and toss well.
- Spread evenly on two baking sheets. Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/the-best-homemade-chex-mix/
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
- Store at room temperature up to 2 weeks.
- Great for gifting in jars or bags during the holidays.