How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (2024)

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By

Linda Larsen

Linda Larsen

Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Updated on 01/6/23

Tested by

Tracy Wilk

How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (1)

Tested byTracy Wilk

Tracy Wilk is a professional pastry chef, recipe developer and chef instructor, and, most importantly, a firm believer in sprinkles.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 40 mins

Total: 45 mins

Servings: 16 servings

Yield: 8 cups

199 ratings

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Chex Party Mix is an easy, classic snack that has been remade countless times over the years. This version is called "real original" because it is based on the recipe taken directly off the back of a 1950s Chexcereal box. The updated "original" Chex Mix recipe adds bite-sized pretzels, bagel chips, and introduces Corn Chex to the mix (a variety that was not released until 1958).

There is some contradiction as to which is the true "original" recipe, though there's little difference. In a 1952 magazine ad, another version skips the pretzels, combines equal parts of Rice and Wheat Chex, and uses less seasoning. It also recommends butter while this cereal box recipe suggested margarine. As some people prefer the taste of butter, whichever you decide to use is entirely up to you.

The improvisation and versatility is the real genius of Chex Party Mix. That's why it has remained a favorite for so long, particularly around the holidays, with families passing on their own "secret" recipes. Every element is customizable and making it from scratch allows you to change this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs. Skip the nuts, add other types of snack foods, reduce the salt, make it vegan or gluten-free, or give it a sweet or spicy spin.

Serve it with other snack mixes for a great spread at holiday parties or game nights. The salty, savory, crunchy combination is delicious and fills your kitchen with a familiar, inviting aroma. In fact, Chex Mix is so good that it rarely lasts long once the bowl is set on the table.

How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (2)

"When it comes to the OG party snacks, Chex Mix definitely makes the top of the list. It's a classic for a reason, and there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. I love the idea of making this homemade because you can change the flavor, seasoning, and anything else to suit your taste buds." —Tracy Wilk

How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (3)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons seasoned salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

  • 3 cups Wheat Chex square cereal

  • 2 cups Rice Chex square cereal

  • 1 1/2 cups nuts such as peanuts, pecans, or cashews (or mixed nuts)

  • 1 1/2 cups small pretzel rods

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat theoven to 275 F.

    How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (4)

  2. Melt themargarine or butter in a shallow pan over low heat. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and garlic salt.

    How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (5)

  3. Combine theWheat Chex, Rice Chex, nuts, and pretzel rods in a large bowl and drizzle with half of the butter mixture. Carefully mix with a wooden spoon to avoid breaking the pretzels and cereal squares. Repeat with the remaining butter mixture, evenly coating all the pieces.

    How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (6)

  4. Place the mix in a shallow baking pan with sides. Bake for 25 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to evenly toast the mixture.

    How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (7)

  5. Cool for at least 15 minutes and enjoy.

    How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (8)

Make Chex Party Mix in the Microwave

Since Chex Mix was first developed, microwaves have become an essential kitchen appliance and they make this snack even quicker and easier. Combine the cereals, pretzels, and nuts in a large microwave-safe bowl. In the microwave, melt the butter in a smaller bowl for about 40 seconds uncovered, then stir in the seasonings. Pour the butter mix over the dry ingredients and microwave on the high setting for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Spread the snack mix onto paper towels to cool.

Recipe Variations

  • Create a custom mix of Corn, Rice, and Wheat Chex in any proportion. Retain the recipe's total of five cups.
  • Use unseasoned salt or reduce the salt if you prefer. The 1952 recipe uses just 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic salt for 1/3 cup of butter, for instance. Other variations use equal parts of salt and garlic powder.
  • For a vegan version, use margarine, vegan butter, or olive oil and switch to a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
  • To make a gluten free version, substitute rice or corn Chex for the wheat Chex cereal and replace the pretzels with gluten free mini pretzels or simply add more gluten free Chex cereal instead.
  • Add cheese crackers or other bite-sized snacks, potato chips, or other cereals like Cheerios.
  • Turn up the heat with a spicy Chex Mix recipe that uses sriracha, cayenne, and hot cheese snacks.

How to Store

Chex Mix will keep well for a few weeks as long as it's stored in an airtight container and is properly sealed up every time someone grabs a handful. There's no need to refrigerate it. However, it really is better when fresh. Make it 1 to 3 days ahead of time for the best results.

How Do You Keep Chex Mix From Getting Soggy?

To avoid soggy Chex mix, make sure to toss the ingredients well with the butter mixture and spread out on a large pan. Keeping toasting in the oven and tossing until the Chex mix is well-coated and dry. It will further dry out as it cools.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
295Calories
13g Fat
38g Carbs
9g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories295
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g17%
Saturated Fat 5g24%
Cholesterol 15mg5%
Sodium 315mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 38g14%
Dietary Fiber 6g20%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 0mg2%
Calcium 32mg2%
Iron 2mg12%
Potassium 241mg5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Recipe Tags:

  • chips
  • chex mix
  • appetizer
  • american

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How You Can Serve the Original Chex Mix at Your Next Shindig (2024)

FAQs

What was the original Chex? ›

Chex is an American brand of breakfast cereal currently manufactured by General Mills. It was originally known as Shredded Ralston, first produced in 1936 and owned by Ralston Purina of St. Louis, Missouri, then later renamed Chex in 1950.

What is each thing in Chex Mix called? ›

Though contents vary, the mixes generally include an assortment of Chex cereals, chips, hard breadsticks, pretzels, nuts or bagel bites. There are also commercially sold pre-made varieties of Chex Mix sold by the maker of Chex Cereals. They look similar to Trail Mix with Nuts.

How long can you keep Chex Party Mix? ›

Chex Mix will keep well for a few weeks as long as it's stored in an airtight container and is properly sealed up every time someone grabs a handful. There's no need to refrigerate it. However, it really is better when fresh. Make it 1 to 3 days ahead of time for the best results.

Are Chex mixes healthy? ›

But sadly, what makes it taste so good also makes Chex Mix not the healthiest option. It's full of refined grains, sugar, and tons of sodium. That's why I love to make my own healthy, Gluten Free Chex mix that's just as addicting without the ultra-processed stuff.

What is the Chex Mix slogan? ›

It takes. a Mix

The unique mixes of flavor and crunch you love!

Why is Chex Mix so good? ›

Chex mix is the ultimate DIY snack. It's crunchy, just the right amount of salty, and stays good for several weeks, making it the perfect thing to keep on the counter for midday or pre-dinner nibbling. Plus, our version can be made with whatever cereal, toasted nuts, and crunchy snacks you've stocked up on.

What is the fancy name for Chex Mix? ›

Chex mix (aka nuts n' bolts), a classic American snack that's a staple in American homes, especially during football games and holiday gatherings, combines Chex cereal with nuts and other bite-sized treats, seasoned and baked until crispy.

What is the best thing in Chex Mix? ›

Corn Chex

Corn Chex are indisputably the best part of a bag of Chex Mix. If you've ever tasted Corn Chex on their own, you know they don't need to be doused in seasoning to be enjoyable—you could easily eat them plain.

How old is Chex? ›

80+ Years. Since 1937, Chex has been committed to making a pantry staple that people love.

Is it cheaper to make your own Chex Mix? ›

The three types of cereal are usually Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Wheat Chex. Beyond that, pretzels, peanuts, and some kind of cracker or rye chip are standard. Is it cheaper to buy Chex Mix or make your own? Homemade Chex Mix is cheaper AND better tasting than anything you can buy at the store.

Why isn't Chex Mix sold in Canada? ›

Chex has really not caught on as a brand in Canada. Although many other products of General Mills, like Cheerios, are very popular, Chex is seen as a “niche” product. General Mills has five factories in Canada, and that means that they really can't afford to produce their entire product line up here.

Can you reheat Chex Mix? ›

You can bring them back to an edible state by heating them in the oven. This works wonderfully for snacks like crackers, Chex mix, tortilla chips, pretzels and even whole loaves of bread.

Which chex is healthiest? ›

Unlike other Chex varieties, Wheat Chex are made from 100% whole-grain wheat. One serving contains only 130 calories but boasts 7 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber. While it is on the higher end for sugars, the overall nutrient profile of this cereal is still noteworthy.

Can dogs eat original Chex Mix? ›

There isn't anything dangerous in the chex mix other than the fact that she may start vomiting or have diarrhea in a day or two. For now make sure she has plenty of water and you can offer some of her regular food.

Is Chex Mix healthier than Doritos? ›

13) Chex Mix: Fewer calories and the same amount of sodium as Doritos and Fritos, but more carbohydrates. Plus, nobody likes every single item in the mix (the rye chips, in particular, can be as divisive as broccoli).

Did Chex Mix used to have peanuts in it? ›

Indeed, after this tasting I found the argument that peanuts upset the balance of Chex Mix very curious, as a Chex Mix without nuts is all crunchy carbs. Uniformity is not balance. It is, however, a little boring. This is probably why the original Chex Mix recipe called for the addition of nuts in the first place.

When did Chex start selling Muddy Buddies? ›

It is a popular candy to make for children and adults alike. General Mills has made their own version of the candy, which they began selling under the name of Chex Mix Muddy Buddies in 2010, and it has been popular under that name in certain parts of the country since at least the 1980s.

What happened to Bran Chex? ›

General Mills on X: "@HardySpire Sadly Multi Bran Chex slowly lost distribution in stores. It was in fact recently discontinued.

What happened to peanut lovers Chex Mix? ›

Not long ago, the Peanut Lovers Chex Mix was discontinued.

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