Think about what makes the perfect bite. To me, it’s all about a variety of textures. Consider the fried chicken sandwich. There’s a reason they’re currently all the rage at fast food restaurants. The crispy chicken, smooth sauce, crunchy pickle chips, and fluffy buttered bread come together and create a symphony of texture. A satisfying bite is what makes a meal memorable. I believe the same is true for snack food. When it comes to snacking, one texture is more appealing than all others—the addictively noisy crunch. As a crunch-lover, I can’t think of a more perfect snack food than Chex mix. The cereal-based blend has a variety of textures and the ability to take on almost any flavor profile. It’s the ideal candidate for leisurely snacking.
When was Chex Mix invented?
Our love affair with Chex mix began back in 1955, when the wife of Ralston Purina brought her homemade party mix to a holiday gathering. Does the name Purina sound familiar? If you’re thinking of dog food, then you’re on the right track. Before Purina started making puppy chow, he created the human chow we have come to know and love. Not to worry—the businesses have been kept entirely separate, so you won’t find any kibble in the classic blue bag. According to General Mills, Purina created the first version of pre-packaged Chex Mix in 1987. Back then, it was offered in just two flavors—traditional and cheddar. Nine years later the cereal conglomerate purchased Chex mix and expanded to offer the sixteen flavors we know today.
Making DIY Chex mix at home is an easy way to clear out your pantry, feed a crowd, or satisfy any cravings you may be having. I’ve broken down Chex mix snacking into three unique flavor profiles: sweet, savory, and spicy. All of these recipes can be altered or substituted based on what you have in your pantry. Get creative and try them out!
Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe
As a lover of the sweet and salty combo, I know that the balance of sugar and salt can make or break a snack. When you get it just right, it’s pure bliss. This sweet and salty Chex mix recipe is inspired by another nostalgic favorite: Seven-Layer bars. The sweet element comes from coconut flakes, graham cracker crumble, and a drizzle of dark chocolate. Topping with flaky sea salt balances it all out and completes this flavor profile.
- 2 Cups sweetened coconut, toasted
- 5 Cups chocolate Chex
- 4 Cups corn Chex
- 1 Cup Rolos, cut in half
- 1 Cup crushed graham crackers
- 6 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1 Cup chocolate chips, melted
- Flaky sea salt to top
- Powdered sugar, to top
Preheat the oven to 275ºF. Evenly distribute coconut on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Toast the coconut in the oven, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned. About 10 minutes. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine both Chex cereals and the Rolos.
Into a separate small bowl, crush the graham crackers with your hands, keeping some coin-sized chunks.
Pour the melted butter over the graham cracker crumbs and stir to combine (this will help it stick to the cereal).
After the toasted coconut has cooled, combine the coconut and graham cracker crumbles with the Chex and Rolo mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a fork or piping bag to drizzle the melted chocolate over the Chex mix. Add sea salt if desired.
Place the tray in the fridge to set. Once the chocolate has hardened, break apart the chunks, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy!
Savory Seasoned Chex Mix
For a savory chex mix, I wanted to create something that wasn’t just salty. This everything bagel-inspired Chex mix recipe is full of deep, savory flavor from Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and copious amounts of everything bagel seasoning. Add bagel chips and pretzels, and you’ll end up with a snack that has just as many flavors as textures.
- 6 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- ¼ Cup everything bagel seasoning
- 3 Cups rice Chex
- 3 Cups corn Chex
- 2 Cups wheat Chex
- 1 ½ Cups crushed pretzels
- 1 ½ Cups everything bagel chips
- 1 Cup potato chips
Preheat the oven to 250ºF.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and everything bagel seasoning.
Measure and combine all Chex cereals in a large bowl. Lightly crush pretzels and both chip varieties so they are bite-sized (roughly the size of the Chex) and add to the bowl.
Pour the butter mixture over the cereal and combine. Distribute the mix evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with more everything seasoning, if desired.
Bake at 250ºF for 15 minute intervals, tossing occasionally, until lightly toasted. Let cool and enjoy!
Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix Recipe
In any crowd, there is always someone who loves heat. How spicy? Well, now that’s the question! This recipe can be adjusted to satisfy everyone—from fans of mild spice to wicked-hot wing lovers. Simply add more buffalo sauce or ranch seasoning to tailor it to your needs, bake, and enjoy!
- 5 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 3 Tbsp. Buffalo ranch seasoning (or more if desired)
- ¼ Cup Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce (or more if desired)
- 3 Cups rice Chex
- 3 Cups corn Chex
- 2 Cups wheat Chex
- 1 ½ Cups Cheez-Its
- 1 ½ Cups pretzels, lightly crushed
- 1 ½ Cups bagel chips, lightly crushed
Preheat the oven to 250ºF.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Buffalo ranch seasoning, and Buffalo sauce. Stir to combine.
Measure and combine all Chex cereals in a large bowl. Lightly crush Cheez-Its, pretzels, and bagel chips with hands so they are bite-sized and add to mix.
Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and combine well. Distribute evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with additional Buffalo Ranch seasoning if desired.
Bake at 250ºF for 15 minute intervals, tossing occasionally, until lightly toasted. Let cool and enjoy!
Still feeling snacky? Try these homemade jalapeño poppers, it’s hard not to love them.