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Are you on a quest to find the perfect snack? One that’s a little crunchy, a bit spicy, and a whole lot of YUM? BOOM! Here comes my Firecracker Chex Mix Recipe!
This homemade Chex Mix recipe is sure to light up your taste buds. It’s crunchy, zesty and full of flavor.
Eat it alone or bring it to family gatherings. Take it on a road trip! Wherever you enjoy it, this quick snack is tasty and satisfying.
Remember those holiday tins filled with a mix of cereal, nuts, and pretzels? Yep, this is like that, but better! Plus, it’s homemade, so you get to control the ingredients.
It’s easy to make and great for movie night, game day, or just when you need that perfect snack. Every time I’ve served it, this easy recipe has become a crowd favorite.
Trust me, this is going to be your new favorite thing. And don’t worry! I’ve lined up a simple recipe for you that you really can’t go wrong with.
I think I’ve said before that my hubby Jeremy is a Chex mix superfan. Growing up, he tells me that he always had some of this on hand.
So, when he says this is the best stuff he’s ever had, I really think that’s saying something. Let’s jump into this Chex Mix recipe so you can get started on your own batch!
Some of our other favorite snack recipes we have on our site include: Easy Crispy Buffalo Chicken Air Fryer Wontons, Easy Mummy Pretzel Dogs Recipe (Perfect for Halloween), and Homemade Cheez-Its Recipe (Cheddar Cheese Crackers).
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Versatility: Whether you want it spicy, sweet, or somewhere in between, this recipe can be adjusted to fit your taste buds!
- Flavor Overload: The blend of savory Worcestershire sauce, aromatic onion and garlic powder, and spicy cayenne pepper create a flavor explosion!
- Easy to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients from your grocery store, you’re on your way to snacking heaven. It’s the good stuff on an easy recipe card!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Unsalted butter
- Worcestershire sauce
- Ranch dressing mix
- Light brown sugar
- Dried Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Corn Chex
- Wheat Chex
- Rice Chex
- Cheez-its
- Mini pretzels
- Mini club crackers (or oyster crackers)
- Mixed nuts
HOW TO MAKE CHEX MIX RECIPE:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Place the butter in a medium saucepot and melt it over medium-low heat.
- Stir in the Worcestershire, ranch dressing mix, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Continue to stir until combined and the sugar has melted; take off the heat and set aside.
- Place the corn Chex, wheat Chex, rice Chex, cheez-its, pretzels, club crackers, and nuts into a large bowl and gently toss to combine.
- Pour the sauce over the mix, again gently toss to combine so everything is coated in the sauce.
- Place the mixture on a large sheet tray in a single layer; you may need to use two sheet trays.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely and enjoy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
IS THIS SPICY?
While the Firecracker Chex Mix does have a kick, it’s not overly spicy. However, if you’re a fan of extra heat, feel free to up the cayenne and chili flakes!
In the end, this is your own Chex mix recipe and you can enjoy it how you like it.
CAN YOU FREEZE CHEX MIX?
Absolutely! Stored in an airtight container, this snack can be frozen for up to 4 months. Pretty awesome, right?
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Yes! This mix keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a month. Perfect for holiday season prep!
ANY ADDITIONS?
You bet your boots! Check out this list. I’m sure there is something you’d like here.
- Bagel chips for added crunch
- Fresh garlic for a zesty punch
- Rye chips for a rustic flavor
- Macadamia nuts for a tropical touch
- Sunflower seeds for a nutty touch
- Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy-sweet mix-in
- Chili powder for an extra spice kick
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Of course! I always like to get you some ways to swap things out.
- Maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile
- Sweet paprika in place of smoked paprika
- Almonds or cashews instead of mixed nuts
- Oyster crackers if you can’t find mini club crackers
- Seasoning salt in lieu of the ranch dressing mix
HOW TO STORE:
Room Temp: This mix is best at room temperature for up to a month in an airtight container or bag.
Freezer: In an airtight container, freeze for up to 4 months. Allow it to reach room temperature before munching!
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- For the best results, always use fresh ingredients. Stale cereal or nuts can affect the overall texture.
- Mix cereals gently to prevent breakage. We want whole pieces for that satisfying crunch!
- While the original recipe calls for baking, consider trying a slow cooker Chex mix recipe for a fun twist.
- Add your personal touch! Use other mix-ins or seasonings to your taste.
- Want an even coat of flavor? Use a large bowl to mix, ensuring every piece gets a fair share of the sauce.
- Let the mix cool completely before storing. This ensures it remains crispy and doesn’t become soggy.
This homemade Firecracker Chex Mix recipe truly has it all: crunchy cereal, spicy seasonings, and a mix of flavors that dance on your tongue. Whether you’re making a big batch for a holiday tin gift or just whipping up a bowl for movie night, it’s the perfect snack for any occasion.
Remember, the key to a great Chex Mix Recipe is in the mix of ingredients and the love you pour into making it. Enjoy every bite and happy snacking!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this CHEX MIX RECIPE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Firecracker Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ounce packet ranch dressing mix
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Mix:
- 3 cups corn Chex
- 3 cups wheat Chex
- 3 cups rice Chex
- 1 & 1/2 cups cheez-its
- 1 & 1/2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 & 1/2 cups mini club crackers
- 10 ounces mixed nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Place the butter in a medium saucepot and melt it over medium-low heat.1 cup unsalted butter
- Stir in the Worcestershire, ranch dressing mix, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne.1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 1 ounce packet ranch dressing mix, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 & 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, 1 & 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Continue to stir until combined and the sugar has melted; take off the heat and set aside.
- Place the corn Chex, wheat Chex, rice Chex, cheez-its, pretzels, club crackers, and nuts into a large bowl and gently toss to combine.3 cups corn Chex, 3 cups wheat Chex, 3 cups rice Chex, 1 & 1/2 cups cheez-its, 1 & 1/2 cups mini pretzels, 1 & 1/2 cups mini club crackers, 10 ounces mixed nuts
- Pour the sauce over the mix, again gently toss to combine so everything is coated in the sauce.
- Place the mixture on a large sheet tray in a single layer; you may need to use two sheet trays.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely and enjoy.
Notes
- For the best results, always use fresh ingredients. Stale cereal or nuts can affect the overall texture.
- Mix cereals gently to prevent breakage. We want whole pieces for that satisfying crunch!
- While the original recipe calls for baking, consider trying a slow cooker Chex mix recipe for a fun twist.
- Add your personal touch! Use other mix-ins or seasonings to your taste.
- Want an even coat of flavor? Use a large bowl to mix, ensuring every piece gets a fair share of the sauce.
- Let the mix cool completely before storing. This ensures it remains crispy and doesn’t become soggy.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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I have tried soooo many Chex/snack mix recipes once over the years. This is the first one that I will make again. Honestly probably the last recipe I need. I don’t feel like I need to search anymore! Thank you for sharing this recipe! Great flavor with a little kick!!