Real Original Chex Party Snack Mix

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
Photo of Tracy Wilk
Tested by Tracy 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

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 Chex cereal 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.

Chex party snack mix in white bowls

The Spruce Eats

"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

Chex Mix Party Mix close up image
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 the oven to 275 F.

    Ingredients for Chex Party Snack Mix gathered
     The Spruce

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

    Melting butter with Worcestershire sauce, and salts in a saucepan

    The Spruce Eats

  3. Combine the Wheat 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.

    Chex Party Snack Mix in a white bowl drizzled with part of the butter mix

    The Spruce Eats

  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.

    Chex Party Snack Mix in a 9 x 13 baking pan

    The Spruce Eats

  5. Cool for at least 15 minutes and enjoy. 

    Chex Party Snack Mix in white bowls on a circular rattan placemat

    The Spruce Eats

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.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
295 Calories
13g Fat
38g Carbs
9g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Amount per serving
Calories 295
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 315mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 6g 20%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 32mg 2%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 241mg 5%
*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.)