Name: Original Homemade Chex Party Mix Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups Corn Chex cereal; 3 cups Rice Chex cereal; 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal; 1 cup mixed nuts; 1 cup bite-size pretzels; 1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces; 6 tablespoons butter or margarine; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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Get ready to bring some serious nostalgia and big snack energy to your next gathering with this irresistible Original Homemade Chex Party Mix! This classic munchie is everything you want in a party snack: crunchy, savory, and absolutely packed with addictive flavors. Whether you’re prepping for game night, a movie marathon, holiday get-together, or just craving a salty treat, this iconic recipe brings folks together—and disappears even faster than you’d expect.

Original Homemade Chex Party Mix Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Original Homemade Chex Party Mix is in its simple, balanced mix of textures and bold flavors. Each ingredient adds a unique contribution—some bring crispiness, others bring that toasty, nutty depth, and a few offer a truly crave-worthy zing.

3 cups Corn Chex cereal: These add a light, crisp bite and mild sweetness that balances out the savory elements.
3 cups Rice Chex cereal: The rice variety lends an airy crunch and soaks up seasoning like a dream.
3 cups Wheat Chex cereal: With a hearty texture and wholesome flavor, these anchor the mix and offer earthy undertones.
1 cup mixed nuts: Nuts provide roasted richness and satisfying flavor contrast; choose your favorites for a personal touch!
1 cup bite-size pretzels: Pretzels add a golden crunch and just the right amount of salty snap in every handful.
1 cup garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips (or regular chips, broken): These crunchy bites soak up extra savory flavor, adding something unique and extra satisfying.
6 tablespoons butter or margarine: Melted butter is the backbone of the signature coating, making every morsel golden and packed with flavor.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire brings deep umami and a little tamarind tang—a non-negotiable for classic party mix.
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt: This is your shortcut to savory, craveable, perfectly seasoned snacking.
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder boosts the savory aroma and makes this mix totally addictive.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder rounds out the flavor, giving the mix depth and subtle sweetness.

How to Make Original Homemade Chex Party Mix

Step 1: Mix Your Crunchy Base

Start by grabbing a huge microwavable bowl—this is your party mix’s future home! Toss in the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, mixed nuts, pretzels, and bagel chips. This jumble of textures and shapes is seriously satisfying before you even add the flavor. Give everything a quick toss to set the stage for even seasoning later on.

Step 2: Melt and Mix the Butter Seasoning

In a small microwavable bowl, melt your butter (about 40 seconds usually does the trick, but watch so it doesn’t bubble over!). Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. This buttery, savory liquid is the secret behind every craveable bite of Original Homemade Chex Party Mix. Stir until everything’s totally combined and aromatic.

Step 3: Evenly Coat the Mix

Pour that gorgeous melted butter mixture right over your cereal-nut mixture in the big bowl. Right away, get in there with a spatula or big spoon and toss it all together—gently, to avoid crushing anything, but thoroughly, so every nook and cranny gets some seasoning love. Take a moment to breathe in the amazing aroma wafting up; this is what makes your kitchen smell like a holiday.

Step 4: Microwave Until Toasty and Fragrant

Pop the bowl (uncovered!) into your microwave and cook on High for 5 to 6 minutes, giving the mixture a really good stir every 2 minutes. Stirring is key for the Original Homemade Chex Party Mix; it keeps everything toasting evenly and prevents sogginess. Once it’s all hot, crisp, and the scent makes your mouth water, you’re good to go.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Carefully spread the hot party mix onto a layer of paper towels, letting it cool completely—this step locks in irresistible crunch. Once cooled, transfer your bounty to an airtight container to keep it fresh and crisp for days (if it lasts that long!).

How to Serve Original Homemade Chex Party Mix

Garnishes

Go for a little extra flair by sprinkling a touch more seasoned salt or tossing in fresh chopped herbs like chives or a dash of smoked paprika. A handful of colorful candy-coated chocolates or dried cranberries can add a festive pop for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Serve your Original Homemade Chex Party Mix alongside dips like ranch, warm cheese, or spicy salsa to create a full-on snack board. Pair with veggie sticks, olives, or a fruit platter for a spread that’s both flavorful and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your masterpiece in a giant glass bowl, fill individual snack bags for party favors, or pile it high in a rustic wooden tray for buffet-style munching. For ultimate game-day vibes, serve the mix in paper cones or cups for easy, mess-free grazing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Original Homemade Chex Party Mix crisp by transferring it into airtight containers or resealable bags once completely cool. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 2 weeks—though you’ll likely polish it off much sooner.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze party mix! Store cooled mix in freezer-safe bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Frozen, it keeps for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving; the mix will return to its crunchy best.

Reheating

If your mix starts to lose its crunch, spread it on a baking sheet and heat it in a 250-degree-F oven for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let it cool again for ultimate crispness—just like new!

FAQs

Can I bake this party mix instead of microwaving?

Absolutely! Simply spread everything on a large baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees F for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This method adds an even deeper toastiness—perfect for larger batches.

What nuts work best in Original Homemade Chex Party Mix?

The classic recipe uses mixed nuts, but you can focus on your favorites like peanuts, pecans, almonds, or even cashews. Just make sure they’re roasted and unsalted (or lightly salted for a savory kick).

Can I make this gluten free?

Yes! Just double-check that your cereals, pretzels, and bagel chips are certified gluten free. There are many gluten free options available now for every component.

How do I make the mix spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or a shake of your favorite hot sauce to the butter mixture for a fiery twist.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

Yes, substitute a plant-based butter and ensure Worcestershire sauce is vegan (some brands are, or use soy sauce as a swap). Vegan versions can taste just as incredible!

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly joyful about making and sharing a big batch of Original Homemade Chex Party Mix. It’s the kind of snack that sparks a little nostalgia and a lot of smiles with every crunchy handful. Give it a try for your next gathering—you might just start a new tradition!

Original Homemade Chex Party Mix Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: About 9 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Original Homemade Chex Party Mix is a classic party snack that’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings or snacking at home. With a savory, seasoned flavor and a satisfying crunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

Cereal Mix: In a large microwavable bowl, combine the cereals, nuts, pretzels, and bagel chips; set aside.

Seasonings: In a small microwavable bowl, microwave the butter uncovered on High for about 40 seconds or until melted. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour the seasoned butter over the cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.

Microwave: Microwave the mixture uncovered on High for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring thoroughly every 2 minutes. Spread the mixture on paper towels to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

This snack mix can be customized with your favorite nuts or additional seasonings for a unique twist.
Feel free to double the recipe for larger gatherings or to have extra on hand.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Microwave
Cuisine: American