Holiday Chex Mix Recipe You’ll Make Every Season
Ever scramble to find the perfect snack that’ll satisfy everyone? We all want something easy but tasty, right? This holiday Chex mix recipe checks all those boxes.
It’s crunchy, savory, a little sweet, and ideal for family gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in.
Let’s jump in and make a batch that’ll disappear faster than the wrapping paper on Christmas morning!
What Makes Holiday Chex Mix Special?
The holidays bring people together, and so does this mix!
It’s packed with Chex cereal, nuts, pretzels, and just the right seasoning for a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to put down.
Whether you love the savory crunch or the sweet and spicy twist, this Chex mix can be tailored to make everyone happy.
Here’s what goes into making this mix unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient adds a little something to the mix’s flavor and crunch.
- Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex – These cereals create the base for a perfect crunch.
- Mini Pretzels – Add that salty kick and another layer of texture.
- Mixed Nuts – Almonds, peanuts, and cashews bring richness and a bit of natural sweetness.
- Bagel Chips or Cheese Crackers – Extra crunch and a slight tang for balance.
- Seasoned Salt – A hint of saltiness that ties it all together.
- Garlic and Onion Powder – Warm, savory notes to bring depth.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a unique umami flavor that makes each bite so satisfying.
- Butter – Helps the seasonings coat everything and gives a rich, golden taste.
If you’re looking to perfect your ingredient measurements for this recipe, check out our guide on how to measure dry ingredients for precise results every time.
Step-By-Step Holiday Chex Mix Recipe
1. Prep the Ingredients
Get your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set out your cereals, pretzels, and nuts in a big mixing bowl. You’ll need enough space to toss everything around.
2. Make the Seasoning Mixture
Melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt. Mix until it’s smooth and well-combined, then set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Coat the Mix
Pour the buttery seasoning over the cereal mix, stirring gently to coat every piece. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the coated mix on the baking sheet and bake for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning and make sure everything gets nice and toasty.
5. Cool and Store
Take the mix out and let it cool completely before storing. The flavors develop as it sits, so if you can resist, let it sit overnight for the best taste.
For tips on achieving the perfect crunch and texture, read our complete guide to roasting techniques, which can elevate your holiday Chex mix.
Holiday Chex Mix Recipe Recap
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Holiday Chex Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups (approx. 15 servings) 1x
Description
A crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet holiday Chex mix that’s perfect for festive gatherings or as a quick snack. This recipe combines the classic Chex mix flavors with a hint of rosemary to make it unique and deliciously aromatic, setting it apart from other recipes. Ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any occasion, this mix is sure to keep everyone reaching for more.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, peanuts, and cashews)
- 1 cup bagel chips or cheese crackers, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, nuts, and bagel chips (or cheese crackers). Gently toss to mix everything together evenly. - Make the Seasoning Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped rosemary. Stir until all ingredients are fully blended. - Coat the Cereal Mixture:
Pour the seasoning sauce over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to gently toss the mixture until every piece is evenly coated with the buttery seasoning. - Bake the Chex Mix:
Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent any pieces from burning and to ensure an even, golden crisp. - Cool and Store:
Remove the Chex mix from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. This mix can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Why Rosemary? Adding fresh rosemary gives a subtle pine-like aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with the holiday season, making this mix stand out from more common Chex mixes. It brings a warm, savory twist that enhances the classic seasonings without overpowering them.
- Serving Suggestions: Perfect for holiday parties, as a snack for family movie nights, or even packaged as a homemade holiday gift.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It should last up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 240
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Nutritional Insights
Curious about what’s in each handful? Here’s a quick breakdown of the main nutrients in a serving:
- Calories: Roughly 200-250 per serving
- Fat: 8-10 grams (from the butter and nuts)
- Protein: 4-5 grams (nuts add a boost)
- Carbohydrates: Around 30 grams
- Sodium: Approximately 300 mg, depending on the seasoning
Ingredient Alternatives
If you’re missing something or need a switch-up, here’s how to adjust:
- Wheat-Free: Substitute with gluten-free Chex and omit the bagel chips.
- Nut-Free: Try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for the crunch without allergens.
- No Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce or tamari works well for a similar taste.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter for the same results.
Want more ideas for serving holiday treats? Try our quick and festive 3-ingredient cornbread recipe as a perfect pairing for holiday gatherings.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Chex Mix
- Bake Low and Slow: Keeps everything crispy without burning.
- Stir Often: Prevents soggy spots and makes sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Let it Cool Fully: It’ll taste better and stay fresh longer.
- Store Properly: Airtight containers are best to keep it fresh for up to two weeks.
Holiday Chex Mix FAQ’s
Absolutely! Swap out the seasonings for cinnamon and sugar, add a touch of melted chocolate, and you’ll have a holiday mix with a sweet twist.
Keep it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for about two weeks at room temperature.
Yes, but you might want to go easy on the seasonings. Kids love the crunch!
Yes, it freezes well. Just let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
Try Crispix or even O-shaped cereals. They all add a unique texture.
Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
It can be! Just choose gluten-free cereals and omit any wheat-based add-ins.
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.