The Ultimate Homemade Chex Mix (Perfect for Parties & Gifting!)

If there’s one recipe that signals the start of the holiday season in my kitchen, it’s this big-batch, buttery, irresistibly crunchy Homemade Chex Mix. I’ve been making it for years, and every time I pull those roasting pans out of the oven, the smell alone brings people into the kitchen like a magnet.

This is not a small recipe. This is the “feed a crowd, fill some tins, and still have a stash for yourself” size—and that’s exactly why I love it. With plenty of cereals, nuts, and snack pieces, all coated in seasoned butter and baked low and slow, every handful is crunchy, salty perfection.

It’s perfect for holiday parties, teacher gifts, neighbor bundles, or simply stocking your own pantry with something to nibble on all season long. And once you make this version? Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe.

Highly-Addictive Chex Mix

The Ultimate Homemade Chex Mix

Ingredients

Seasoning Mix

• 1 lb butter (4 sticks)

• 2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt (Tony’s is perfect!)

• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  
  

Dry Mix

• 1 (12 oz) box Rice Chex

• 1 (15 oz) box Wheat Chex

• ½ box Cheerios

• 1 box Cheez-Its

• 10 oz sesame sticks (Fresh Market bins are great for these!)

• 34 oz Member’s Mark Deluxe Mixed Nuts with Sea Salt

• 1 (12 oz) can Virginia peanuts (salted)

• 1 (12 oz) can cashews

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 250°F.

2. Melt the butter and stir in the garlic powder, seasoned salt, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined.

3. In two large roasting pans, combine all cereals, nuts, and snack ingredients.

4. Drizzle the seasoned butter mixture evenly over both pans, stirring well to coat everything.

5. Bake for 2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.

6. Allow to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or gift tins.

   
   

This recipe stays crisp for weeks—as long as nobody finds your hiding spot.

Be a Food Fairy! What a perfect gift.

Fun Variations & Add-In Ideas

One of the best things about Chex Mix is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ways to change up the flavor or make seasonal versions:

1. Spicy Chex Mix

Add a kick!

• Add 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper to the butter mixture

• Add extra Worcestershire

• Toss in spicy peanuts or hot & spicy Cheez-Its

  
  

2. Ranch Chex Mix

Cool, herby, snackable.

• Add 1 packet ranch seasoning to the butter mix

• Add pretzels or miniature bagel chips

• Optional: sprinkle with Parmesan cheese after baking

  
  

3. Smoky BBQ Chex Mix

Sweet-smoky perfection.

• Add 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning + 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Swap Cheez-Its for BBQ crisps or seasoned crackers

• Add honey-roasted peanuts for extra depth

  
  

4. Sweet & Salty Holiday Mix

Festive and addictive.

• After cooling, toss in:

  • Red & green M&Ms

  • Yogurt-covered pretzels

  • Dried cranberries

• Reduce garlic powder to 1 tablespoon to keep the flavor balanced

  
  

5. “Everything Bagel” Chex Mix

Great with cocktails or charcuterie.

• Add 2–3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

• Swap sesame sticks for bagel chips

• Add garlic rye chips for crunch

  
  

6. Extra-Crunch Version

For the people who love the crispy bits.

• Add Bugles, pretzel twists, oyster crackers, or corn chips

• Increase the butter mixture slightly for extra coating

  
  

Perfect for Sharing (or Not!)

This Chex Mix fills your home with the coziest aroma and makes enough to share generously. It’s ideal for holiday gifting, party bowls, road trips, or just keeping on hand when friends stop by. Once you start making it, it becomes a yearly tradition—and one everyone looks forward to.