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To make holiday Chex mix, you need these key ingredients: - 3 cups Rice Chex cereal - 3 cups Corn Chex cereal - 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal - 1 cup mini pretzels - 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, and walnuts) - 1 cup holiday M&M's or chocolate-covered candies - 1 cup popped popcorn (unsalted) - 1 stick unsalted butter (melted) - 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt to taste Feel free to mix it up! Here are some fun ideas: - Add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for sweetness. - Swap nuts for your favorites, like pecans or peanuts. - Use flavored popcorn for extra taste. - Try different spices, like Italian seasoning or ranch mix for a twist. You can make this recipe fit your needs. Here are some easy swaps: - For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free Chex cereals. - Substitute coconut oil if you want a dairy-free option. - If you prefer less salt, use low-sodium Worcestershire sauce. - You can leave out the cayenne if you want a milder snack. These ingredients make our holiday Chex mix a tasty and festive treat. Adjust them to fit your family’s tastes and enjoy! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need three cups each of Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Wheat Chex. Add one cup of mini pretzels, mixed nuts, holiday M&M's, and popped popcorn. Use a large bowl to mix these crunchy snacks together gently. Make sure everything is evenly combined. Next, melt one stick of unsalted butter in a microwave or on the stove. In another bowl, whisk the melted butter with 1/4 cup of Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. This mix will give your Chex mix a tasty kick. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the buttery mix over your dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold everything together until every piece gets a coat of flavor. Spread the mix evenly on the baking sheet. Bake it for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This step is key to getting the perfect crunch. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. Once the hour is up, take the Chex mix out of the oven. Let it cool on the baking sheet. This cooling time is important. It helps the mix become crispy and delicious. After it has cooled completely, you can store the Chex mix in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for weeks. If you want to share, put it in a fun bowl or package it in bags with ribbons. Enjoy this festive snack at your next gathering! To get that crunchy texture, use a mix of cereals. I like Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex. They all add different textures. Bake the mix at low heat. This lets it dry out slowly. Stir every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. After baking, let it cool completely. This step makes it extra crispy. Seasoning is key to great flavor. Use Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Smoked paprika gives warmth. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper. Just a pinch of salt can balance the flavors too. Mix these well with melted butter before adding to the dry ingredients. Serve your Holiday Chex Mix in a fun bowl. A colorful, festive bowl catches the eye. You can also package it in small bags. Tie them with ribbons for gifts. This makes a great snack for parties. It’s easy to share and enjoy with friends and family. Pro Tips Storage Matters: Ensure that your Chex mix is stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunch for as long as possible. Customize It: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or snacks. You can even add dried fruits for a sweet twist! Even Coating: When mixing the buttery coating with the dry ingredients, use a spatula to fold gently, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like cumin or cinnamon to create unique flavor profiles for your Chex mix. {{image_4}} You can mix sweet and savory flavors in your Holiday Chex Mix. Try adding caramel popcorn for a sweet crunch. You can also swap in some chocolate-covered pretzels for a tasty twist. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can add a chewy sweetness. This balance makes each bite exciting and fun. Seasonal flavors can bring joy to your Chex Mix. For fall, add pumpkin spice seasoning to the mix. This gives a warm, cozy taste. In winter, consider adding crushed peppermint candies for a minty touch. For spring, use lemon zest and a dash of vanilla for a fresh flavor. These ideas keep your mix festive and bright throughout the year. Kids love fun snacks. To make a kid-friendly version, focus on colorful and tasty treats. Use fruity cereal like Froot Loops or Cheerios. Instead of mixed nuts, use chocolate chips or mini marshmallows. You can even add colorful gummy candies for a splash of fun. These changes make the mix a hit at any kids’ party or gathering. To keep your Holiday Chex Mix fresh, use an airtight container. Glass jars or plastic bins work well. If you plan to share, consider using clear bags. This way, it stays crunchy and tasty. Always store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid warm areas, as heat can make it soggy. When stored properly, your Chex Mix can last up to two weeks. However, for the best taste, enjoy it within one week. After a week, check for any signs of moisture. If it feels soft, you can bake it again for a few minutes to regain crunch. If you want to serve your Chex Mix warm, reheat it in the oven. Spread it out on a baking sheet. Heat it at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes. Stir it halfway through for even warmth. This method brings back the fresh-baked flavor and crunch. Enjoy it at your gatherings or cozy nights in! Yes, you can! Feel free to swap any Chex cereal. For example, Cheerios or Special K work well. You can even add granola for a sweet twist. Just keep the same total amount to ensure balance. This mix is about your taste. Experiment and find what you love! To add some heat, use cayenne pepper. Start with a teaspoon and taste. If you want more, add a little more. You can also use spicy nuts or hot sauce in the buttery mix. This adds a nice kick. Mix and bake as usual for a spicy treat! The recipe is not gluten-free as it uses Wheat Chex. However, you can easily make it gluten-free. Just replace Wheat Chex with a gluten-free cereal. Check the labels on other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce. Make sure all items are gluten-free for safe snacking! You learned all about making Chex Mix, from ingredients to storage. We explored required and optional items. I shared tips for getting the best texture and flavors. Plus, I offered fun variations and ways to serve it. In the end, this mix is custom and easy. You can enjoy it at any gathering or snack time. Make it your own, and savor every bite!

Festive Holiday Chex Mix

A delightful and crunchy mix of cereals, pretzels, nuts, and chocolate, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
  • 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
  • 1 cup holiday M&M's or chocolate-covered candies
  • 1 cup popped popcorn (unsalted)
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
  • 0.25 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • to taste salt salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, mini pretzels, mixed nuts, holiday M&M's, and popped popcorn.
  • In a separate bowl, melt the unsalted butter and whisk it with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
  • Pour the buttery mixture over the dry snacks and gently fold until all components are coated.
  • Spread the Chex mix evenly on the baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
  • Transfer to an airtight container or serve in a festive bowl.

Notes

For an extra festive flair, serve in a decorative bowl or package in small bags tied with ribbons.
Keyword Chex mix, holiday snack, party mix