Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe - with Pretzels, Cheez-Its, and Chex Cereal! (2024)

by Jennifer Debth

27 Comments

5 from 4 votes

ThisSlow Cooker Chex Mixis easy to make and so addicting! A homemade version of a classic snack made with chex, crackers, and pretzels tossed in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce.

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  • General
  • Ingredients
  • How to make
  • Get the recipe
  • Step-by-step video
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to prevent sogginess
  • Why did my chex mix burn?
  • How to bake
  • Variations
  • How to store
  • Nutrition information

When I tell you this slow cooker chex mix is addicting, I mean, I personally polished off half a sheet pan before it had even finished cooling.

Ingredients

This snack mix is even better than store-bought chex mix and *almost* as easy as ripping open a bag.

  • Unsalted Butter– adds a rich, creamy, buttery flavor to the mix. Unsalted butter is definitely preferred in this recipe to avoid being overly salted.
  • Worcestershire Sauce– gives that classic salty, tangy, bold chex mix flavor.
  • Spices: Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix, Garlic Powder, and Chili Powder – ranch seasoning mix adds a creamy, herby, tangy flavor, garlic powder adds a nutty, earthiness, and the chili powder adds just a touch of smoky spice.
  • Chex Cereal– feel free to use rice chex, corn chex, or a combination of the two. Wheat chex may also be used.
  • Pretzels– salted, mini twisted pretzels provide the best flavor and texture, but any pretzel will be fine in a pinch.
  • Cheese Crackers – use Cheez-Its original to keep it classic, but play around with other flavors, if preferred, such as white cheddar, hot & spicy, etc.

How to make

Just few simple steps required to make this crockpot chex mix!

  1. Whisk together butter, worcestershire, ranch, garlic powder, and chili powder in a medium sized bowl.
  2. Place cereal, pretzels, and Cheeze-Its into a 6 quart crockpot, then toss with the sauce until evenly coated.
  3. Cover and cook on LOWfor 2-2.5 hours, stirring gently ever 30 minutes.
  4. Spread the chex mix onto a rimmed baking sheet to cool before serving.

Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe - with Pretzels, Cheez-Its, and Chex Cereal! (2)

How do you keep chex mix from getting soggy?

The key to avoiding soggy chex mix is to place a thin towel over the top of the crockpot before putting the lid on. This helps catch the condensation that forms on the lid as the chex mix cooks.

Be sure to also cool the chex completely before storing it in a sealed airtight container.

Why did my chex mix burn?

To prevent your chex mix from burning, make sure you’re stirring every 30 minutes throughout the 2 1/2 hour cook time. This re-distributes the mix-ins so the ones are the bottom aren’t cooking faster than those in the middle or on the top.

Pro tip

Make sure you stir gently so as not to break the chex cereal!

Can you bake slow cooker chex mix?

If you’re short on time, chex mix can be baked on a rimmed baking sheet lined with a silicone mat at 250ºF for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe - with Pretzels, Cheez-Its, and Chex Cereal! (3)

Variations

  • Use other mix-ins.Try rye chips, mixed nuts, oyster crackers, bagel chips, or other cereal.
  • Spice it up.Add a few drops of hot sauce or a few shakes of cayenne to the sauce for a kick of heat.

How to store

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

– Jennifer

Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe - with Pretzels, Cheez-Its, and Chex Cereal! (4)

Slow Cooker Chex Mix

5 from 4 votes

ThisSlow Cooker Chex Mixis easy to make and so addicting! A homemade version of a classic snack made with chex, crackers, and pretzels tossed in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Yield: 24 people

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Equipment for this recipe

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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 (1 oz) packet ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 (12 oz) box Chex cereal (I've used rice and corn)
  • 2 cups pretzels
  • 2 cups Cheez-Its

Recipe Video

Instructions

  • Whisk together melted butter, worcestershire sauce, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and chili powder in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.

  • Stir together Chex, pretzels, and Cheez-Its in a 6 quart crockpot, drizzle with the sauce, then gently stir until the sauce has evenly coated the mix-ins.

  • Place a thin dish towel over the crockpot, place on the lid, then cook on LOW for 2 - 2.5 hours, gently stirring every 30 minutes.

  • Pour the cooked chex mix onto a rimmed baking sheet in an even layer and let cool to room temperature.

  • Serve immediately* or store in a sealed container.

  • Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!

Rate This Recipe

STORING

Room Temp:2 Weeks

Refrigerator:N/A

Freezer:3 Months

*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

Notes

*Although this is great the day of, I think this actually tastes best after it's had about a day to sit...the flavors really have a chance to develop!

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Chex Mix

Amount Per Serving (1 handful)

Calories 122 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g6%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 5mg2%

Sodium 328mg14%

Potassium 92mg3%

Carbohydrates 21g7%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 180IU4%

Vitamin C 2.2mg3%

Calcium 42mg4%

Iron 5.1mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: crockpot snack mix, football food, salty snack, slow cooker snack, snack mix

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Tag @showmetheyummy on Instagram and hashtag it #showmetheyummy

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe - with Pretzels, Cheez-Its, and Chex Cereal! (2024)

FAQs

Is Chex cereal the same as Chex mix? ›

Chex Mix (stylized as Chex mix) is a type of snack mix that includes Chex breakfast cereal (sold by General Mills) as a major component.

How do you keep Chex mix from getting soggy? ›

The best tip for avoiding the sogginess is the make sure to stir up the mixture well each 15 minutes as it bakes. This will allow the chex mix to cook evenly and allow all pieces to get baked and crispy. After baking, make sure to store in a airtight container or Ziploc.

Is it cheaper to buy Chex mix or make your own? ›

Homemade Chex Mix Is Cheaper AND More Delicious Than The Store-Bought Stuff. Chex Mix offers variety: the crisp cereal, toasty pretzels, the unique crunch of the bagel chips. This homemade recipe puts the store-bought to shame.

Is Chex mix healthy or unhealthy? ›

Consumption of chex mix should be moderate as it contains sodium and calorie content. Excessive intake of chex mix might have adverse effects on your health.

What is the fancy name for Chex Mix? ›

First off this recipe can be found under many names besides Party Mix such as Chex Mix, Nuts and Bolts, TV Mix, or Snack Mix.

What are the brown circles in Chex Mix called? ›

The brown, round things you are referring to in Chex Mix are known as "Wheat Chex." Wheat Chex is a type of cereal made from whole wheat, and it is a common ingredient in various Chex Mix varieties.

Why is my homemade Chex Mix soggy? ›

Using too much liquid. Don't go over the recipe's suggested liquid amounts; that is a sure way to get soggy mix (which, again, nobody wants). Follow this tip: If you need to make a change in liquid ingredients, just keep the amount the same.

Is it OK to freeze Chex Mix? ›

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

To freeze: Chex mix freezes great! Store in freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

Should Chex Mix be refrigerated? ›

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.

What is the least favorite Chex Mix piece? ›

Other than the rye chip, nothing brought more people together than pretzels — combined, 38% marked the circle and square pretzels as the worst pieces.

Is homemade Chex Mix better than store bought? ›

Homemade Chex Mix Is Cheaper AND More Delicious Than The Store-Bought Stuff. Chex Mix offers variety: the crisp cereal, toasty pretzels, the unique crunch of the bagel chips. This homemade recipe puts the store-bought to shame.

Why is Chex called Chex? ›

The name "Chex" reflects the square checkerboard logo of Ralston Purina.

Is chex mix fattening for weight loss? ›

However, in general, Chex Mix tends to be a calorie-dense snack that is relatively high in fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. It's only fattening if you eat enough of it that you go over your daily calories burned.

What is the healthiest chex cereal? ›

Unlike other Chex varieties, Wheat Chex are made from 100% whole-grain wheat. One serving contains only 130 calories but boasts 7 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber. While it is on the higher end for sugars, the overall nutrient profile of this cereal is still noteworthy.

Can I eat chex mix everyday? ›

While it may not be a significant source of vitamins and minerals, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. By being mindful of portion sizes and choosing healthier variations or homemade options, you can savor the deliciousness of Chex Mix while maintaining a nutritious eating plan.

What can I use instead of Chex cereal? ›

If you're looking for some alternative ingredients, try some of these: Use Crispix instead of Chex. Yep, it will still turn out great! Try freshly popped popcorn instead of the puffed cereal for a fun change.

What is a Chex cereal? ›

It's a cereal. It's a snack. It's a pantry staple. From classics like Rice and Corn to exciting flavors like Chocolate and Peanut Butter, there's a box of Chex cereal for every family member and every time of day.

What are Chex cereal made of? ›

Whole Grain Corn, Corn Meal, Sugar, Corn Starch, Salt, Baking Soda. Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) Added to Preserve Freshness.

Why is Chex Mix called Chex? ›

The name "Chex" reflects the square checkerboard logo of Ralston Purina.

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