Everyone’s favorite savory Homemade Chex Mix has been introduced to a new sweet friend, caramel corn! This awesome combination of flavors will have you getting rave reviews with a crowd-pleaser for the holidays and gift-giving.
Want more snack mix options? Try our Trail Mix Recipe, Homemade Cheez-Its, Caramel Corn, or Olive Oil Popcorn (Garlic and Rosemary).
Is it Cheaper to Buy or Make Your Own Chex Mix?
I find it is cheaper to make your own, especially compared to an artisan rate at a craft market. Also, if you can score some cereal on sale or buy it in a larger box, then you will definitely be saving money.
Helpful Items For This Recipe
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Nordic Ware Naturals Big Baking Sheet, Silver
Package Plastic Drawstring Gift Bags, 12pcs Christmas Treat Bags
What is in Homemade Chex Mix?
Really simple ingredients and not many items are even required. The recipe can be easily doubled, too.
Ingredients
Mini pretzel twists – These pretzel twists I prefer over the sticks, but any shaped pretzel works as long as it is smaller and not preseasoned besides salt.
Chex cereal – Got to have Chex cereal in a Chex mix. It is the classic ingredient. It adds flavor and crunch and absorbs that butter and seasoning like no other.
Goldfish crackers – I love these cute little fish in the mix, and so do kids, but you can substitute Cheese Nibs or crackers also.
Cheerios cereal – These go hand-in-hand with the other ingredients. Regular Cheerios easily turn into a savory snack with the seasoned ranch topping.
Butter, melted – Butter not only tastes great but also coats the mix so the seasoning can adhere.
Ranch seasoning mix – A classic and easy seasoning to make this Homemade Chex Mix fantastic.
Caramel popcorn – I love this added twist, giving the party mix and a bit of a sweet touch with every other bite or so. The sweet and savory flavor of the mix is always a hit at our house.
How to Make Homemade Chex Mix
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.
In a very large bowl, combine the pretzels, Goldfish crackers, Chex, and Cheerios cereal.
Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second increments in the microwave until the butter is completely melted.
Drizzle the melted butter over the mix in the large bowl and stir to combine.
Add the ranch dressing seasoning to the bowl and stir well, making sure that everything is coated with the seasoning.
Prepare 2 parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets and spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets.
Bake in the middle of the oven for 40-50 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through. You want the mixture toasted golden brown; be careful not to let it burn. Check it after 30-35 minutes for doneness.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Then add the caramel corn and toss.
Store in an air-tight container.
Recipe Pro Tips!
Baking Note
If you are using a small oven, be aware that the lower baking sheet will brown quicker than the top baking sheet. Watch them closely; switching the tray positions in the oven will help. The cook time is an estimate, so check the progress often and watch for over-browning of the mix.
How Long Will Homemade Chex Mix Last?
Store in an air-tight container on the counter for two weeks, or also keep fresh in the refrigerator.
Can Homemade Chex Mix Be Frozen?
Yes, Chex Mix freezes well in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. You can package the mix in individual bags in the freezer, too, as long as they are sealed well. Perfect for quick gift-giving.
How Can I Gift This Homemade Chex Mix?
Everyone loves a homemade gift for the holidays. This presents nicely in large jars, holiday plastic bags, or a decorative tin.
STILL AFTER MORE MUNCHIES?
We love to serve many of these dishes when we are having company for gameday, entertaining, or as gifts for the holidays. A snack like this works great with a cocktail, and the kids will be diving right in, too.
Even a handful of granola, like our Christmas Granola, is a welcome snack or gift.
Homemade Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups mini pretzel twists
- 3 cups Chex cereal
- 2 cups Goldfish crackers
- 2 cups Cheerios cereal
- ½ cup butter melted
- 6 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix or 2 envelopes of store bought
- 4 cups caramel popcorn
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.
- In a very large bowl, combine the pretzels, Goldfish crackers, Chex, and Cheerios cereal.
- Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second increments until the butter is completely melted.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the mix in the large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the ranch dressing seasoning to the bowl and stir well, making sure that everything is coated with the seasoning.
- Prepare 2 parchment-lined rimmed baking sheets and spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets.
- Bake in the middle of the oven for 40-50 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through. You want the mixture toasted golden brown; be careful not to let it burn. Check it after 30-35 minutes for doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Then add the caramel corn and toss.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Comments & Reviews
Janet says
A great snack mix! The sweet and salty pair so well together!