Craving a snack that’s equal parts spicy, crunchy, and downright addictive? This Spicy Chex Mix is here to deliver! It’s the ultimate combination of flavors—savory, zesty, with a nice little kick to it. Whether you’re prepping for movie night, a game day party, or just need a munchable snack, this spicy twist on the classic Chex mix is a total game-changer. Trust me, once you start snacking on this, you’ll be hooked. It’s so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Why You’ll Love Spicy Chex Mix
This isn’t your average snack. Here’s why it stands out:
Versatile: Perfect for movie nights, parties, or road trips. You can make a big batch and keep it on hand for whenever hunger strikes.
Budget-Friendly: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, so no need to break the bank to enjoy this delicious treat.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and less than an hour in the oven, you’ve got yourself a snack that’s both easy to make and hard to stop eating.
Customizable: Like it spicier? Add extra hot sauce or chili powder. Want it milder? Cut back on the spice and add a bit of sweetness with some honey or brown sugar.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a party or just hanging out with friends, this Spicy Chex Mix will disappear in no time. It’s perfect for everyone, from the heat-lovers to the more mild snackers.
Ingredients in Spicy Chex Mix
Here’s what you need to make this spicy, crunchy snack. Get ready, because it’s the easiest thing you’ll make all week!
Chex Cereal: The base of this mix. You can use any variety—corn, rice, or wheat Chex, or mix them all together for extra texture.
Pretzels: Mini pretzels are perfect for adding crunch and a bit of saltiness to balance the heat.
Nuts: Cashews, peanuts, or almonds add that extra savory bite to the mix.
Butter: Melted butter is key for helping all the flavors stick together and gives the mix a rich, delicious taste.
Hot Sauce: This is where the magic happens. Hot sauce brings the heat and adds that spicy kick we’re all after. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a savory umami flavor that rounds out the spice perfectly.
Seasonings: Chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder make up the flavor base, with a little extra salt to bring everything together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make your new favorite snack? Here’s how:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low-and-slow approach will make sure the Chex Mix gets crispy without burning.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts. Toss them together so the mix is evenly distributed.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, melt the butter and then stir in the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir until everything is fully combined.
Coat the Mix: Pour the sauce mixture over the dry ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the Chex, pretzels, and nuts are well covered with the buttery spice mix.
Bake to Perfection: Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
Cool and Serve: Once it’s golden and crispy, remove the mix from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The mix will get even crunchier as it cools down.
Serve and Enjoy: Dig in! Whether you’re serving it in a big bowl at a party or just snacking on it solo, this Spicy Chex Mix is always a winner.
How to Serve Spicy Chex Mix
While this Spicy Chex Mix is amazing on its own, here are a few ways to elevate the snack experience:
With a Cold Drink: Serve alongside an ice-cold beer or soda to balance out the spice.
On a Snack Table: Set it out with other appetizers at your next party or game night. It’s a perfect snack to nibble on between bites of other treats.
In a Party Favor Bag: Package it up in cute little bags for guests to take home after a gathering.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your Spicy Chex Mix is a hit:
Adjust the Spice: You can control the level of heat in this mix. Start with a small amount of hot sauce and gradually add more if you like it spicier.
Use Your Favorite Nuts: Feel free to swap in any nuts you prefer, like pecans or walnuts, to add your own twist to the flavor.
Make It Sweeter: For a sweet-and-spicy version, toss in a little brown sugar or honey for an added layer of flavor.
Storage Tips: Store your Spicy Chex Mix in an airtight container for up to a week. If it starts to lose some crispiness, just pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to freshen it up.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make Spicy Chex Mix without hot sauce?
A1: Yes! If you prefer less spice, you can substitute with mild seasoning or add a bit of honey mustard for a different flavor profile.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it stores well! You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container.
Q3: Can I add more ingredients?
A3: Absolutely! You can add anything from cheese crackers to dried fruit or even mini chocolate chips for a sweet-and-spicy combo.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store your leftover Spicy Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Q5: Can I freeze it?
A5: It’s best to enjoy your Chex Mix fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe bag.
Q6: How do I make it even spicier?
A6: If you love heat, you can add extra hot sauce, chili flakes, or even cayenne pepper to really turn up the spice.
Q7: Can I use different cereals?
A7: Yes! You can swap out the Chex with other cereals like Crispix, Rice Krispies, or even cornflakes.
Q8: Can I make a non-spicy version?
A8: Of course! Just skip the hot sauce and add more savory seasonings like garlic powder and smoked paprika for a flavorful, non-spicy snack.
Q9: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A9: Yes, you can substitute margarine, but butter does add a richer flavor.
Q10: Can I make a big batch for a party?
A10: Absolutely! Just double or triple the recipe and bake it in batches. This is perfect for large gatherings.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a snack that’s crunchy, spicy, and totally irresistible, this Spicy Chex Mix is the answer. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re munching solo or serving it at your next party, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most addictive snacks you’ll ever make!
Print
Spicy Chex Mix
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A spicy, savory, and slightly sweet homemade snack mix loaded with Chex cereal, Cheez-Its, pretzels, crackers, and nuts, all coated in a buttery ranch seasoning sauce. This addictive, easy-to-make snack is perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you need a tasty treat!
Ingredients
Buttery Sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ounce packet ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix (such as Hidden Valley)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste; omit or reduce to 1/4 teaspoon for less heat)
Dry Mix:
- 3 cups corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups wheat Chex cereal
- 3 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 1/2 cups Cheez-Its crackers (or similar)
- 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels (or pretzel rods)
- 1 1/2 cups mini Club Crackers (or substitute with oyster crackers, bagel chips, or pita crackers)
- 10 ounces salted mixed nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 250°F and line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Set aside. - Prepare the Buttery Sauce:
In a microwave-safe bowl (or a large saucepan), melt the butter in the microwave. Add the Worcestershire sauce, ranch dressing mix, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine and set aside. - Prepare the Dry Mix:
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereals, Cheez-Its, mini pretzels, mini Club Crackers, and mixed nuts. - Coat the Dry Mix:
Evenly pour the buttery sauce over the dry ingredients. Stir using a rubber-tipped spatula to coat everything evenly without breaking the cereal. - Bake the Mix:
Spread the mixture out in a single, even layer on one or two baking sheets. If using two sheets, don’t overcrowd the mix. Bake for about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. Continue baking until everything is toasted and crisp, but not burnt. The mix will continue to crisp up as it cools. - Cool and Store:
Let the snack mix cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring it to airtight containers (such as gallon-sized ziplock bags).
Notes
- The mix can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
- You can also freeze the mix for up to 3-4 months, but I recommend enjoying or gifting it fresh rather than freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg