Homemade Chex Mix is an easy, irresistible snack for the holidays and gatherings. This party mix uses real maple syrup for a balanced sweet-and-salty flavor. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, it disappears fast at any party.
Serve this on a holiday table, at a game-day spread, or as a hostess gift. It’s easy to make in big batches—save some for yourself and pack the rest into jars for friends and neighbors.
Why you’ll love this Maple Chex Mix
- Simple recipe – Ready in minutes and approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
- Delicious snack – Great on appetizer tables, alongside cookies, or as a casual party nibble.
- Packed with flavor – A caramel-like maple coating with just the right amount of salt and spice.
- Perfect for gifting – Jar it up, tie a ribbon, and you’ve got a handheld homemade gift.
Ingredient Overview
Full measurements and step-by-step directions are in the recipe card below.
- Chex cereal – A mix of corn, wheat, and rice Chex gives the best texture and variety.
- Pretzels – Mini twists, sticks, or squares add a crunchy, salty element.
- Mixed nuts – Salted mixed nuts or a single favorite nut (pecans recommended) work well.
- Real maple syrup – Use pure maple syrup for the best, authentic flavor.
- Butter – Salted butter adds flavor; use unsalted if you prefer and adjust seasoning.
- Cinnamon – A hint of warmth that enhances the maple notes.
- Seasoned salt – Balances the sweetness and creates the classic savory contrast.
- Worcestershire sauce – A small amount rounds out the flavor; the recipe reduces the usual quantity so maple shines.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-free – Replace butter with your preferred dairy-free spread.
- Gluten-free – Use corn and rice Chex and swap wheat Chex and pretzels for gluten-free versions.
- Maple alternatives – The recipe is designed for maple; if you omit maple syrup, increase Worcestershire and seasoned salt for a more traditional savory Chex Mix.
- Pretzel swaps – Mini sticks or square pretzels work in place of twists.
- Other crunchy add-ins – Substitute one cup of pretzels with bagel chips, rye chips, or another crunchy snack for variety.
How to Make Homemade Chex Mix
Step 1: Preheat oven & melt butter. Place the butter in a large roasting pan and put it in the oven as you preheat. This melts the butter without extra dishes.
Step 2: Add seasonings. Stir maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, and seasoned salt into the melted butter until combined.
Step 3: Add dry ingredients. Add the Chex cereals, nuts, and pretzels to the pan and toss gently to coat everything evenly in the maple mixture.
Step 4: Bake. Bake the mixture, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning. Continue until the mix is deep golden and crisp.
Serving & Storing
Spread the baked mix on parchment-lined sheet pans to cool. Once cooled, store in airtight containers or holiday tins. Properly stored at room temperature, the mix stays fresh for about 1–2 weeks. Portion into jars or tins for easy gifting.
Expert Success Tips
- Use a roasting pan: A pan with sides helps contain the mix while stirring. If doubling the recipe, split between two pans so it bakes evenly.
- Check oven temperature: If your oven runs hot or cold, use an oven thermometer for accurate results and consistent browning.
FAQs
Yes. When doubling, spread the mixture across two roasting pans so it bakes evenly and isn’t overcrowded.
Store sealed at room temperature for about 1–2 weeks.
A pan with sides is recommended so the mix stays contained while you stir during baking.
Special Tools
- Roasting pan – Preferred for melting butter and baking the mix without spills.
- Disposable roasting pan – Handy when you need an extra pan or want easy cleanup.
More Favorite Snack Recipes to Love
- White Chocolate Peppermint Puppy Chow
- Classic 15-Minute Puppy Chow
- Homemade Black Forest Truffles
- 5-Ingredient Homemade Chocolate Bark
- Double Chocolate Swirled Peppermint Bark
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Sweet & Salty Maple Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter (113 g)
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup (166 mL)
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups corn Chex cereal (92 g)
- 3 cups rice Chex cereal (92 g)
- 2 2/3 cups wheat Chex cereal (146 g)
- 2 cups salted mixed nuts (312 g)
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists (or mini sticks/squares) (84 g)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the butter in a large roasting pan (or divide between two pans). Put the pan in the oven to melt the butter while it preheats.
- Mix: Once butter is melted, remove the pan briefly and stir in the maple syrup, seasoned salt, cinnamon, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the Chex cereals, nuts, and pretzels, and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 25–44 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. After about 20 minutes, stir every 5 minutes until the mix is deeply golden and crisp.
- Cool & store: Spread the baked mix onto parchment or sheet pans to cool. Store cooled Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 weeks.
Notes
Slow cooker option: Not recommended as the first choice, but you can make this in a slow cooker: combine dry ingredients, mix melted butter with seasonings, toss together, and cook on low, stirring every 35 minutes to prevent burning; total time about 3 hours.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.