Before diving into the nitty-gritty of creating your homemade Chex mix with a slow cooker and oven method, let’s talk about what you can pair with this delightful snack. Slow cooker Chex mix is perfect for any gathering. But it really shines when paired with other treats.
Picture this: you’ve got your warm Chex mix on the table, surrounded by a colorful veggie platter, a creamy ranch dip, and maybe some homemade guacamole. And for that sweet touch, how about some chocolate-covered pretzels? You’ll have a party that folks won't soon forget!
Imagine a cozy evening with friends, sharing stories while snacking. Chex mix brings that comforting crunch that makes everything better. It's like the life of the party, inviting everyone to gather 'round and relax.
Welcome, fellow snack enthusiasts! Today, I bring you a treasure: the recipe for homemade Chex mix, prepared using a slow cooker and oven method. Trust me, this isn’t your average mix. This version packs more flavor and crunch than most store-bought options.
I’ve perfected this recipe after countless batches, and it’s now a staple for every gathering I attend. Having experienced the joy of making it, I can promise it will take your snacking game to the next level.
What is Homemade Chex Mix Slow Cooker Oven Recipe?
Let’s break it down. Homemade Chex mix combines various cereals, nuts, and savory flavors. This recipe uses a slow cooker to meld flavors slowly, allowing each ingredient to soak up that buttery goodness. The oven step gives the mix that extra crunch everyone craves. It’s simplicity in a bowl, yet it brings everyone together. Snacking has never been this fun!
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine the perfect blend of savory and crunchy. You get that satisfying crunch from the Chex cereal, balanced with the subtle richness of butter and seasoning. Every bite delivers flavors that dance on your taste buds, from the zest of Worcestershire sauce to the smokiness of paprika.
Coupled with the nuts and pretzels, you're looking at a flavor explosion. Each handful invites laughter and conversation.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Flavor Fusion The blend of seasonings, including garlic and smoked paprika, creates a flavor that feels both comforting and exciting. Every ingredient plays its part, resulting in something extraordinary.
2. Perfect Texture The combination of different cereals, nuts, and pretzels leads to a delightful crunch. No soggy mix here! The oven step ensures that every piece gets golden brown and crispy.
3. Customizable Goodness This recipe doesn’t just stick to one version. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you enjoy. Vegan? Gluten-free? No problem—adapt it to fit your needs.
4. Easy Preparation With just a bit of measuring and stirring, you can whip this up in no time. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, and you can kick back while your mixture comes together beautifully.
Ingredients for Homemade Chex Mix Slow Cooker Oven Recipe
Gather these ingredients to embark on your Chex mix adventure:
1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoned salt (like Lawry’s)
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
1 cup dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
2 cups whole grain oat cereal (like Cheerios)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup chopped walnuts
8 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
2 cups mini pretzel twists or sticks
2 tablespoons smoked paprika or chipotle powder
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you get started, gather all your ingredients and kitchen tools. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a slow cooker, and a baking sheet. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In your large mixing bowl, toss together the cereals, peanuts, walnuts, and pretzels. You want a good mix of everything. The goal is to make sure each piece is well incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk until it’s well combined. This will add flavor to every crunchy bite of your mix.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Mixture
Drizzle the sauce over your cereal mix in the large bowl. This is where the magic begins! Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture, ensuring that every piece gets a coating of that buttery goodness.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Mixture
Pour the mixture into your slow cooker. Set it on low for about 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Transfer to the Oven
Once the slow cooker time is up, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the Chex mix evenly onto a baking sheet. This step helps achieve that tasty crunch.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the mix for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This ensures an even brown color and crisp texture.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove the Chex mix from the oven and let it cool before serving. This helps to harden any soft pieces and enhance the crunch factor.
Notes
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Variations: Don’t hesitate to try other nuts or cereals for different textures and flavors. Adjusting Spice: If spice isn’t your thing, reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper. Mixing: Be gentle when mixing to prevent breaking the cereals or pretzels. Double Batch: This recipe is easy to scale up for larger gatherings.
Nutrition Information
One serving (about 1/2 cup) contains approximately:
Calories: 200
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fats: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
How to Store the Leftovers?
Store your homemade Chex mix in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place. It should stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you realize you have made way too much (which happens!), it can also be frozen. Just be sure to seal it properly to maintain its crunch.
Sides for Homemade Chex Mix Slow Cooker Oven Recipe
1. Crunchy Veggie Platter Pair your Chex mix with a vibrant veggie platter. Fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers provide a refreshing crunch that balances the savory mix. Serve it with ranch dressing or hummus for dipping.
2. Sweet Fruit Skewers Add some sweetness to your gathering with fruit skewers. Skewers of pineapple, grapes, and strawberries contrast beautifully with the salty flavors of your mix. It’s a delightful way to satisfy different taste preferences.
3. Cheesy Nachos Complement your Chex mix with nachos topped with melted cheese and jalapeños. The gooey melted cheese pairs perfectly with the crunchy mix for a satisfying snack combo.
4. Miniature Meatballs Serve mini meatballs as a hearty side. They work perfectly for casual gatherings or game nights where everyone wants to snack. Dip them in BBQ sauce or marinara for flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it: a homemade Chex mix recipe that’s bursting with flavor and texture. The steps are simple, and the result is a snack that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a family gathering, or just wanting to enjoy a tasty treat, this recipe is sure to impress. With endless combinations and variations, you can make it your own. So grab your slow cooker and oven—you’re about to create something special. Happy snacking!
Welcome, fellow snack enthusiasts! Today, I bring you a treasure: the recipe for homemade Chex mix, prepared using a slow cooker and oven method. Trust me, this isn’t your average mix. This version packs more flavor and crunch than most store-bought options.
I’ve perfected this recipe after countless batches, and it’s now a staple for every gathering I attend. Having experienced the joy of making it, I can promise it will take your snacking game to the next level.
Ingredients
1tablespoon all-purpose seasoned salt (like Lawry’s)
1/2cup melted unsalted butter
1cup dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts
2tablespoons granulated garlic
2cups whole grain oat cereal (like Cheerios)
1teaspoon onion powder
1/4teaspoon cayenne pepper
1cup chopped walnuts
8cups rice or corn Chex cereal
2cups mini pretzel twists or sticks
2tablespoons smoked paprika or chipotle powder
1/3cup Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
1
Before you get started, gather all your ingredients and kitchen tools. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a slow cooker, and a baking sheet. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
2
In your large mixing bowl, toss together the cereals, peanuts, walnuts, and pretzels. You want a good mix of everything. The goal is to make sure each piece is well incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
3
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk until it’s well combined. This will add flavor to every crunchy bite of your mix.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Mixture
4
Drizzle the sauce over your cereal mix in the large bowl. This is where the magic begins! Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture, ensuring that every piece gets a coating of that buttery goodness.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Mixture
5
Pour the mixture into your slow cooker. Set it on low for about 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Transfer to the Oven
6
Once the slow cooker time is up, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the Chex mix evenly onto a baking sheet. This step helps achieve that tasty crunch.
Step 7: Bake
7
Bake the mix for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This ensures an even brown color and crisp texture.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
8
Remove the Chex mix from the oven and let it cool before serving. This helps to harden any soft pieces and enhance the crunch factor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 14
Amount Per Serving
Calories200kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat8g13%
Total Carbohydrate28g10%
Dietary Fiber2g8%
Sugars1g
Protein5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Variations: Don’t hesitate to try other nuts or cereals for different textures and flavors. Adjusting Spice: If spice isn’t your thing, reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper. Mixing: Be gentle when mixing to prevent breaking the cereals or pretzels. Double Batch: This recipe is easy to scale up for larger gatherings.
Keywords:
Homemade Chex Mix
Susan Roberts
Registered Dietitian & Food Enthusiasts
Susan Roberts is a California-based registered dietitian and the creator of Sweet Mama’s Kitchen, where she shares simple, comforting, and nutritious home-cooked recipes. As a busy mom, she focuses on easy, wholesome meals that bring joy to the table without sacrificing flavor. Susan’s passion lies in helping others create delicious, family-friendly dishes with love and confidence.