Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a tradition that’s as much part of our culture as it is ours. Christmas as the tree itself? What’s a Christmas Chex Mix? Is this a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and … salty? If a puppy chow and trail mix had sex for the holidays, and that baby was dressed up for that holiday, what would happen? I swear, the aroma alone, wafting from the oven, is enough to make even the Grinch crack a smile. Every year, from Thanksgiving onwards, my kids are already clamoring for me to make a batch. Is it that good?
What is Christmas Chex Mix?
What is Christmas Chex Mix? What is a party snack? What are pretzels, nuts, and other goodies coated in a sweet and savory buttery mixture, then baked? To golden perfection. What is snack mix on steroids? The name comes from the fact that it’s a holiday staple in our house, and it’s always regarded as ‘a hit’. Christmas gatherings. I’ve been known to whip up a batch year-round because, well, why limit deliciousness? Is it possible to have only one season? Is there any way to personalize a product? Why do I prefer peanuts over pecans? What are some of the reasons why this movie is so beloved?
Why do I love this recipe?
What are the ways?flavorIs it addictive? What’s not to like about pretzels? All coated in a glaze that’s sweet but not *too* sweet, with the hint of savory that the nuts have. What keeps you coming back for more? Is it the perfect balance?simpleIf you can melt butter and make this, why don’t you make it? What is a good way to get your kids involved in the kitchen? They love helping me measure out the ingredients and tossing everything together. Third, it’s surprisinglycost-effectiveMost of the ingredients are pantry staples, and you can easily substitute cheaper options if needed. Plus, a big batch of it will go well with any party or gifting. Is it incredibly, amazingly beautiful?versatileWhat would you serve as a party snack, package it up as an thoughtful homemade gift, or just keep it on the table? When cravings strike, you can’t beat them. What I love about this Christmas Chex Mix is how it brings people together. Everyone loves it, and it’s always a conversation starter. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. What would Christmas be like without it?
How to Make Christmas Chex Mix
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make Christmas Chex Mix? What is the best way to melt butter with Worcestershire sauce and some seasonings, pour it over a mixture of all the ingredients. I like Chex cereals, pretzels and other goodies, then bake it all in the oven until it’s golden brown. I do this every day. Brown and irresistibly crunchy. What is the beauty of this recipe? A little extra of this or that won’t hurt! What is the key to keeping an eye on it while it’s baking and stir it frequently to ensure everything gets done. How do I get a perfectly toasted cookie? What’s the hardest part of waiting for it to cool down enough to eat?
Ingredients
For the Main Mix:
* 9 cups Chex cereal (I usually do a mix of rice, corn, and wheat – about 3 cups of each)
* 1 cup pretzels (mini twists or sticks, whatever you have on hand) * 1.25 cups (or less)
* 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, peanuts, almonds – use your favorites!)
* 1 cup holiday-themed candy (M&Ms, chocolate stars, or sprinkles)
For the Coating: How do you
* 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
* 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is key to slowly toasting the mix without burning it. While the oven is heating up, grease two large baking sheets with cooking spray or line them with parchment paper. I always opt for parchment paper; it makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts. Set aside. How do you toss everything without making a mess? My biggest mistake when I first started making this was using too small of a bowl!
Step 3: Make the Coating
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. If you can’t bring it to a simmer, remove from heat. What gives Chex Mix its signature flavor?
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture, making sure to coat everything evenly. This is where your arm workout comes in! Gently toss everything together until all the cereal, pretzels, and nuts are coated in that buttery goodness. I find that using two large spoons or spatulas works best.
Step 5: Bake
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting. This is crucial! If you don’t stir it frequently, some parts will burn while others remain soggy. Trust me, I’ve been there!
Step 6: Cool and Add Candy
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the Chex Mix cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cool, stir in the holiday-themed candy. I always wait until it’s cool to add the candy so it doesn’t melt. Nobody wants a bowl of melted M&Ms!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the candy is mixed in, your Christmas Chex Mix is ready to serve! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).
What should I serve it with?
Christmas Chex Mix is pretty awesome on its own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
For Holiday Parties: Set out a big bowl of Christmas Chex Mix at your next holiday gathering. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and a great conversation starter. I like to put it in a festive bowl with a cute serving spoon.
For Gifting:Package Christmas Chex Mix in cellophane bags or decorative tins as a thoughtful homemade gift. Add a personalized tag to your bag and tie it with ribbon. My neighbors always look forward to getting this!
For Movie Nights:What are some good holiday movies to watch with a bowl of Chex Mix? What is the perfect snack for a cold winter evening? Add a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate experience!
Just Because: Keep a bowl of Christmas Chex Mix on the counter for when those cravings strike. It’s a great snack to have on hand for unexpected guests or a quick afternoon pick-me-up. Let’s be real, it’s good any time!
Our family has a tradition of making a big batch on Christmas Eve and leaving a bowl out for Santa (along with some cookies, of course!). It always disappears, so I guess he likes it too!
How do I make a perfect Christmas Chex Mix?
How do I make a Chex Mix for Christmas?
What is the best cerealFeel free to experiment with different types of Chex cereal. I like to use rice, corn, and wheat for a variety of textures and flavors, but you can also use any combination of them. Add honey nut or chocolate Chex for a sweeter twist.
Nutty Variations: Use your favorite nuts! Pecans, walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews – they all work great. You can even use a combination of salted and unsalted nuts for a more complex flavor.
Pretzel Power: Mini pretzels, pretzel sticks, even broken pretzel pieces – they all add a satisfying salty crunch to the mix. Just make sure they’re not too thick, or they won’t get properly coated.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little bit of heat. It’s a surprisingly delicious addition that balances out the sweetness.
Sweet Treats: Get creative with the candy! M&Ms, chocolate stars, Reese’s Pieces, sprinkles – the possibilities are endless. Just make sure to add the candy after the Chex Mix has cooled to prevent it from melting.
Baking Bliss: Don’t skip the stirring! It’s crucial to stir the Chex Mix every 15 minutes while it’s baking to ensure even toasting. This will prevent some parts from burning while others remain soggy. I learned this the hard way after a couple of batches that were less than perfect. Now, I set a timer and stick to it!
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce in a pinch (though it won’t taste quite the same). For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pretzels and Chex cereal.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Christmas Chex Mix fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: Store Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent it from going stale.
Refrigerator Storage: While you *can* store Christmas Chex Mix in the refrigerator, it’s not recommended. The cold temperature can make it lose its crunch and become a bit soggy.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze Christmas Chex Mix. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s beloved Christmas Chex Mix recipe! I truly hope you’ll give it a try this holiday season. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen and create some lasting memories. If you’re looking for other fun holiday snacks, be sure to check out my recipes for peanut brittle and sugar cookies! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it and what variations you made. Happy snacking!
Christmas Chex Mix
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex cereal (Rice, Corn, or Wheat)
- 4 cups Pretzel twists
- 1 cup Peanut butter
- 0.5 cup Butter melted
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Combine Chex cereal and pretzels in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, melt butter and peanut butter together. Stir in powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and pretzels, and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly browned.
- Let cool completely before serving.
