Spicy Chex Mix Recipe

As a millennial who thrives on both snacking and spice, this homemade Spicy Chex Mix is my ultimate go-to whenever I’m in need of a seriously addictive bite.

I adore taking snack time to a whole new level with my Spicy Chex Mix. I’m a big fan of both pretzels and mixed nuts, and cheese crackers?

Forget about it. Suffice it to say that the base of my Chex mix already has me sold.

But then I go and add an absolutely divine blend of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and I don’t know how many spices, and I’m sitting there with this bowl of Chex mix, practically hovering over it as if it were the precious snack time trinket that it is.

Spicy Chex Mix Recipe Ingredients

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Corn Chex cereal: Provides carbohydrates and fiber, with a crunchy texture.

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Rice Chex cereal: Adds light crispiness, gluten-free, and rich in carbohydrates.

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Wheat Chex cereal: Contains fiber and protein, offering a heartier bite.

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Pretzels: Add a salty flavor, providing carbohydrates and a satisfying crunch.

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Cheese crackers: Contribute savory taste with added calcium and protein.

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Mixed nuts: Provide protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch.

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Hot sauce: Offers heat and tanginess, boosting the mix’s spiciness.

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Cayenne pepper: Adds heat and enhances metabolism-boosting properties.

Spicy Chex Mix Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
• 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
• 2 cups pretzels
• 2 cups cheese crackers
• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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How to Make this Spicy Chex Mix Recipe

1. Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) for preheating.

2. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, cheese crackers, and mixed nuts. Stir gently to mix the dry ingredients evenly.

3. In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully blended.

4. Pour the butter and spice mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently to coat every piece evenly.

5. Spread the coated mixture smoothly over a large baking sheet, taking care to spread it in a single layer.

6. Put the baking sheet in the oven that has been preheated and bake it for 1 hour. Stir it every 15 minutes to make sure it is baking evenly.

7. After 1 hour, take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the Chex mix cool completely on the sheet. Stir it occasionally to help it cool evenly.

8. After cooling, move the Chex mix to a container that seals tightly for storage, or serve it right away so that you can savor the treat, which is spicy and crunchy in equal measure.

9. You can adjust the hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your liking—for me, that means making them a little less concentrated, since I find that too much hot sauce or too much cayenne pepper makes for dish that just tastes fiery, not flavorful.

10. Relish your handcrafted Spicy Chex Mix as a scrumptious nibble for gatherings, superbowl watching, or just because you love it!

Spicy Chex Mix Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Small mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Large baking sheet
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Spatula or spoon for stirring
9. Airtight container for storage

FAQ

• Can I use other types of Chex cereal?
  Yes, you can mix and match your favorite Chex cereals to suit your taste preference.
• Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
  Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to adjust the spice level according to your preference.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
  Substitute with gluten-free pretzels, cheese crackers, and ensure all Chex cereals used are labeled gluten-free.
• How long can I store the Spicy Chex Mix?
  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
• Can this recipe be doubled for a larger batch?
  Yes, simply double all the ingredients and ensure you have a large enough baking sheet or pan for mixing and baking.
• What’s the best way to melt the butter for this recipe?
  Melt the butter in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or use a small saucepan over low heat.

Spicy Chex Mix Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use Crispix cereal instead of Corn, Rice, or Wheat Chex for a different texture.
Replace pretzels with bagel chips or rye chips for extra crunch.
Substitute goldfish crackers for cheese crackers to get a fun, cheesy alternative.
Substitute mixed nuts with almonds, pecans, or cashews to make a personalized nut mix.
Replace the hot sauce with Sriracha or your favorite chili sauce for a different kind of heat.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor Depth Try adding a tablespoon of soy sauce to the butter and spice mixture for an added umami punch. This can give the mix an extra layer of savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

2. Achieve Extra Crunch For additional crunchiness, after the baking process, turn off the oven and let the mix sit inside with the door slightly ajar for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the residual heat to remove any extra moisture.

3. Customize the Nuts While mixed nuts are a classic choice, you can enhance the texture and flavor by choosing specific nuts like pecans or cashews. Lightly toasting the nuts beforehand can also amp up their flavor.

4. Experiment with Seasonings Feel free to play around with the seasonings. Adding a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder can introduce a smoky element, while a bit of dried rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic note.

5. Add Sweetness If you enjoy a sweet and spicy mix, consider incorporating a quarter cup of brown sugar or honey into the butter mixture. This can create a caramel-like coating once baked, making the mix both sweet and spicy.