Oh, the holidays are such a magical time, aren’t they? There’s something truly special about gathering with friends and family, sharing laughter, and of course, indulging in delicious treats! One of my absolute favorite go-to snacks for these festive occasions is this delightful holiday chex mix recipe. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, all tossed together in one big, crunchy batch! Trust me, once you set this out at your holiday gathering, it’ll disappear faster than you can say “chex mix!” So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some holiday magic happen in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful holiday chex mix. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that irresistible crunch and flavor that everyone loves!
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal – the perfect base for that signature crunch.
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal – adds a touch of sweetness and extra texture.
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal – brings a hearty flavor that balances everything out.
- 1 cup pretzel sticks – for that salty, crunchy goodness.
- 1 cup nuts (your choice, like almonds or cashews) – add a nutty richness!
- 1 cup chocolate candies – because who doesn’t love a bit of sweetness?
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – to help everything stick together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce – adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder – for a hint of savory warmth.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder – enhances the flavor profile perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for a little subtle smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to bring all those flavors together.
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious holiday chex mix! It’s super simple, and I promise, you’re going to love how everything comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a festive treat ready in no time!
Preheat and Combine
First things first, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is key to slowly toasting the mix and enhancing those flavors. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel sticks, and nuts. Give it a gentle mix—this ensures every piece is ready to soak up all that delicious coating!
Prepare the Coating
Now, let’s whip up that tasty coating! In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Be patient here—this isn’t a race! Once it’s melted, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt until everything is well combined. The aroma will have you dreaming of holiday gatherings, trust me!
Coat and Bake
Time to bring it all together! Pour that warm butter mixture over your cereal blend, and use a spatula to gently toss everything until it’s evenly coated. Make sure every crunchy piece gets its fair share! Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet in an even layer. Bake it in your preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This stirring is super important—it helps achieve that perfect golden crunch we all crave!
Cool and Add Extras
Once the hour is up, take your chex mix out of the oven and let it cool completely. This step is crucial for the mix to crisp up! After it’s cooled, gently fold in those colorful chocolate candies, and there you have it—your festive holiday chex mix is ready to shine!
Tips for Success
To make sure your holiday chex mix turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, let it cool completely before storing; this keeps it crispy and fresh. Store your chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to get creative, try swapping out the nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free option. Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or mix in some dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This holiday chex mix is not only delicious but also packs a decent nutritional punch. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This holiday chex mix recipe is not just a snack; it’s an experience! You’ll adore how easy it is to whip up, and the flavors are absolutely irresistible. Here’s why this recipe will become a staple at your holiday gatherings:
- Quick and simple to make, perfect for those busy holiday schedules.
- Sweet and savory flavors that appeal to everyone—kids and adults alike!
- A delightful crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins, so you can make it your own.
- Great for sharing—set it out at parties, and watch it disappear!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this holiday chex mix? No problem! Here are some common inquiries I often hear:
Can I use different cereals? Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cereals—just keep the total volume the same.
How long can I store it? Store your chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. It stays fresh and crunchy!
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Just choose gluten-free cereals and check your Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free options.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? You can substitute with soy sauce or a splash of hot sauce for a different flavor twist!
Variations
The beauty of this holiday chex mix is how versatile it can be! Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting:
- Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the butter mixture for a fiery kick!
- Sweet Delight: Stir in mini marshmallows or dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a chewy contrast.
- Nutty Goodness: Swap out nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a delightful crunch without the nuts.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled chex mix for an indulgent treat.
holiday chex mix recipes: 7 steps to a delightful crunch
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive holiday chex mix recipe perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup pretzel sticks
- 1 cup nuts (your choice)
- 1 cup chocolate candies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel sticks, and nuts.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt until combined.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture. Stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Add chocolate candies and mix gently.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Substitute nuts with seeds for a nut-free version.
- Create a spicy version by adding cayenne pepper.
- For a sweeter mix, add marshmallows or dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: holiday chex mix recipes, chex mix, holiday snacks
