Original Chex Mix Recipe (2024)

You found it! The Original Chex Mix Recipe! Original Chex mix is a holiday staple in my house. It’s so easy to make yet, I only seem to make it at Christmas. It’s great to wrap up in cellophane bags, tie with a pretty ribbon, and share with friends and neighbors.

Original Chex Mix Recipe (1)

For me, the Original Chex mix is synonymous with Christmas. My Mom always made this EVERY holiday season. When she was no longer able, it became my job because it’s not only a family favorite, it’s a family tradition.

I love it, my boys love it, neighbors and friends love it, my husband does not love it. More for us!

The last time my brother visited he enjoyed a good deal of it and I sent the rest on the plane with him as a snack. I bet the people sitting around him were jealous.

Original Chex Mix Recipe (2)

This recipe is my Mom’s that she clipped, possibly from a magazine too many years ago to mention. It’s in a journal type book with other clipped and hand-written recipes I will treasure until the end of my days.

This particular clipping is worn, the page in the book is detached but now repaired by me so it doesn’t get lost. There’s even a torn piece of paper with Chex Mix written on it as a makeshift bookmark so it’s easily found. Plus, her notes are invaluable.

Many may not know that the Original Chex mix did not have bagel chips or pretzels or anything else than what’s here. I know, my Mom’s been making this for close to 40 years, if not longer.

In recent years there have been boatloads of Chex cereal recipes both savory and sweet, including spicy Chex mix, cookies and cream muddy buddies, ranch chex mix, Easter muddy buddies, sweet and salty chex mix but, to me, this original is best. No pretzels, no bagel chips.

Original Chex Mix Recipe (3)

My Mom made one substitution and that was garlic powder for the seasoned salt. When my Dad was put on a salt-free diet, she made the change and never looked back. You’ll notice there is no salt in this Chex recipe. Why? Because Worcestershire sauce is salty.

I don’t even remember it the other way. Oh, and it’s Chex Party Mix, not just Chex mix. Perfect for any party. It’s also great for hostess gifts, treats in your cookie tin, and an after school snack.

Original Chex Mix Recipe (4)

I found this vintage cardboard box in my Mom’s things. It’s copyright the Ralston Purina company in 1986. I was in college in 1986 and my Mom had been making Chex mix for at least a decade. This is REALLY the ORIGINAL, sans pretzels and bagel chips and everything that’s added these days and called original chex mix.

Original Chex mix is a holiday staple in my house. It's easy to make yet, I only seem to make it at Christmas. It's great to wrap up in cellophane bags, tie with a pretty ribbon, and share with friends and neighbors. #OriginalChexMix #ChexPartyMix #FoodGifts Click to Tweet

Use a 9 x 13-inch pan it’s easier to stir with higher sides. If you were to use a rimmed baking sheet you’d spill it all over the oven or counter when you stirred it. Actually, the pan I use was my Mom’s that I will, hopefully, pass along to my party mix loving son.

If a nut allergy is a concern, feel free to omit them and substitute anything mentioned below. Make this gluten-free by omitting the wheat Chex variety. In fact, use any combination of Chex you’d like.

What can I add-in to the Original Chex mix?

Popular add-ins include:

  • Dried Cranberries
  • Dried Cherries
  • Coconut
  • Pretzels
  • Sesame Sticks
  • Bagel Chips

The ingredients are probably readily available in your pantry. We call those pantry staples, cereal, nuts, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.

Original Chex Mix Recipe (5)

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Original Chex Mix

You found it! The Original Chex Mix Recipe!

5 from 20 votes

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Course: Appetizers and Snacks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 7 cups

Author: Ellen Folkman

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups Chex Corn cereal
  • 2 cups Chex Rice cereal
  • 2 cups Chex Wheat cereal
  • 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts

Instructions

  • Melt butter and pour into a 9 x 13-inch pan.

  • Stir in garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce.

  • Add Chex cereals and nuts, stirring until all pieces are coated. Heat in 275° degree oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

  • Spread out onto absorbent paper towels to cool. Once cool store in an airtight container.

Originally published December 19, 2012, updated December 13, 2020, and December 22, 2022.

Original Chex Mix Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is in Chex Mix original? ›

Substitution: The original recipe includes Corn Chex™, Rice Chex™ and Wheat Chex™. You can mix and match to suit your taste—just use a total of 9 cups of cereal.

What is the history of Chex Mix recipe? ›

In 1952 an advertisem*nt for Chex party mix appeared in Life Magazine with a recipe that included Wheat and Rice Chex. In 1958 Corn Chex was introduced and added to the recipe. However, it was not until 1985 that pre-packaged products were introduced commercially by Ralston Purina and the trademarks registered to it.

Is original Chex Mix healthy? ›

With a total fat amount of just 15% of the daily limit and only 2.8 grams of sugar, Chex Mix is perhaps one of the healthiest snacks (other than fruits and veggies) that you can have. We recommend simply limiting your amount to one or two ounces because of the fairly high sodium content.

Is homemade Chex Mix healthier than chips? ›

Chex mix is a better option to consume than regular potato chips and is high in calories. Manufacturers add niacin and thiamine mononitrate into the chips to increase nutrients.

What are the brown things in Chex Mix? ›

The brown, round things you are referring to in Chex Mix are known as "Wheat Chex." Wheat Chex is a type of cereal made from whole wheat, and it is a common ingredient in various Chex Mix varieties.

Why is my homemade Chex Mix soggy? ›

Using too much liquid. Don't go over the recipe's suggested liquid amounts; that is a sure way to get soggy mix (which, again, nobody wants). Follow this tip: If you need to make a change in liquid ingredients, just keep the amount the same.

Who made the first Chex Mix? ›

With New Year's Eve celebrations around the corner, I'm turning to the party food of my childhood: Chex Mix. The recipe was created by the Ralston-Purina Company in the early 1950s to move boxes of its signature cereals Wheat Chex and Rice Chex.

Did Chex Mix used to have peanuts in it? ›

Indeed, after this tasting I found the argument that peanuts upset the balance of Chex Mix very curious, as a Chex Mix without nuts is all crunchy carbs. Uniformity is not balance. It is, however, a little boring. This is probably why the original Chex Mix recipe called for the addition of nuts in the first place.

Why is Chex Mix so good? ›

Chex mix is the ultimate DIY snack. It's crunchy, just the right amount of salty, and stays good for several weeks, making it the perfect thing to keep on the counter for midday or pre-dinner nibbling. Plus, our version can be made with whatever cereal, toasted nuts, and crunchy snacks you've stocked up on.

Is it cheaper to make or buy Chex Mix? ›

Homemade Chex Mix Is Cheaper AND More Delicious Than The Store-Bought Stuff. Chex Mix offers variety: the crisp cereal, toasty pretzels, the unique crunch of the bagel chips. This homemade recipe puts the store-bought to shame.

What is the least favorite Chex Mix piece? ›

Other than the rye chip, nothing brought more people together than pretzels — combined, 38% marked the circle and square pretzels as the worst pieces.

Is it cheaper to make your own Chex Mix? ›

The three types of cereal are usually Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Wheat Chex. Beyond that, pretzels, peanuts, and some kind of cracker or rye chip are standard. Is it cheaper to buy Chex Mix or make your own? Homemade Chex Mix is cheaper AND better tasting than anything you can buy at the store.

What is the most unhealthy snack chip? ›

Potato chips from brands known for excessive salt, saturated fats, and artificial additives tend to be less healthy. Examples include Lay's, Pringles, and Ruffles.

Is Skinny Pop actually healthy? ›

Skinny Pop Original

Sunflower oil is rich in unsaturated fats, so while the total fat is higher, most of that fat is heart-healthy. Plus, compared to other brands, the sodium in one serving is very low at 75 milligrams,” she says. This popcorn is also a good source of fiber, offering 3 grams per serving.

How long is homemade Chex mix good for? ›

Make Ahead Instructions: Chex mix tastes freshest when served within 2-3 days of making it, but it will last stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Freezing Instructions: Chex mix freezes great! Store in freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Did Chex mix used to have peanuts in it? ›

Indeed, after this tasting I found the argument that peanuts upset the balance of Chex Mix very curious, as a Chex Mix without nuts is all crunchy carbs. Uniformity is not balance. It is, however, a little boring. This is probably why the original Chex Mix recipe called for the addition of nuts in the first place.

What is the difference between bold Chex mix and original? ›

What makes the Bold flavor so special? Think of it as Traditional Chex Mix on steroids. The savoriness is so epic that it's beyond your wildest dreams. It's like Chex Mix took the Traditional flavor and added even more butter, more garlic powder, more onion powder, and, most noticeably, more Worcestershire sauce.

What are the brown things in Gardettos? ›

As you can see from the scientific study above, the best Gardetto's are the little brown discs, officially known as "rye chips" but called by various regional nicknames. For some reason my middle school girlfriend called them "poop browns" and so I will forever call them "poop browns." Don't get mad at me Gardetto's.

Are there different kinds of Chex mix? ›

All Chex Party Mix Recipes
  1. Original Chex™ Party Mix.
  2. Christmas Chex™ Party Mix.
  3. Party Hardy Chex® Mix.
  4. Hot and Spicy Chex™ Party Mix.
  5. University of Florida Gator Teeth Taco Chex™ Party Mix.
  6. Chex™ Ultimate Tailgate Party Mix.
  7. Sugar Cookie Chex® Party Mix.
  8. Red Velvet Chex™ Party Mix.

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