Spicy Chex Mix: Your Go-To Zesty Snack for Any Gathering

Spicy Chex Mix combines fiery cayenne and crunchy ingredients for a zesty, crowd-pleasing snack.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 8 cups

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Base

3 cups Corn Chex Can substitute with additional Rice or Wheat Chex.
2 cups Wheat Chex Provides a nutty flavor; swap for more Corn or Rice Chex if desired.
2 cups Rice Chex Light and crunchy; replaced with additional Corn Chex for a gluten-free option.

For Extra Crunch

2 cups Cheez-Its Feel free to use any cheese cracker variant you have.
3 cups Mini Pretzels Regular pretzels can also work, including gluten-free options.
1.5 cups Mini Club Crackers Substitute with Ritz or similar buttery crackers if needed.
2 cups Mixed Nuts Skip for a nut-free option or substitute with seeds.

For the Flavorful Sauce

0.5 cups Unsalted Butter Replace with vegan butter to keep it dairy-free.
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Use a vegan alternative or omit if necessary.
2 tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Mix Homemade ranch seasoning is a great substitute.
0.25 cups Light Brown Sugar Granulated sugar can also be used.

Spices & Seasonings

1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Skip or substitute with individual dried herbs like oregano.
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste, or swap for crushed chili flakes.
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can replace it—just adjust the measurement.
1 teaspoon Onion Powder Shallot powder or fresh onion can be alternatives.
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika is a substitute but lacks the smokiness.
0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Modify the amount according to your heat preference.

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
medium saucepan
baking sheet
Whisk

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spicy Chex Mix

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Rice Chex, Cheez-Its, mini pretzels, mini Club crackers, and mixed nuts.
In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ranch seasoning mix, light brown sugar, and the array of spices. Whisk until smooth and sugar is dissolved, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Pour half of the warm sauce over your snack mix, gently tossing to ensure an even coating. Add the remaining sauce and toss again.
Spread the coated snack mix evenly onto an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even cooking.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Keep the cooled mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month.

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