This slow cooker Chex mix recipe gets you the salty crunchy snack mix you crave without having to turn on the oven. It is perfect for the holidays, parties, road trips and more.
If you like Chex mix, you have to try this crock pot version. It is super simple to put together and you still get that big bold flavor you love.
Chex mix is a Christmas tradition in my family. My grandma always made a great big batch and my mom made about a dozen different flavors one year.
In fact, one of my brothers declared Chex mix as his favorite Christmas cookie. So, I guess there’s that.
Making Chex Mix in a Crock Pot
Usually we make classic oven baked Chex mix. But sometimes you just want to do something a little bit different, and this slow cooker version is just that thing.
It is handy for when the oven is full doing something else, like baking those holiday cookies. Or if you are making a batch in the summer and don’t want to turn the oven on.
All you do is load your slow cooker with cereal, pretzels, crackers and nuts. Then pour on the buttery spice mix.
The only work from there is to stir it every half hour or so. After three hours you will have the flavorful snack mix we all love.
Make sure you use your biggest slow cooker. You want plenty of room for goodies and room to stir as well.
You may want to use a rubber spatula to do the stirring. It will be easier to get in there without breaking up all your goodies.
Otherwise just have fun and enjoy the smell of your Chex mix cooking.
Easy Alterations:
One of the fun things about a snack mix like this is you can easily change up the ingredients to match your taste preferences or what you have on hand. As long as the final volume of ingredients is pretty close in the end, you can try just about anything you want!
In order to call in Chex mix, it seems like you should have some Chex in it. We like using a mix of corn, rice and wheat but that doesn’t mean you have to.
Crispix also work well in recipes like this and I’ve even seen people use Cheerios. Though you will want to make sure you use the original version and not honey nut.
You can use peanuts instead of mixed nuts, or leave the nuts out all together.
Goldfish or other small shaped cheese crackers are always fun in these mixes too. Sometimes you can find penguins which are fun for winter holidays. Or do the cheddar bunny crackers at Easter time for a festive addition.
For a spicier kick, try using Cajun seasoning in place of some of the seasoned salt. Or try using some of your favorite BBQ rub for a sweet and salty flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you overcook Chex Mix?
It’s hard to do in a crock pot, but it is possible to overcook or over stir Chex mix. You want to cook it just enough to make the seasonings stick and crisp it all back up.
How do I keep my Chex mix crunchy?
Make sure the Chex mix is completely cooled before you transfer it to an airtight container. That will make sure it starts out as crunchy as possible. Then try to keep it out of the humidity as much as possible. If it’s humid out, it would be better to store it in several small airtight containers rather than one big one that will be opened more frequently.
More Great Snack Mix Recipes
Dilly ranch Chex mix has the same great crunch as this recipe, but a different spice profile. You could easily adapt that recipe to a crockpot as well. Just use the same cooking instructions as this recipe.
Taco fans will love Taco Chex mix. It has those tex-mex seasonings we all love and is a fun flavor twist on the cereal snack mix idea.
For a sweeter version, try apple pie Chex mix. It features cinnamon, brown sugar and bits of apple chips for a tasty dessert snack mix.
Or check out my full collection of snack mix recipes for more fun ideas.
Slow Cooker Chex Mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups wheat Chex cereal
- 2 cups corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups cheese crackers
- 3 cups oyster crackers
- 2 cups pretzels
- 3 cups mixed nuts
- 9 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- In your slow cooker stir together the cereals, pretzels, crackers and nuts.2 cups rice Chex cereal, 2 cups wheat Chex cereal, 2 cups corn Chex cereal, 3 cups cheese crackers, 3 cups oyster crackers, 2 cups pretzels, 3 cups mixed nuts
- In a small bowl melt your butter in the microwave until melted.9 tablespoons butter
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and spices until well combined.3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons seasoned salt, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Pour over cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on high heat setting for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Spread cereal mixture on a large cookie sheet or wax paper.
- Cool completely before moving to an airtight container to store.
- Chex mix can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Andrea Nine
Monday 24th of October 2022
It makes me so happy that I can do this in the slow cooker! And I’m so happy to see that it will stay crisp my family just loves Chex mix!
Carlee
Monday 24th of October 2022
It's such a great way to make it. We are huge Chex mix fans too!
Karen @karenskitchenstories
Friday 21st of October 2022
I've got to try this!!! I could eat this by the handful.
Carlee
Saturday 22nd of October 2022
It's so tasty!