Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe

Slow cooker Chex Mix is a simple, savory snack that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just a tasty treat to have on hand. Making Chex Mix in a slow cooker allows you to achieve that signature crunch with minimal effort and keeps your oven free for other dishes. This recipe combines the classic trio of rice, corn, and wheat Chex cereals, along with pretzels, nuts, and a seasoned buttery sauce. Here’s how to make this crowd-pleasing snack step by step.

Ingredients

For the Chex Mix:

• 3 cups rice Chex cereal
• 3 cups corn Chex cereal
• 3 cups wheat Chex cereal
• 2 cups mini pretzels
• 1 cup bagel chips, broken into bite-sized pieces (or use rye chips)
• 1 cup mixed nuts (optional)

For the Seasoned Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for a hint of smokiness)

Equipment Needed:

• Slow cooker (at least 6-quart size)
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Parchment paper or baking sheet (for cooling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

• Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray or line it with a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Combine the Mix Ingredients

• Add the rice Chex, corn Chex, wheat Chex, pretzels, bagel chips, and mixed nuts into the slow cooker. Stir to mix evenly.

Step 3: Make the Seasoned Sauce

• In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 4: Pour and Mix

• Drizzle the seasoned sauce evenly over the Chex mixture in the slow cooker.
• Gently stir the mix to ensure that the seasoned sauce coats all the pieces.

Step 5: Cook in the Slow Cooker

• Cover the slow cooker with the lid but leave it slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. This helps keep the mix crunchy.
• Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
• After 2 hours, check for doneness. The mix should be dry and crisp but not overcooked.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Spread the finished Chex Mix out on parchment paper or a baking sheet to cool completely.
• Once cooled, store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve in a large bowl at parties or keep small portions in resealable bags for an on-the-go snack.
• Storage: Keep the Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: While not usually necessary, you can freeze Chex Mix for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Helpful Notes

• Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your Chex Mix with add-ins like goldfish crackers, cheese crackers, or more nuts.
• Sweet Version: Add M&M’s or chocolate chips after the mix cools for a sweet and savory variation.
• Butter Substitute: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Alton Brown: Suggests using fresh garlic and onion powders for the most robust flavor.
• Rachael Ray: Recommends adding a touch of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a slight kick.
• Ina Garten: Advises toasting the nuts lightly in a pan before adding them to the mix for extra depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until crisp.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free Chex cereals, gluten-free pretzels, and omit bagel chips or use a gluten-free alternative.

Q3: What other seasonings can I add?
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for a different twist.

Q4: Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the seasoned salt to avoid making the mix too salty.

Q5: How do I prevent burning?
Stir every 30 minutes and keep the lid slightly ajar to avoid moisture build-up that can lead to uneven cooking.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to stir the mix without spilling. Cook in batches if needed.

Q7: How do I make this more savory?
Add more Worcestershire sauce or increase the garlic and onion powders slightly.

Q8: Is it okay to leave out the nuts?
Yes, omitting the nuts or substituting them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds works well.

Q9: Can I make a sweet version?
Add cinnamon to the seasoning and drizzle with melted white chocolate after the mix has cooled for a sweet treat.

Q10: How do I keep the mix fresh for longer?
Store in an airtight container with a moisture absorber packet or silica gel pack (food-safe) to maintain freshness.

Enjoy this easy, crunchy, and flavorful slow cooker Chex Mix at your next gathering or as a snack to enjoy any day!