Spicy Chex Mix is more than a snack for kids to adults. The crunchy texture, savory flavor, and addictive treat make it everyone’s favorite. You can serve it as a snack for parties, game nights, and casual snacking.
Previously, it was made simply by combining cereals, nuts, and seasonings. Over the decades, Chex Mix gained popularity and experimented with flavors. The addition of spicy flavor transforms it from subtle to bold.
This article presents a homemade spicy Chex Mix recipe with 3 variations of spicy Chex Mix. Preparing the authentic hot spicy Chex Mix recipe requires an expert’s guidance. We are here with proper guidelines and useful tips.
Why You Should Make Spicy Chex Mix at Home?
Homemade spicy Chex Mix is better than the store-bought version in several ways:
- You can customize the heat level from mild to fiery hot. We don’t prefer the same spice level. Some people may feel store-bought Spicy Chex Mix is very hot. On the other hand, some people want more intense spice. The homemade version provides you the control over the spice level.
- You have the chance to select your favorite cereals, nuts, and other ingredients in a homemade version. Besides, the quality can be preserved.
- Preparing the Chex Mix at home is not only simple but also fun to do.
Thus, you should try to make the hot and spicy Chex Mix at home. Once you make it, you will refuse to have store-bought Spicy Chex Mix for sure.
Ingredients and Substitutions You Need for This Recipe
Here we have attached a classic spicy Chex Mix ingredient list with substitutions. You can choose ingredients according to your preferences.
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution/ Notes |
| Corn Chex | 3 cups | Cornflakes and corn puff cereals can be used |
| Rice Chex | 3 cups | Rice Krispies or rice crackers |
| Wheat Chex | 3 cups | Triscuit crackers or other whole-grain cereals |
| Pretzels | 2 cups | Mini pretzels or pretzel sticks |
| Mixed Nuts | 1 cup | Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, etc. |
| Butter | ½ cup | Olive oil or coconut oil for a light or vegan version |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 teaspoons | Soy sauce |
| Hot Sauce | 2 teaspoons | Sriracha (Adjust to taste) |
| Garlic Powder | ½ teaspoon | Onion powder |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | Smoked paprika for smoky flavor |
| Cayenne Pepper | ½ teaspoon | Red chili powder (enhances spiciness) |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
- Corn Chex Mix adds crisp texture. It is a safe gluten-free option
- Rice Chex is ideal for soaking up buttery spice blends
- Wheat Chex adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Not suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Pretzels help to achieve the variation in taste and texture.
- Nuts provide healthy fat and extra crunch and variation.
- Butter and Worcestershire sauce help coat the Chex Mix with the spicy blends.
- Hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and paprika bring the spice kick.
- Garlic powder and salt are the Chex Mix seasoning.
How to Make Chex Mix Spicy: Simple 6 Steps
Chex Mix is a popular snack. This recipe shows you how to spice it up.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
You need an oven to prepare this spicy Chex Mix oven recipe.
- Preheat the oven to 120°C.
- Don’t forget to start preheating before starting the preparation. It will save your time.
- Line a baking sheet with the oven plate.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Take a large bowl and combine corn Chex, rice Chex, wheat Chex, pretzels, and nuts.
Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Butter
Spicy butter makes the Chex mix spicy. To prepare the spicy butter, do the following:
- Take a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add butter and melt slowly.
- Then, add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne powder, and salt.
- Stir nicely to make the perfect spicy butter.
Step 4: Coat Mix
Now, pour the prepared spicy butter over the cereal and nut mix. Toss them well to coat evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Baking makes them crunchier.
- Spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- You need to stir them every 15 minutes to avoid burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After 45 minutes of baking, turn off the switch and let them cool. Then, transfer the spicy Chex Mix from the baking sheet to a bowl. Serve them as a snack.
You can also store them after complete cooling. Put them in an airtight container. That’s how you can store the spicy Chex Mix for up to 2 weeks.
3 Magical Variations of Spicy Chex Mix
- Sweet and spicy Chex Mix: If you want a slight sweetness with the spicy Chex Mix, you can add some honey, maple syrup, or corn syrup while preparing the spicy butter. Additionally, you can sprinkle some cinnamon powder over the spicy Chex Mix to enjoy a sweet and spicy Chex Mix.
- Extra Fiery Chex Mix: If you are a spice lover and want extra spice, double the cayenne powder. Moreover, you can add some chili powder or crushed chili flakes over the spicy Chex Mix.
- Smoky BBQ Chex Mix: Many people love the smoky flavor. Add smoked paprika and BBQ seasoning to the spicy butter to get a deep smoky flavor.
Chef’s Notes and Tips
- You may love spice. But our experts suggest using the spice gradually. Start with less and add more after tasting.
- Even coating is very important. So, toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated nicely with the spicy butter.
- Use an airtight container to keep it crunchy.
- We suggest making the Spicy Chex Mix in a large batch. It is so tasty that you can’t imagine how it will disappear within a short time.
- You can serve the Chex Mix with soup toppers, crunchy salads, and even with cold drinks.
- A box of spicy Chex Mix can be a thoughtful homemade gift.
Spicy Chex Mix Recipes
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Corn Chex
- 3 Cups Rice Chex
- 3 Cups Wheat Chex
- 2 Cups Pretzels
- 1 Cup Mixed Nuts
- 1/2 Cup Butter
- 2 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Tsp Hot Sauce
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ – ½ Tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 Tsp Salt Optional
Instructions
- First, collect all the required ingredients according to the ingredient list.
- Preheat oven at 120°C and line a baking sheet over the oven plate.
- Meanwhile, combine corn Chex, rice Chex, wheat Chex, pretzels, and nuts in a large bowl.
- Now, melt butter over medium heat and add Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt to make the spicy butter.
- Then, add the spicy butter over the Chex Mix and toss well to coat evenly.
- After that, spread them on baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes.
- Stir them every 15 minutes to avoid burning.
- After 45 minutes of baking, turn of the switch.
- Completely cool the spicy Chex Mix.
- Lastly, serve it as a snack or store in airtight container.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Spicy Chex Mix is a perfect snack to enjoy on a game night, movie night, or even at cocktail parties. Make the crispy, flavorful, and spicy Chex Mix at home to enjoy your holidays.
There are very few people who can resist this crunchy snack. Therefore, make the perfect Chex Mix with our recipe to impress your loved one. If you have babies, a box of Chex Mix can be a saviour to control them. Stay with us for more useful recipes.
FAQs
Can I Make Chex Mix Without Baking?
Yes, you can definitely make Chex Mix without baking. Just mix the dry ingredients and prepare the spicy butter. Then, toss the Chex mix with the spicy butter. Baking the Chex Mix is not mandatory. But baking is recommended to ensure a crunchy texture, bold flavor, and even coating.
How Long Does Spicy Chex Mix Stay Fresh?
Spicy Chex Mix stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. But you have to ensure a proper storage method.
- Cool the spicy Chex Mix completely.
- Then, put them in an airtight container.
- Keep the container in a dry and dark place.
Is It Gluten-free?
Originally, the spicy Chex Mix is not gluten-free, as it contains wheat Chex. However, you can make a gluten-free version. You need to use certified gluten-free Chex cereals and pretzels. Replace the butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Always check the ingredient list to avoid hidden gluten. That way, you can make spicy Chex Mix for gluten-sensitive people.
