There’s something timeless about sticking to the classics. You can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned bowl of Chex Mix when it comes to adding that festive touch to any gathering. And let me tell you, this recipe for Classic Slow Cooker Chex Mix is as effortless as it gets.
As an avid Chex Mix enthusiast, I’ve experimented with countless variations throughout the years. From indulging in the sweetness, spicing things up, to embracing the saltiness, I’ve dabbled in all flavors. However, I’ve never quite revealed the recipe for the original Chex Mix—the one that kickstarted it all. You know, that tried-and-true combination of three Chex cereals, adorable mini pretzels, and crunchy peanuts, all coated in a savory blend of onion and garlic seasoning with just the perfect touch of spice. It’s a true delight that hits all the right spots.
My favorite way to make this classic Chex Mix is in the slow cooker. Simply combine the cereal and seasonings in the crock, turn on the machine, and allow the mixture to slowly roast over the next two and a half hours, filling your kitchen with its delicious smell. All you need is a quick stir every half hour or so to make sure it browns evenly.
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Recipe Notes:
If you like your chex mix a little crispier and slightly charred, cook for 30 minutes to an hour longer.
Be sure to stir the chex mixture several times as it cooks. Especially in the last hour, the bottom can catch fire, and you don’t want that to happen.
You can add or remove ingredients based on your personal preferences. For example, if you’re eating gluten-free, swap out the wheat chex for more rice and corn, and swap out the pretzels for gluten-free pretzels. If you want to mimic the classic store-bought Chex mix, add some rye chips, breadsticks, and pretzels of different shapes. You can also make this spicy by adding some cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Feel free to make this Chex Mix a day or two ahead of time. It keeps very well if stored properly in an airtight container.
This recipe works best in a large oval slow cooker. If you have one that is deep and round, you will need to stir it more often and cook it longer.
Slow Cooker Classic Chex Mix
Addresses:
In a slow cooker, combine the rice chex cereal, wheat chex cereal, corn chex cereal, pretzels, and unsalted peanuts. Set aside for now.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the melted salted butter, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic salt, and onion powder.
Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the cereal mixture and mix until well combined.
Cook discovered on low 2 ½ hours or until cereal is lightly browned. Stir every 30 minutes to make sure nothing burns and you get an even color in the cereal.
Once the mixture has finished cooking, pour the chex mixture onto a parchment paper lined tray and spread out evenly. Allow to cool completely before serving, about 10 minutes.
Classic Slow Cooker Chex Mix
Nothing says “party” like a big bowl of Chex Mix. And this Classic Slow Cooker Chex Mix recipe is the easiest way to make it.
Preparation time: 10 minutesminutes
Time to cook: 2 hourshours40 minutesminutes
Total time: 2 hourshoursfifty minutesminutes
It serves:24
Ingredients
2 ¾cupchex rice cereal
2 ¾cupwheat chex cereal
2 ¾cupcorn chex cereal
1 ¾cupmini twist pretzels
¾cupunsalted peanuts
6tablespoonssalted butterMelted
⅓cupsoy sauce
¼cupBBQ sauce
1teaspoongarlic salt
½teaspoonsonion powder
Instructions
In a slow cooker, combine the rice chex cereal, wheat chex cereal, corn chex cereal, pretzels, and unsalted peanuts. Set aside for now.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the melted salted butter, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic salt, and onion powder.
Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the cereal mixture and mix until well combined.
Cook uncovered on low heat for 2 ½ hours or until cereal is lightly browned. Stir every 30 minutes to make sure nothing burns and you get an even color in the cereal.
Once the mixture has finished cooking, pour the chex mixture onto a parchment paper lined tray and spread out evenly.
Allow to cool completely before serving, about 10 minutes.
