If you’re anything like me and you adore snacks that perfectly balance flavors and textures, then you’re absolutely going to fall for this Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe. It’s one of those fan-freaking-tastic treats that brings just the right amount of crunch, sweetness, and saltiness to every bite. Whether you’re prepping for game day, a movie night, or just craving something to munch on, this recipe has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The mix of brown sugar, honey, and kosher salt creates a satisfying sweet and salty combo that keeps you coming back for more.
- Crunchy Texture: With multiple types of Chex cereal plus pretzels and Cheez-Its, you get layers of satisfying crunch in every handful.
- Simple and Quick: You’ll love how easy this comes together with minimal ingredients and a straightforward baking process.
- Customizable: Whether you want to swap out candies or adjust the sweetness, this recipe is super flexible to your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe lies in the carefully chosen combination of ingredients that deliver crunch, sweetness, and saltiness in harmony. Most of these are pantry staples, and they all work beautifully together — you’ll find it’s worth splurging on good quality butter and fresh cereal to take it to the next level.
- Corn Chex cereal: Adds a hearty crunch and holds up well during baking.
- Rice Chex cereal: Light and crispy, balancing out the texture effortlessly.
- Mini pretzels: The salty crunch that you just can’t skip—look for mini twists or sticks.
- Cheez-It crackers: These bring a savory cheesy note that’s absolutely addictive.
- Wheat Chex cereal: A nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the mix for that luscious sweet coating—unsalted ensures you control the saltiness.
- Brown sugar: Provides caramel-like sweetness and helps create that irresistible glaze.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and sticky texture for better coating.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Reese’s Pieces: A final sweet pop of peanut butter flavor that takes the mix over the top.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over time, I’ve swapped out a few ingredients here and there, and each version has been a winner. Don’t be shy about experimenting—it’s your snack, after all!
- Swap the Candy: I’ve tried substituting Reese’s Pieces with M&Ms, and both are delicious—M&Ms bring a colorful crunch that kids especially love.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cereals and pretzels, and you’re good to go without losing any flavor or texture.
- Nutty Twist: Add your favorite nuts such as roasted peanuts or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a little cayenne or chili powder for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
How to Make Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe
Step 1: Get everything ready and mix the dry ingredients
Start by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—trust me, this is a game changer! The sticky glaze can really cling to the pan and make cleaning a nightmare. In a large bowl, gently combine the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, mini pretzels, Cheez-It crackers, and Wheat Chex. Stir just enough to mix everything without crushing those crunchy bits.
Step 2: Whisk together the sticky sweet glaze
In a smaller bowl, whisk your melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, honey, and kosher salt until the mixture is silky smooth and well blended. This sweet and salty glaze is what binds it all together, so make sure it’s nicely combined before you pour it over the cereals.
Step 3: Coat, bake, and stir
Pour the buttery glaze over the cereal and snack mix and gently fold it all together so everything is coated evenly. Spread the mixture out in one even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 30 minutes, but here’s the trick: stir it every 10 minutes. This helps create an even glaze and prevents clumping or burning. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing.
Step 4: Cool down and add the finishing touch
When you take the pan out, let it cool completely—this takes about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and break up any clumps with your hands. Once cooled, fold in the Reese’s Pieces for that delightful pop of peanut butter sweetness. It’s like the cherry on top, except it’s candy.
Pro Tips for Making Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Liner: Lining your baking sheet with parchment or foil saves you from a sticky, stubborn cleanup fiasco—I learned this the hard way!
- Gentle Folding: When mixing the glaze and snacks, fold gently so you don’t crush the cereal and pretzels. It keeps the texture perfect.
- Stir at Intervals: Setting your timer every 10 minutes for stirring helps the coating bake evenly and prevents burning.
- Cool Completely: Letting the mix cool fully before adding candy stops it from melting and keeps everything nicely crisp.
How to Serve Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep this Chex Mix pretty simple when garnishing—sometimes I sprinkle a few extra Reese’s Pieces on top just before serving for color and a little extra peanut buttery surprise. One time, I tossed in some chopped roasted peanuts, and my crew went nuts (pun intended!).
Side Dishes
This Sweet & Salty Chex Mix pairs wonderfully with classic party fare like veggie trays, cheese boards, or even alongside a glass of iced tea or craft beer. For game days, it’s a crowd-pleaser that complements heartier dishes like sliders or wings without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this mix in mason jars tied with rustic twine or scooped into colorful bowls with small scoops for easy serving. It also makes a thoughtful gift—just package it in clear bags with a cute tag. My friends always appreciate the homemade snack love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sweet & Salty Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. I usually keep mine in a large glass jar or ziplock bag. It stays fresh for up to a week—perfect for snacking throughout the week without stale flakes.
Freezing
I haven’t personally frozen this mix much because it’s so quick to make, but if you want to prep ahead, freeze in a sealed bag and thaw at room temperature. Just be aware that the candy might lose a bit of its texture when frozen.
Reheating
If you want to revive some crispiness after storage, pop the mix in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5-7 minutes before serving. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—this trick really freshens it right up!
FAQs
-
Can I make this Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe without baking it?
Technically yes, but baking helps the glaze set properly and melds the flavors beautifully while providing a crispier texture. Without baking, the mix might be sticky and soggy rather than wonderfully crunchy.
-
What can I substitute if I’m allergic to peanuts and can’t use Reese’s Pieces?
You can swap Reese’s Pieces for other candies like M&Ms, dried fruit pieces, or simply omit the candy altogether. The mix is still delicious and flavorful without the peanut butter element.
-
How long will this Sweet & Salty Chex Mix stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it should stay fresh and crunchy for up to one week. Make sure to keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight to preserve freshness.
-
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can, but I recommend reducing or omitting the kosher salt in the glaze to avoid making the mix too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe has definitely been a go-to in my kitchen when I want an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that doesn’t disappoint. I love how it’s perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too salty—just that perfect blend of cozy and crunchy. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up; I promise you’ll want to keep a batch ready for any occasion. So go ahead, give it a try and see why my family goes crazy for this mix—I bet yours will too!
Print
Sweet & Salty Chex Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: About 10 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet & Salty Chex Mix is a delightful snack mix combining crunchy cereals, pretzels, and crackers coated in a sweet and salty glaze made from brown sugar, honey, melted butter, and kosher salt. Baked to perfect crispness and finished with Reese’s Pieces for a candy surprise, this mix is ideal for game day, lunch boxes, or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
Cereal & Snack Mix
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 2 cups Cheez-It crackers
- 1 cup Wheat Chex cereal
Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Finishing Touch
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, then set it aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently stir together Corn Chex, Rice Chex, mini pretzels, Cheez-It crackers, and Wheat Chex until evenly mixed.
- Make the Sweet & Salty Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, honey, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the cereal and snack mix, stirring gently to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Spread and Bake: Transfer the coated mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cool the Mix: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the mix to cool completely on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and break apart any clumps with your hands during cooling.
- Add Candy: Once fully cooled, stir in 1 cup of Reese’s Pieces to add a sweet candy surprise.
- Store Properly: Store the finished Sweet & Salty Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. The snack mix will keep fresh for up to one week.
Notes
- Do not skip lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil — the glaze is sticky and lining the pan saves a lot of cleanup effort.
- You can substitute M&Ms for Reese’s Pieces if you prefer a different candy mix-in.
- This mix is a perfect balance of salty crunch and sweet glaze, great for snacking anytime.
- Stirring every 10 minutes during baking prevents burning and ensures even coating.
- Allow the mix to cool thoroughly before adding candy to prevent melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
