Need a delicious snack recipe to share with friends and family? Make this delicious homemade snack mix. It’s the Best Chex Mix Recipe. Ever. and it’s seasoned with Old Bay.
With a variety of crunchy snacks and a unique twist on the standard flavor, this easy recipe is great for a crowd and is one of my favorite easy appetizers to serve at a casual gathering.
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This post was originally published on October 29, 2015, and has now been updated with more details, tips and tricks, and an FAQ section so you can make this snack mix perfectly every time.
Ahhhhhh. Fall is in the air. It’s time to start thinking about those favorite holiday snacks.
For years, I waited on my best friend’s mother-in-law to start sending out her coveted Chex Mix. It’s true, not all Chex Mix is created equal.
And since I could never bribe the recipe out of her, I decided to create my own.
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade Chex Mix recipe is crazy good and super savory, which I’m totally looking for in my snack mix.
I used Old Bay to give it a unique flavor that levels up the taste. I think it’s the celery salt (which is part of the Old Bay spice blend) that makes it stand out.
That, and like, every crunchy snack item ever made being mixed together.
We know that a baked cereal snack mix is a great snack idea. So this recipe is a sure thing. It’s easy to make and a fun treat to have around to pick on during the holidays.
With two kinds of Chex Mix, oyster crackers, pretzels, and bagel chips; this recipe is crunchy and salty and snack perfection!
Need more, easy holiday snacks? You need to make my Dried Beef Roll-Ups, my Cinnamon Walnuts, and my Cold Bacon Sage Dip.
Ingredient Notes
Fritos and Mini Pretzels add a delicious crunch.
It just wouldn’t be Chex Mix without the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Bagel Chips!
Oyster Crackers go so well in this mix, and it seems appropriate when making your mix with Old Bay.
Melted Butter and Worcestershire are your liquid ingredients and classic Chex Mix ingredients.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder punch up some of the spices found in the Old Bay seasoning. You can never have too much garlic!
All of the measurements can be found in the printable recipe below.
How to make Old Bay Chex Mix
I always start with a big, disposable pan because it makes everything so much easier for stirring without sending pieces flying all over the kitchen.
The thing that MAKES the Chex Mix is the baking. It really helps to keep everything crispy and make it super crunchy. Ain’t no one got time for a soggy snack.
With the oven at 250 degrees, it’s a low heat that won’t burn the butter and seasoning but will help dry everything out.
I mixed the butter and spices in a saucepan, to melt it all together and then poured it on the crunchy snacks that were already in the big pan.
I tossed it really well to make sure the seasoning got all over each piece.
The best Chex Mix is buttery and perfectly coated.
But the star of this show, the Kim to the Kardashians if you will, is the Old Bay seasoning.
Man, I can’t get enough of this stuff lately. I also used it my favorite Chip Dip the other day. You should make that for your next party too.
It really adds a depth of flavor to the mix that you can’t get from just seasoned salt. It was not a spice my mom used so I had never even tried it until last year! I feel like I may need therapy because of that!
This Chex Mix snack mix is totally versatile. You can use it for all kinds of parties. It’s inexpensive to make and makes large batches.
It’s a staple for holiday get-togethers but it’s equally fantastic for a tailgate party.
And if you like to give edible gifts, this is a great idea. People LOVE homemade Chex Mix.
Seriously, the Old Bay makes this the Best Chex Mix Recipe. Make sure to pin this recipe for later.
Tips and Tricks
- You may be tempted to turn up the heat so it bakes faster. Resist that urge! The low heat means that everything gets coated in your yummy mixture of spices and butter, and it doesn’t burn. No one wants burned Chex Mix!
- Embrace the disposable baking pan. It makes for easier clean up so you have more time to enjoy your snack.
- I encourage you to try this recipe as is at least once (it’s so good!), but you can always swap out the Fritos, Oyster Crackers, or Mini Pretzels for your favorite salty snacks instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your family is anything like mine, you won’t need to worry about it going stale. But if you want to make large batches, just store the extra Chex Mix in an airtight container for 4 to 6 weeks. It will stay fresh as long as it’s not exposed to air. You can also freeze it in airtight freezer containers or bags for longer periods of time.
Generally, it’s cheaper to make yourself – especially since ingredients often go on sale around the holidays.
You might have your oven temperature too high. Butter tends to burn quickly and you may not see it. Keep your temperature low, bake it for a longer amount of time, and stir it every 15 to 20 minutes for best results.
Related Recipes
- Tomatoes roasted with garlic makes them sweet with so much flavor. It becomes the perfect pairing for creamy burrata cheese. Serve this roasted tomato and burrata appetizer next time you have friends over.
- When you need a break from heavy bites, try this super easy avocado hummus. It is full of heart-healthy fats and it’s tasty. Duh.
- This is the best cheese ball ever and is great for breakfast after a night of extra fun, if you know what I mean…
- Sometimes a sweet snack is in order. These Cinnamon Walnuts are quick and easy you will inhale them.
Best Ever Chex Mix
Ingredients
Snack Mix
- 2 cups Fritos chips
- 2 cups Mini Pretzels
- 2 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups Rice Chex
- 2 cups Bagel Chips
- 2 cups Oyster Crackers
Old Bay Seasoning
- 8 TBSP butter you can use margarine if dietary reasons call for it!
- 2 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
- In a large disposable pan, add all of the crunchy snack items.
- In a small saucepan, add all the butter, Old Bay, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and onion powder and stir until butter is melted and everything is well mixed.
- Evenly pour the butter and spice mixture over the snack mix and carefully toss to make sure the seasoning gets to each piece.
- Bake the Chex Mix in a 250-degree oven for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container.
I’ve made this several times and love it. I noticed in your writing you speak of celery salt but do not see it in the recipe itself. How much would be the correct amount to add?
Hi Abbey! The celery salt is part of the Old Bay blend. I think I was just noting that I like that flavor and think that’s what makes Old Bay so unique.
So, should the oyster crackers be included, or not? If so, how much?
Yikes! Sorry about that! I like my snack mix with oyster crackers. I would add 2 cups. I’ll update the recipe right now! But what is so great about a snack mix is that you can add in whatever you like and leave out what you don’t. I pretty much make this a little different every holiday. :)
Oyster crackers are pictured, but not listed in the ingredients
Thank you so much! I appreciate you letting me know!
I just stumbled across this recipe a month ago. In that month I have made this at least 5 times, its that good. Truly a great recipe.
I’m so glad you like it!! Enjoy!
It’s a great snack! I should make some for the kids this weekend!
Adding Worcestershire Sauce makes all the difference! Great recipe!
Thank you Melanie!!