This Old Bay Chex Mix Recipe is a delicious homemade snack mix to share with friends and family. And it's so easy! With a unique twist on the standard flavor, this recipe is great for a crowd and is one of my favorite easy appetizers to serve at a casual gathering.
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.
Jump to:
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 for the Chex Mix seasoning 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.
Related post: How to make a family snack board
We know that a baked cereal snack mix is a great snack idea and this is the best Chex Mix recipe that I think you can make at home. 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 Old Bay snack mix is crunchy and salty and snack perfection!
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.
Man, I can't get enough of Old Bay lately. I also use it for my favorite Chip Dip. It really adds a depth of flavor to the mix that you can't get from just seasoned salt.
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
The thing that MAKES Chex Mix as good as it is, 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.
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
It's a low heat that won't burn the butter and seasoning but will help dry everything out.
Step 2
To a large disposable pan add the crunchy snacks you want to use for your mix. I used Oyster crackers, bagel chips, corn chips, a variety of Chex cereal and pretzels.
I always use a big, disposable pan because it makes everything so much easier for stirring without sending pieces flying all over the kitchen. And clean up is a breeze too!
Step 3
Mix the butter, Worcestershire, Old Bay, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan and melt it all together. Mix often so it doesn't burn.
Step 4
Pour the Old Bay seasoned melted butter on the crunchy snacks in the big pan. Toss it really well to make sure the seasoning gets all over each piece.
The best Chex Mix is buttery and perfectly coated.
Step 5
Bake the savory Chex Mix recipe for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
This will help to make sure each piece is perfectly coated.
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 cleanup 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.
More easy snack recipes
- Dried Beef Roll-Ups
- Cinnamon Walnuts
- Cold Bacon Sage Dip
- Baked Caramel Corn Recipe
- Baked Salami Chips
- Truffle Parmesan Fried Cheerios
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 tablespoon butter you can use margarine if dietary reasons call for it!
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon 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.
Mary says
How do I measure the ingredients? By ounces on bags? Or by measuring cups?
Thank you
Lori says
Can I add some M & M's for a sweet and spicy mix?
I am Totally going to try this! I love Old Bay and Worschester!!
Brooke says
Did you add m&m's? Wondering the same thing :)
Abbey says
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?
Sharon Garofalow says
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.
Kathy says
So, should the oyster crackers be included, or not? If so, how much?
Sharon Garofalow says
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. :)
Kathy says
Oyster crackers are pictured, but not listed in the ingredients
Sharon Garofalow says
Thank you so much! I appreciate you letting me know!
Holly says
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.
Sharon Garofalow says
I'm so glad you like it!! Enjoy!
Sharon Garofalow says
It's a great snack! I should make some for the kids this weekend!
Melanie {The Party Suite at Bellenza} says
Adding Worcestershire Sauce makes all the difference! Great recipe!
Sharon Garofalow says
Thank you Melanie!!