Step back in time with this nostalgic Sweet and Salty Chex Mix. A classic party snack that combines Chex with salty faves like pretzels and mixed nuts, accented by festive red cranberries and green pumpkin seeds, and coated in a crunchy maple toffee.
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There's something special about nostalgic recipes. Whether it's a dish you grew up on like Philip's Christmas Morning Wifesaver, a cookie that you make only once a year like our Amaretti Cookies, or even just a nod to your favorite Christmas recipe, the holidays just aren't the same without classic favorites. This Sweet and Salty Chex Mix is that!
A playful twist on a timeless favorite, this Sweet and Salty Chex Mix recipe combines crispy Chex with salty pretzels, crunchy nuts, and a festive touch of red cranberries and green pumpkin seeds. The secret to its irresistible flavor? A buttery maple toffee poured overtop for the ultimate sweet and salty bite.
Make a big batch for holiday movie nights or serve at holiday parties in vintage bowls, and watch it disappear. But our favorite way to enjoy it is to gift it! Scoop them into mason jars, tie them with a bow, and you have an easy yet thoughtful gift for neighbors, friends, or even teachers (just replace the nuts!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It's nostalgic: This recipe takes the classic Chex Mix everyone knows and loves and elevates it with modern, festive twists. Perfect for bringing back fond memories while creating new ones.
- A crowd-pleaser: Whether you're hosting a holiday party or sharing it at work, this snack disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for the recipe.
- It's addictive: The combination of a buttery maple toffee coating with salty pretzels and nuts delivers an addictive balance of flavors in every bite.
If you're hosting a holiday party, serve our Sweet and Salty Chex Mix with our Spiked Eggnog, Warm Olives with Citrus, or Cheese and Charcuterie Board.
Ingredient List
- Chex Cereal: You can’t have Chex mix without Chex. We use corn Chex, but rice Chex or a combination of both work just as well.
- O’s Cereal: Use your favorite O’s cereal. Nature’s Path Heritage O’s are our regular cereal so that’s what we use.
- Pretzels: Use hard salted pretzels for this recipe. We like the size and look of mini pretzel twists, sticks and squares will give the same results with a different look.
- Mixed Nuts: We use salted Kirkland mixed nuts which include cashews, pecans, almonds, Brazil nuts, and macadamia nuts.
- Pumpkin Seeds: salted and roasted pumpkin seeds are the go-to in this recipe.
- Butter: We use salted butter in all of our recipes.
- Maple Syrup: The sweet part of this recipe. Use 100% pure maple syrup, grade A.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries, unsweetened if possible.
- Rosemary: The rosemary sets this Chex mix apart and makes it the perfect snack for any winter gathering. Use fresh rosemary, to give a subtle flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Salt: flakey sea salt is best if available, otherwise, fine sea salt is great.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Substitutions and Modifications
- Add chocolate: Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate are an amazing addition that we often add. Just make sure it is fully cooled before adding it.
- Mix up the cereal: This recipe can be made with a wide variety of cereals, think Crispix, Corn Flakes, Life, and really, the options are endless.
- Go extra sweet: Use pre-sweetened cereal for an even sweeter Chex mix.
- Dried fruits: Swap the cranberries for raisins, dried goji berries, or blueberries for a different take.
- Maple syrup: While we love the flavor of maple syrup, other syrup alternatives like agave and honey work too.
- Add some heat: Swap the maple syrup with our quick and easy Hot Honey.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute the butter for coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free.
Recipe Steps: How to Make Sweet and Salty Chex Mix
1. Mix Dry Ingredients and Make the Syrup
In a large bowl, combine Chex, O’s cereal, pretzels, nuts, and pumpkin seeds. Mix evenly. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in maple syrup and boil for 2 minutes.
2. Coat the Mix
Pour the syrup over the cereal mix, tossing gently to coat.
3. Bake the Chex Mix
Spread the mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown.
4. Add Toppings and Cool
Sprinkle with cranberries, rosemary, and flakey sea salt. Let cool completely before serving.
Chef's Tips
- Distribute the Flavors Evenly: Toss the ingredients well with the syrup to ensure that each piece of the Chex mix is flavored.
- Control the Baking: Check on the mix while baking to avoid over-baking. It goes from perfectly baked to burnt quickly near the end of the baking process.
- Add Delicate Toppings at the End: Dried fruits and herbs will burn if baked, so add these ingredients immediately after baking and toss to keep their flavor and texture intact.
- Let it Cool Completely: Ensure the Chex mix has completely cooled before storing otherwise it will become soft and potentially soggy.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
Make ahead: Chex mix, when properly stored, will keep for 2 weeks so you can make this well ahead of time when serving.
Storage: Ensure the Chex mix has completely cooled before storing. Keep it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark location for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: if, for some reason, you don’t finish the Chex mix, it can be frozen in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, use a large skillet to toast the mix over medium-low heat, stirring often, then cool on a baking sheet.
Stir the Chex mix halfway through baking, then check on it early and often to ensure it doesn’t burn. Watch it especially closely in the last few minutes as it can take just a minute to burn once it’s ready.
This version is not, however, you can replace the O’s cereal and pretzels with gluten-free options.
Ensure to cool it completely before storing it and keep it in a cool, dark, and dry location.
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Recipe Card
Sweet and Salty Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 6 cups corn or rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups O’s cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 2 cups salted mixed nuts
- 1 cup salted pumpkin seeds
- ⅔ cup butter
- ⅔ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon flakey sea salt
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Add Chex, O’s cereal, pretzels, nuts, and pumpkin seeds to a large mixing bowl. Toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour in the maple syrup and bring to a boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour the syrup over the Chex mix and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the Chex mix to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.
- Top with cranberries, rosemary, and a sprinkling of flakey sea salt. Stir and cool to room temperature before serving.
Charles Taylor says
Looks good.
Pamelia Cooper says
Send me more of good recipes