Oh my goodness, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without my festive Christmas Chex mix recipe! I can still remember those cozy family gatherings, the smell of popcorn and spices filling the air while we all huddled around the table, munching away on this delightful snack. It’s the ultimate blend of sweet and savory, and every handful brings back warm memories of laughter and joy. The best part? It’s so easy to whip up! I love how it can be thrown together quickly, making it the perfect treat for unexpected guests or holiday movie nights. Trust me, once you try this mix, you’ll want to make it a tradition every year!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive Christmas Chex mix recipe. Gather these ingredients for a delightful holiday treat:
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1 cup chocolate candies
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
These simple ingredients combine to create a mix that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 250°F (120°C). This step is super important because it helps the flavors meld beautifully while the mix bakes. Trust me, you want everything to come together just right!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzels, and mixed nuts. Give it a good toss! I usually use my hands to make sure everything is evenly mixed. It’s like a fun little workout, and you can feel the holiday spirit in every crunch! Just make sure the pretzels and nuts are evenly distributed among the cereals.
Prepare the Coating
Now, let’s get that sweet coating going! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the packed brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to boil; it should take about 3-5 minutes. Let it bubble for a minute but keep an eye on it to prevent burning! Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious holiday aroma.
Combine and Bake
Pour that warm, gooey mixture over your dry ingredients and stir until every piece is coated—this is where the magic happens! Spread everything out onto a baking sheet in an even layer. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This ensures every bite gets that perfect blend of sweet and salty goodness. The smell wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly waiting!
Add the Chocolates
Once the mix is baked and golden, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Now, it’s time to add the chocolate candies and white chocolate chips! Just sprinkle them in and give it a gentle mix. Then, let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces. That’s it! You’ve just created a festive treat that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for last-minute holiday snacking!
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins; swap out nuts or candies as you please.
- Great for parties, movie nights, or simply to have on hand for guests.
- Sweet and salty flavor combination that everyone will adore.
- Make it ahead of time and store it for a festive treat throughout the season.
- Fun for all ages to help make, bringing the family together.
This Christmas Chex mix recipe truly checks all the boxes for a holiday hit!
Nutritional Information Section
Just a heads up, nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so take these numbers as a general guide. For each serving (1 cup), you can expect around 200 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. It’s a delicious snack to enjoy during the holidays, but keep in mind that moderation is key!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your Christmas Chex mix recipe turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t be afraid to get creative—try adding your favorite nuts, popcorn, or even dried fruits for a twist. If you want that extra crunch, toast the nuts before mixing them in; it really amps up the flavor! To ensure an even coating, make sure to stir the mixture thoroughly when you pour the warm coating over it. And remember, baking time can vary, so keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning. Trust me, these little tweaks will make your mix shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Chex mix recipe fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to two weeks—perfect for snacking throughout the holiday season! If you find it’s lost a bit of its crispness, just pop it in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh that delightful crunch. Trust me, it’s worth it!
FAQ Section
Can I customize my Christmas Chex mix recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this mix is its versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts, add some popcorn, or even toss in some dried fruits for a unique twist.
How long can I store the Chex mix?
You can keep your Christmas Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. It stays tasty and crunchy, perfect for holiday snacking!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to choose gluten-free Chex cereals and nuts. This way, everyone can enjoy your festive treat!
What’s the best way to refresh stale Chex mix?
If your mix loses its crunch, simply spread it out on a baking sheet and pop it in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes. It’ll be as good as new!
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Definitely! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even butterscotch chips would all make delicious additions to your Christmas Chex mix recipe.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of nuts, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on customizing your snack mixes, you can refer to this Food Network guide.
If you’re looking for more festive recipes, visit our all recipes page.
Print
Christmas Chex Mix Recipe: 5 Steps to Festive Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive Christmas Chex mix recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1 cup chocolate candies
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- In a large bowl, mix cereals, pretzels, and nuts.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract and bring to a boil.
- Pour the mixture over the cereal and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and mix in chocolate candies and white chocolate chips.
- Let cool and break into pieces.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead of time for parties.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: christmas chex mix recipe, holiday snack, chex mix