Chex Mix (Nuts and Bolts)
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Nothing spells the Holidays like a big batch of easy-to-make homemade Chex Mix (Nuts and Bolts) that are the perfect party mix or great for gift giving. These savory bites are so incredibly delicious that you won’t be able to stop eating them!
The Best Gourmet Chex Mix Out There
I like to bring these out when company comes, because if I don’t they will ask where the Chex mix is. In fact, I make up personal gift bags for everyone since this recipe has become a big hit during the Holidays. I also gift many of my cookies as well such as The Perfect Shortbread Cookies, Amaretti Cookies, or Chocolate Rumballs. Friends and family love to receive homemade treats from me and it’s become a great tradition.
Chex Mix (Nuts and Bolts) Highlights
✅ Incredibly Simple To Make. Minimal effort is required to make this extra easy recipe. You will just make the seasoned butter, and drizzle it over the rest of the combined ingredients. Then, in a large bowl or use a large roasting pan directly, combine everything together and bake the Chex mix. Get the kids involved because this is something they could do with you and would love this finished snack.
✅ A Definite Crowd Pleaser. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t enjoy these addictive and tasty morsels. You won’t be able to just eat a little, you’ll have to stop yourself from devouring the entire dish.
✅ Holiday Favorite. Now that I’ve made this a tradition, the Holidays wouldn’t be the same without this delicious Party Chex Mix, which is also known as Nuts And Bolts!
What Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cheerios – Use a small box of Cheerios.
- Chex Cereal OR Shreddies – I had shreddies so that’s what I used, but it’s really the same thing as Chex.
- Cheese Nips – A box of cheese nips or bits was used, or use small cheese crackers.
- Pretzels – I used some craft pretzels which were thicker than normal pretzels, so I snapped them in half. Feel free to use any other stick pretzels or wavy ones.
- Nuts – I used a lot of mixed nuts which added a gourmet feel.
- Butter – Salted butter is preferred, or use unsalted and add some extra salt. Melted butter is used to coat the base ingredients.
- Spices – Garlic powder, onion salt and celery salt really amp up the flavors. Feel free to play around with whatever spices you like.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire sauce is a great flavor enhancer and works nicely in this mixture.
How To Make Chex Mix (Nuts And Bolts)
Mix base ingredients. Simply toss all the cereal mixture, cheese nips, pretzels, and nuts together. What makes this recipe special is the mixed nuts plus the addition of some flavorful butter.
Prepare the butter mixture. This is the magic flavor enhancer! I melt room temperature butter in a small microwavable bowl or measuring cup and then whisk in the spices. We’re talking about lots of garlic powder, onion and celery salt and finally a bit of Worcestershire.
Combine and bake. Finally, stir the butter mixture very well with the base ingredients and bake in the oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. If you like them toastier, feel free to keep them in a bit longer.
Serve and enjoy. The Chex Mix will need to cool so I like to periodically stir in the pan or place the mixture on parchment paper or paper towels to speed up the cooling process.
What Are Some Variations Or Substitutions?
Play around with cereals. Try any unsweetened oat, corn chex, rice chex, wheat or bran cereal can be used. Try different types of nuts such as pistachios, peanuts, or macadamia.
Experiment with spices. for example if you prefer a really garlicky taste, use 3-4 tablespoons while some prefer only a teaspoon garlic powder. Use 1 teaspoon onion powder instead of onion salt, or use seasoning salt, if preferred. Try adding Cheetos, bite-size or regular bagel chips cut in 1-inch pieces, some raisins or bugles. Just remember to use the same ratio of base ingredients to butter mixture.
What Flavor Is Traditional Chex Mix?
The best guesses maintain that the flavor of traditional Chex Mix features Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and butter, creating that uniquely savory flavor profile of Traditional Chex Mix.
Why Does Chex Mix Taste So Good?
Chex Mix is such a perfect snack because it is balanced. Each individual piece retains its own individual texture, shape and flavor, yet together the pieces complement one another and are coated in the same spice blend. Not all pieces absorb the flavor in the same way — some, like the pretzels, are merely coated in it.
Is It Cheaper To Buy Or Make Chex Mix?
Making your own Chex Mix is cheaper than buying bags of Chex Mix in the long run. When buying all the ingredients for the first time, it will be more expensive than just buying a bag or two of Chex Mix, but consider that a lot of the ingredients don’t have to be bought again when you want to make more.
Is Chex The Same As Shreddies?
Shreddies is a major brand knockoff of Wheat Chex. Therefore, they are easily interchangeable when making this snack mix.
Can I Make Chex Mix In A Slow Cooker?
Yes! Simply combine all the ingredients as specified in the recipe card in your slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, tossing every 20 minutes during cooking.
Expert Tips
- This makes a large batch. You can easily cut the recipe in half.
- Add a couple of more tablespoons butter for some added buttery flavor.
- When pouring the butter mixture, slowly drizzle it all over the cereal, this will ensure all the cereal gets coated evenly.
- Feel free to play with your favorite spices.
Leftovers
Properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, this homemade Chex Mix should keep up to 4 weeks. Just be sure to fully seal the container each and every time.
Freezing
You can also freeze this nuts and bolts in freezer-friendly bags for 3-5 months.
Some More Terrific Recipes To Try
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Chex Mix (Nuts And Bolts)
Ingredients
- 11 cups cheerios (12 ounce box)
- 7 cups chex cereal (12 ounce box)
- 3 cups cheese bits (7 ounce box)
- 3 cups pretzels (break in half)
- 3 cups nuts (mixed, salted)
- 1 cup butter (melted, salted or unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons onion salt
- 1½ teaspoons celery salt
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Mix base ingredients: Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a large roasting pan.
- Melt the butter: Combine the melted butter with the remaining spice ingredients.
- Pour and finish: Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss to coat well.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes.
Notes
- This makes a large batch. You can easily cut the recipe in half.
- Add a couple of more tablespoons butter for some added buttery flavor.
- When pouring the butter mixture, slowly drizzle it all over the cereal, this will ensure all the cereal gets coated evenly.
- Feel free to play with your favorite spices.
- Properly stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, this homemade Chex Mix should keep up to 4 weeks. Just be sure to fully seal the container each and every time.
- You can also freeze this nuts and bolts in freezer-friendly bags for 3-5 months.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
