• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok

Jo Cooks

Simple - Easy - Comfort

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Appetizers
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Desserts
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
      • Drinks/Cocktails
      • Sauces & Dressings
    • Method
      • Crockpot
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Air Fryer
      • Casseroles
    • Season
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
      • Italian
      • Mexican
      • European
      • Indian
      • Romanian
      • Mediterranean
      • Middle Eastern
      • American
    • Ingredient
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Beef
      • Seafood
      • Lamb
      • Vegetarian
      • Pasta
      • Spices
    • Holiday
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Thanksgiving
      • Game Day
      • Valentine's Day
      • St. Patrick's Day
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Mother's Day
      • Memorial Day
      • Father's Day
      • 4th Of July
      • Labor Day
      • Halloween
    • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
    • The Big Book of Jo’s Quick and Easy Meals
    • 30-Minute One-Pot Meals
  • Shop
  • About Jo
FREE recipe eBook!
Search...
All Recipes
Instant Pot
30 Minute
One Pot Meals
Soups
Dips & Dressings
Baking
Pasta
Sandwiches
Sides
Appetizers One Pot
4.7 from 12 votes

Chex Mix (Nuts and Bolts)

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •12/2/21 9 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for chex mix.

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!

chex mix in a white bowl.

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

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make nuts and bolts (chex mix).
  • 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)

detailed process shots showing 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.

a scoop with nuts and bolts (chex mix) in it.

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.

chex mix in a white bowl.

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

  1. This makes a large batch. You can easily cut the recipe in half.
  2. Add a couple of more tablespoons butter for some added buttery flavor.
  3. When pouring the butter mixture, slowly drizzle it all over the cereal, this will ensure all the cereal gets coated evenly.
  4. 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.

chex mix in a white bowl.

Some More Terrific Recipes To Try

  • Pretzel Bites
  • Homemade Pretzels
  • World’s Greatest Soft Pretzels
  • Homemade Garlic Butter
  • Chicken Fajita Sandwiches
  • Pretzel Turtles

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.

chex mix in a white bowl.
Print
4.67 from 12 votes

Chex Mix (Nuts And Bolts)

Prep 5 minutes
Cook 1 hour 20 minutes
Total 1 hour 25 minutes
Rate Recipe
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!
30

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.

Equipment

  • 11-inch x 15-inch Roaster with Roasting Rack

Notes

  1. This makes a large batch. You can easily cut the recipe in half.
  2. Add a couple of more tablespoons butter for some added buttery flavor.
  3. When pouring the butter mixture, slowly drizzle it all over the cereal, this will ensure all the cereal gets coated evenly.
  4. Feel free to play with your favorite spices.
  5. 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.
  6. You can also freeze this nuts and bolts in freezer-friendly bags for 3-5 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 280kcal (14%)Carbohydrates: 32g (11%)Protein: 6g (12%)Fat: 16g (25%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 16mg (5%)Sodium: 518mg (23%)Potassium: 217mg (6%)Fiber: 4g (17%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 599IU (12%)Vitamin C: 4mg (5%)Calcium: 85mg (9%)Iron: 8mg (44%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

chex mix in a white bowl.

Did You Make This?

We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @jocooks or hashtag #jocooks so we can see your creations!

Rate Recipe
Add Your Photo!
  • 48
Home Recipes
Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
iPad showing title of ebook 30 recipes from around the world
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

9 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Brigitte
Brigitte
Posted: 1 month ago

I was wondering if I could use olive oil instead of butter and, what should I do to make it a Ranch version ?
Thank you for answering 🙂

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Brigitte
Posted: 1 month ago

Sure you could, it would probably alter the taste a little but it should still be fine. You could add some ranch dressing mix to it, probably 1 ounce package should do it.

0
Reply
Brigitte
Brigitte
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 1 month ago

Thank you so much 🙂

0
Reply
Colette Cameron
Colette Cameron
Posted: 3 months ago

I find most homemade nuts and bolts lacking in flavor. I prefer a stronger flavor. Are these really flavourful? To strengthen the flavor what would you do? Thanks!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Colette Cameron
Posted: 3 months ago

I personally find them flavorful but you can definitely increase the garlic and onion powder and feel free to add other spices you like.

2
Reply
Evelyn Friedrich
Evelyn Friedrich
Posted: 3 months ago

4 stars
Gotta add bugles. Game changer. Trust me.

0
Reply
Sandra D
Sandra D
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
Forgot to rate!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Sandra D
Posted: 1 year ago

Thanks, Sandra!

0
Reply
Sandra D
Sandra D
Posted: 1 year ago

This is almost the same as the one I make every year, Jo! It’s yummy and everyone looks forward to getting some each Christmas.

Nuts ‘n Bolts – these are loved by all
1 box Cheerios
1 box Shreddies
1 pkg pretzel sticks
1 pkg cheese sticks (or goldfish)
1 jar honey roasted peanuts (optional)

1 lb butter or margarine
2 T onion salt
1 T garlic powder
1 T celery salt
2 T Worcestershire sauce

Put dry ingredients in large roaster. Mix. Melt butter in saucepan,
whisk in spices. Pour ¼ over cereal mixture – repeat four times,
mixing well between turns.

Bake @ 200 degrees F for 2 hours, stirring every 15-20 minutes.
Keeps for a month or more in an airtight container.

0
Reply

sidebar

Headshot of Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
Collage of recipe ebooks
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

Pasta Favorites

baked mac and cheese in a black cast iron skillet.
45 mins

Baked Mac And Cheese

freshly made crack chicken penne with a wooden spoon in a skillet.
40 mins

Crack Chicken Penne

chicken pot pie pasta in a white serving bowl with a wooden serving spoon.
50 mins

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

freshly made one pot pasta in a dutch oven.
20 mins

One Pot Pasta

tomato spinach chicken pasta in a white bowl.
30 mins

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

homemade hamburger helper lasagna from scratch in a skillet.
30 mins

One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna

baked feta pasta in a white bowl garnished with fresh basil.
50 mins

Baked Feta Pasta (Tik Tok Pasta)

sideview shot of chicken fajita pasta in a white bowl with a fork inside
45 mins

Chicken Fajita Pasta

side close up shot of swedish meatball pasta in a beige braised garnished with parsley
30 mins

Swedish Meatball Pasta

overhead shot of a bowl of haluski
40 mins

Haluski (Cabbage and Noodles)

A stack of cookbooks
Grab a copy!

My Cookbooks

Order Now: Amazon | Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million

Dinner Favorites

smothered pork chops in a skillet garnished with parsley.
1 hr 15 mins

Smothered Pork Chops

a wooden spoon lifting a salisbury steak out of the skillet
30 mins

Salisbury Steak

beef lo mein in a black wok.
30 mins

Beef Lo Mein

side shot of beef and broccoli in a skillet
15 mins

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

skillet shepherd's pie in a cast iron skillet with a portion taken out.
1 hr 25 mins

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

a serving spoon inside a skillet with chicken broccoli rice casserole.
30 mins

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

side view shot of two italian stuffed peppers in a bowl
2 hrs 30 mins

Italian Stuffed Peppers

side view shot of a bowl with a scoop of spaghetti bolognese in it
40 mins

Spaghetti Bolognese

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok
Visit our Other Site: Craving Home Cooked

Explore

Recipes
Cookbooks
About Jo
Contact

Legal

Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
© 2023 Jo Cooks
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
wpDiscuz