There's something about the aroma of spices and toasty cereal that feels like home, especially during the buzz of football season and the festive cheer of the holidays. Whether it's gathering around the TV for the big game, celebrating with loved ones, or just enjoying a cozy evening in, this Slow Cooker Spiced Chex Mix is my go-to recipe for an easy, delicious snack mix.
Why You'll Love This Bold Chex Mix:
- Easy Recipe: This slow cooker version is as simple as it gets, making it perfect for those days when you're multitasking or entertaining.
- Customizable: Need more or less spice? No problem, you can add more kick or leave it out entirely depending on your tastes.
- Versatile: It's not just for football games; this homemade Chex mix is the perfect addition at summer BBQs, during the holiday season, and as a tasty everyday snack.
Let's Get Started! Here's What You'll Need:
Ingredients:
Chex- A mix of Corn, Wheat, and Rice Chex provides the perfect blend of textures with a consistent shape.
Butter- I'm using salted butter, if you only have unsalted butter then add an additional quarter teaspoon of salt.
Worcestershire Sauce- This key ingredient brings a unique, savory depth to the mix, complementing the spices beautifully.
Cayenne Pepper- What the classic recipe on the box is missing! We're using just enough to add a touch of heat, but you can always increase it to your preference. If it's for fans of spicy foods, try adding some Tabasco sauce too.
Other seasonings: I like Lawry's for seasoned salt, though you can use your favorite brand, along with garlic and onion powder.
Equipment:
You'll need your trusty slow cooker- preferably a large oval one so you have some extra room for stirring without your cereal mixture spilling out when you combine everything. You'll also need a spatula for stirring and some measuring cups and spoons. If you want to melt the butter in the microwave rather than the slow cooker a small bowl that you can use for that will be handy as well.
How to Make This Crock Pot Chex Mix Recipe:
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in the slow cooker or in a microwave-safe bowl and then transfer it to the slow cooker. The slow cooker obviously takes longer (about 20 minutes) but means no extra dishes.
Step 2: Make the Spiced Butter Mixture
To the butter, add your Worcestershrie sauce, seasoned salt, garlic poweder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add the Chex & Stir
Add all three types of chex cereal to the slow cooker, using the spatula to fold them into the spiced butter mixture gently. We want all the dry ingredients to contact the spice mixture, but don't overmix to the point that a lot of the cereal pieces start to break.
Step 4: Cook
Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30-60 minutes. Keep the lid off for the last hour to achieve the perfect crunch- no soggy chex mix here!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
If making for an event that day, just turn your slow cooker off and pop the lid on- you can serve it right from your crock pot. If you have leftovers or are making it ahead, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to a ziploc bag or other airtight container.
FAQs
Yes, but you will need to stir every 10-15 minutes. Even on low we're still needing to stir every half hour or so to prevent burning- the wheat chex are especially sensitive to a bit of char if they hang out against the slow cooker's walls. If you need to make it fast you can combine everything in a microwave safe bowl and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring every 1-2 minutes. You could also use the oven method, spreading everything on a rimmed baking sheet and cooking at 250 degrees F for an hour, stirring every 10-15 minutes. For the oven option I would line the sheet pan with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.
This mix is a chex only so it skips the bagel chips, mixed nuts, and pretzels, which means we get more of that spiced butter mixture per handful, and don't need to get quite as much at the grocery store. You can always add them back in if you want them in your crockpot chex mix- you make the rules in your kitchen! The other change is the addition of cayenne pepper, which adds a bit more warmth.
More Party Ideas
Want more you can do in your slow cooker? For a more substantial option pulled pork is always great for a slider bar, and hasselback potatoes for a baked potato bar!
Need more snack like appetizers? These stuffed mushrooms or avocado deviled eggs are always a hit.
Enjoy!
Whether you make it for holiday parties, game day, or just to mix up your usual afternoon snacking, I hope this cereal only version of chex party mix becomes one of your favorite snacks! Be sure to come back and let me know how it turned out for you.
📖 Recipe
Spiced Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups Wheat Chex
- 3 cups Corn Chex
- 3 cups Rice Chex
- 6 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in either a microwave or the slow cooker. To the melted butter, add all seasoning ingredients (Worcestershire, seasoned salt, garlic and onion powder, and cayenne) and stir until well combined.
- Add all three Chex cereals to the butter and seasoning mixture in the slow cooker. Stir immediately and until evenly coated.
- Place the lid on the cooker and cook on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring every 30-60 minutes. Remove lid and cook an additional 30-60 minutes, stirring at least once.
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. It is recommended to use your preferred calculator with the actual ingredients you use for optimal accuracy.
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