Microwave Chex Mix
Crunchy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make, this microwave Chex mix recipe is the perfect year-round party snack.
Did you know? The original Chex mix recipe was introduced in 1955 by Chex Cereals as a means of boosting the cereal’s popularity amid the growing market of sugar-sweetened kid’s cereals. It was an instant hit and variations have been party favorites ever since!
Personally, I cannot be left alone in the house with this original Chex party mix! I love this stuff! There are tons of Chex mix recipes available, but today I’m bringing you Grandmama’s because it is the quickest, easiest, and has the least amount of mess involved. We tend to think of Chex mix around the holidays and football season but I think this delicious snack deserves to be made year-round!
Now, as the title suggests, my microwave Chex mix recipe includes melting our flavorful base (seasoned salt, Worcestershire sauce, and butter) in the microwave. Then all we need to do is toss in the Chex cereal and mixed nuts, microwave it for a few more minutes, and then you have yourself a delicious bowl of Chex mix.
I told you this was an easy Chex mix recipe! If you’re in more of a sweet mood, check out my sweet Chex mix recipe here. But either way, I hope you make a big bowl of this soon and enjoy every last bite!
Recipe Ingredients
- Seasoned salt (like Lawry’s)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mixed nuts
- Unsalted butter
- Two different kinds of Chex cereal (whatever cranks yer tractor).
How to Make Microwave Chex Mix
Place butter, Lawry salt, and Worcestershire sauce in a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl.
Microwave that until melted and then stir it up a bit.
While it is microwaving do a little dance while singing at the top of your lungs just to embarrass your children.
Stir in nuts.
Stir in the Chex cereal.
Microwave this for two minutes. Stir. Microwave for two minutes more. Stir. Two more minutes – EAT!
Note: if you have a super high-powered microwave, it may only need one minute rather than two in that last cycle.
Another note: The cereal mix will be soft until it cools and then it will be nice and crunchy. But if you can’t wait, feel free to dig in immediately! I’m certainly not gonna stop ya because I’ll be right there with you!
Somebody hand me the easy button because we’re done!
Storage
- When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the Chex mix should last for up to 2 weeks. But this Nibble Mix never lasts that long in my household!
- Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked Chex mix for up to 4 months. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Now, you can use any mix-ins you like. Here are some suggestions, but adjust the ratios according to your preference. For example, double the nuts or swap some of the cereal for pretzels. As I say, do whatever cranks your tractor, there are no rules:
- Use a combination of wheat Chex, corn Chex, and rice Chex.
- Use any type of nut, like just peanuts, almonds, cashews, or pistachios.
- Add something extra: bite-sized pretzels (or pretzel sticks), mini bagel chips, Goldfish crackers, cheddar crackers, garlic rye chips, or corn chips.
- If you want it to cool more quickly, spread the mix out on a parchment paper or paper towel-lined plate. You want it to cool completely before you store it.
- For extra flavor, you can copy other microwave Chex mix recipes and do 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Some other seasonings you can use instead of Lawry salt are ranch dressing mix and onion soup mix.
- For a little kick, add cayenne pepper to taste (I’d start with a dash).
Recipe FAQs
How do you make Chex mix not soggy?
The key is to not use too much liquid, otherwise, like your big bowl of cereal in the morning, the Chex will get soggy. But just use the exact amount of ingredients listed below and you shouldn’t have a problem.
What is the Chex mix seasoning made of?
The original Chex party mix seasoning is made of melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoned salt.
Does Chex mix crisp up as cooling?
Yes, you’ll find the Chex cereal gets crispier once it cools.
Can I make this microwave Chex mix recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! What you can do is prepare it up to a week in advance and then store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Then let it come to room temperature before serving. If you want to reheat it, you can easily do so in the microwave, but it tastes just as good at room temperature.
How do you make gluten-free Chex mix?
First, double-check that the seasoned salt and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, but most varieties are. Then simply use rice or corn Chex, as they’re naturally gluten-free. Easy-peasy!
Should I refrigerate homemade Chex mix?
No, there’s no need to store Chex mix in the fridge. When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it will last for up to 2 weeks.
Check out these other scrumptious snack recipes:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 8 cups assorted Chex cereal
- 1 cup mixed nuts
Instructions
- Place butter, seasoned salt, and Worcestershire sauce in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave just until melted.1/2 cup butter, 2 teaspoons seasoned salt, 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Stir in nuts and then cereal.8 cups assorted Chex cereal, 1 cup mixed nuts
- Microwave for two minutes. Stir. Microwave for two minutes more. Stir. Microwave a final two minutes, stir, and eat!
- Will be soft until it cools and then will be nice and crunchy.
Notes
Nutrition
What is a good substitute for worcesershire sauce. I’m allergic to fish.
I think soy sauce would likely be the best substitute. Thanks for asking!
This is definitely going to be the new way I make Chex Mix. Chex Mix is great “mailer” for sending to young family members and friends who are away from home for college or work. Thank you Christy and Grandmama. : )
Aww, thank YOU!!
Love this, we make it the most during the holidays. When we travel great road trip snack. I throw in raises cranberries .
Sounds wonderful! I’m a big fan of dried cranberries.
Thank you so much for this! I quit making this years ago because of the time it took. I’ll be buying the ingredients on my next grocery store trip!
BTW – again this summer we have ate lots of your Almost No Sugar Grahamwiches! I even made some for a diabetic friend who helped us out after my husband had knee replacement.
My Mama Dial made this every year – she loved the stuff! She would fill tins with it for Christmas presents. “Everybody gives Cookies & Candy! Sometimes you need something savory!” (But she did make me tea cakes & my brother potato candy!). Thanks for the happy memories!
Love Chex Mix. I use an oversize metal bowl to make it in the oven. Will have to try the microwave version. I always use 3 kinds of chez cereal (rice, wheat, and corn) and add pretzel sticks. But I often leave out the nuts – just not a nut fan. And yes, it is eaten for every meal and as a snack until the pan is empty. No shame and no control.
Mine clumped up 🙁