Gluten Free Chex Mix

This homemade gluten free chex mix recipe is easy, can be made ahead, and is so crunchy and delicious. It’s the perfect snack for holiday parties, road trips, airplane snacks, and everyday munching.

My favorite part about this recipe is that you can change it up. There are so many different mix-ins you can add to make it uniquely yours. See below for the classic recipe AND for add-in options including fun party/seasonal touches.

Key Ingredients

One of my favorite things about this recipe, is it’s super easy to prepare in advance. Most of the ingredients are dry ingredients and can be stored in the pantry until ready to be used.

The dry ingredients you’ll need for the mix include: 4 cups corn Chex,™ 4 cups rice Chex,™ 2 cups gluten free O’s cereal, 2 cups gluten free pretzel sticks or twists (I used Glutino®), 1 cup salted peanuts (for the classic version), and any add-ins of choice.

The ingredients you’ll need for the sauce are: ½ cup butter (yes, vegan/dairy free spread works fine too), 3 tablespoons gluten free Worcestershire sauce (I use Lea & Perrins® which can be found at pretty much any grocery store), 2 teaspoons sea salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon paprika.

Gluten alert: make sure your Chex are rice and/or corn. Additionally, for a Celiac friendly chex mix, I’d recommend also opting for gluten free O’s cereal. Pretzels are not naturally gluten free, so you’ll also want to select a gluten free pretzel. Finally, did you know wheat is often added into some peanuts?! Make sure to double check your label prior to purchase.

How to Make, Step by Step

Preheat the oven to 250°F. To a large bowl, add the Chex, O’s, pretzels, and peanuts. Mix.

Cut the butter into small cubes for easy melting. In a small glass bowl, microwave the butter at 30 second increments, stirring so it doesn’t burn, until melted. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Gradually pour the butter mixture over the top of the dry ingredients, stirring/folding as you go along.

Cooking Using Oven Method

Add chex mix to the baking sheets and bake for an hour, stopping every 15 minutes to stir.

Cooking Using Microwave Method

Add chex mix to a large glass bowl. Microwave 2 minutes. Stir thoroughly. Microwave 2 minutes. Stir thoroughly again. Microwave one last time for 2 minutes. Spread on parchment paper or aluminum foil to cool.

Cooking Using Slow Cooker Method

Add chex mix to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir every 30 minutes while cooking. Enjoy!

Other Chex Party Mix Add In’s & Variations

Gluten free chex mix makes an amazingly easy party snack that tastes exactly like the original without any tweaks other than using different brands of ingredient. One thing I love to do is give it a unique touch for each holiday.

The easiest way to do this is to add colored M&M®’s for the occasion. You can also drizzle (melted) colored candy melts over kettle corn and add this to this mix. Either way, it’s sure to have a special holiday flare. *Since both of these mix-ins involve components that will melt, do not add them with the other ingredients. Mix these in after chex mix has baked and completely cooled.

If you are just looking for something to make yours different, here are some additional items you may want to mix in:

• Gluten free bagel chips (Glutino® Gluten Free Bagel Chips)
• Gluten free cheese crackers (MadeGood™ Star Puffed Crackers)
• Gluten free pita chip pieces (Simple Mills® Veggie Flour Pita Crackers)
• Broken tortilla chips
• Roasted almonds, pecans, cashews, or macadamia nuts (gluten free versions)
• Hulled roasted pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas)
• Honey roasted peanuts (in place of regular)

Tips for the Best Homemade Chex Mix

• Don’t cut back on the butter OR use too much, just the right amount helps with the crispiness and flavor.
• Don’t crowd the chex mix on the pan when baking it. It makes it difficult to stir and will cause it to not get as crispy.
• Opt for the oven method over the microwave or slow cooker methods; this will result in the crispy, crunchy chex you love!
• Make the chex mix your own by adding some of the fun mix-ins above or your own creative idea!
• Homemade chex mix can be made in advance for an easy, chill movie night, laid back party, road trip, etc.

Storing Chex Mix

Store in a plastic storage bag (press the air out) or airtight container for up to one week at room temperature.

Using Chex Mix for a Gift or Party Favor

Make too much? Chex mix can be added to cellophane treat bags and tied with colored ribbon for flavorful satisfying gifts or party favors.

FAQ

More Easy Gluten Free Appetizers

Make this year’s party simple and delicious with these party-approved gluten free appetizers:

• Gluten Free Canapes
• Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Easy Gluten Free Pigs in a Blanket

Here’s to crispy, salty, savory, satisfying, gluten free party recipes, and regaining our sparkle together,

✧❈✯✦Jenn✦✯❈✧