Sure, you could buy the bagged Chex Mix at the store, but making it at home is easier, less expensive and tastes a lot better!  Plus, there are so many different variations on this classic recipe that you can truly customize it to your taste.  Pretzels and crackers even come in fun holiday shapes during the Christmas season.  Make extra to share with friends and family! Experiment, tweak according to what you have and the flavors you enjoy, and have fun!  Here are a few popular homemade Chex Mix variations:

Homemade Chex Mix Recipes

Original Chex Mix

• 3 C. Corn Chex cereal
• 3 C. Rice Chex cereal
• 3 C Wheat Chex cereal
• 1 C. mixed nuts
• 1 C. pretzels
• 1 C. garlic-flavor bite-size bagel chips or regular-size bagel chips, broken into 1-inch pieces
• 6 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
• 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder

In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter until melted. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.  Next, add cereal, pretzels, nuts and crackers.  Stir until evenly coated.  Microwave the entire mixture on high for 3 minutes, stirring every 60 seconds. Spread the mix on waxed paper or foil to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.

White Chocolate Chex Mix

• 9 C. Chex Mix cereal (rice and/or corn in any combination)
• 1 C. unsalted peanuts
• 3 C. bite-sized pretzels
• 1 C. M&M’s (red and green M&Ms look great during the holidays)
• 24 oz. white chocolate candy coating
• 3 Tbsp. shortening or vegetable oil

Lay out sheets of parchment or wax paper on your counters or on cookie sheets. In a large bowl, combine the cereal, peanuts, pretzels and M&M’s.  Over a double boiler, melt the white chocolate and oil, stirring occasionally, until completely smooth. Or, in a microwave safe bowl, melt white chocolate and oil on a low power setting, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.   Pour melted chocolate over the Chex mix and stir to coat. Spread your mix onto the wax paper to cool. Break into smaller pieces after completely cooled.

Holiday White Chocolate Chex Mix

• 9 C. Chex Mix cereal (rice and/or corn in any combination)
• 1-2 C. unsalted peanuts
• 3 C. bite-sized pretzels
• 24 oz. white chocolate candy coating
• 3 Tbsp. shortening or vegetable oil
• Holiday sprinkles/nonpareils

Lay out sheets of parchment or wax paper on your counters or on cookie sheets. In a large bowl, combine the cereal, peanuts, and pretzels.  Over a double boiler, melt the white chocolate and oil, stirring occasionally, until completely smooth. Or, in a microwave safe bowl, melt white chocolate and oil on a low power setting, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.   Pour melted chocolate over the Chex mix and stir to coat. Spread your mix onto the wax paper.  Add festive holiday sprinkles, then allow to cool. Break into smaller pieces after completely cooled.

Sweet and Salty Chex Mix

• 9 C. Chex cereal (corn and/or rice Chex in any combination)
• 1 C. butter
• 1 and 1/2 C. light corn syrup
• 1 and 1/2 C. white sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 and 1/2 to 2 C. salted cashews and/or peanuts 
• 1-2 C. M&Ms candies

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the corn syrup and sugar. Bring to a boil.   Simmer for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is a caramel consistency and color.  Remove from the heat.  Stir in vanilla.  Add the cashews and peanuts, stirring until coated.  Add the cereal, stirring with a wooden spoon to coat.  Stir in the M&Ms.  Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet. Cool completely.  Store in an airtight container.

Spicy Chex Mix

• 9 C. Chex cereal (rice, corn, wheat in any combination)
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. seasoned salt (such as Lowry’s)
• 2-3 tsp. Tabasco, to taste
• 5 Tbsp. butter
• 1 C. pretzel twists
• 1 C. cheese crackers
• 1 C. unsalted peanuts

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a roasting pan, melt butter in the oven. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt and Tabasco. Gradually stir in remaining ingredients until evenly coated.  Bake for 1 hour, uncovered, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on wax paper to cool. Store in airtight container.

Cheddar Ranch Chex Mix

• 9 C. Chex cereal (rice, corn, wheat in any combination)
• 2 C. pretzel twists
• 2 C. cheese crackers
• 5 Tbsp. butter
• 1 packet Ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 1/3 C. grated Parmesan cheese

In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter until melted. Stir in cereal, pretzels and crackers.  Stir until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese.  Mix until evenly coated.  Microwave the entire mixture on high for 3 minutes, stirring every 60 seconds. Spread the mix on waxed paper or foil to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.