Name: Slow Cooker Chex Mix
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups rice Chex cereal; 3 cups corn Chex cereal; 2 cups wheat Chex cereal; 2 cups pretzels; 2 cups bagel chips; 1 cup Bugles; 1 cup peanuts; 10 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2½ teaspoons seasoned salt; 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder

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This homemade slow cooker Chex Mix is crispy, savory, and effortless to prepare. I love how it fills my kitchen with a rich, buttery aroma while it slowly cooks to crunchy perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that I can toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. There’s no need to turn on the oven or worry about constant monitoring. It’s the ultimate snack for parties, game days, or just satisfying a salty craving at home. Plus, it’s completely customizable, so I can make it just how I like it.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups rice Chex cereal
• 3 cups corn Chex cereal
• 2 cups wheat Chex cereal
• 2 cups pretzels
• 2 cups bagel chips
• 1 cup Bugles
• 1 cup peanuts
• 10 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2½ teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

directions

I add the cereals, pretzels, bagel chips, Bugles, and peanuts to a large slow cooker.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
I slowly pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients while gently stirring to evenly coat everything.
I cook it on low for 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes during the first two hours and every 15–20 minutes in the last hour.
To keep the mix crisp, I place a clean cloth or paper towels under the lid to absorb condensation or I slightly tilt the lid.
Once done, I spread the mix out on parchment paper to cool completely before storing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 cups of Chex Mix, which serves roughly 12 to 16 people depending on portion size. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 3 hours to cook in the slow cooker.

Variations

Sometimes I swap in cheese crackers, goldfish, oyster crackers, or Cheerios.
I like to add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a spicier version.
For a sweet-and-salty twist, I’ve stirred in some candy-coated chocolates or honey-roasted peanuts after the mix has cooled.
I occasionally make a nut-free version or adjust the ingredients to fit dietary needs.

storage/reheating

Once the Chex Mix has cooled completely, I store it in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. If I want to keep it longer, I freeze it for up to 3 months and just let it come back to room temperature before serving. No reheating is necessary.

FAQs

What if my slow cooker doesn’t have a vent?

I use a clean kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels under the lid to absorb excess moisture and keep the snack mix from getting soggy.

Can I use different types of cereal?

Absolutely. I often use whatever Chex cereal I have on hand, and sometimes mix in other cereals like Cheerios for added variety.

How do I prevent the mix from burning?

I make sure to stir it frequently during cooking, especially in the last hour. If I notice any burning, I reduce the heat or stir more often.

Is this snack mix gluten-free?

It can be if I choose gluten-free versions of the cereals and other mix-ins. I just check the labels to be sure.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but I make sure my slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra volume. I also stir more frequently to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Conclusion

Making Chex Mix in the slow cooker is one of my favorite kitchen hacks. It’s simple, customizable, and gives me a perfectly crunchy, savory snack every time. I like how easy it is to prep, how flavorful the end result is, and how well it stores for days—or even weeks. It’s a go-to snack that I’ll always come back to.