I’VE WRITTEN OF THIS before, still this holiday season there were so many requests for my Chex Party Mix (per the methodology of my mother, Posey Rigg, but with my own touches), I thought it might be helpful to post my updated recipe here. I will tell you it is similar to the one on the Chex box with a few notable exceptions and those make it really, really yummy.

First, you absolutely must do the cooking in the oven, not in the microwave. This takes time as low and slow is the way to go. Making several batches? Realize and acknowledge—proper Chex Party Mix making takes time and attention.

Second. The right ingredients matter. I give specifics below.

Third, and the real secret to it all: MORE. More butter, more spices, more time in the oven.

Here we go!

CATHY’S WORLD FAMOUS CHEX PARTY MIX (SINGLE BATCH)

3 cups of Corn Chex

3 cups of Rice Chex

1.5 cups of Wheat Chex

1 cup of Cheerios

1 cup of stick pretzels, broken in half

1 cup of Bagel Chips, garlic flavor preferably—break the big ones in half

1 cup of Deluxe Mixed Nuts

Throw all this together in a big bowl and use your hands to gently mix it all up.

8 tablespoons of butter, melted (This is one stick. If you’re feeling crazy add 1 tablespoon of another stick. Cut these into 3 or 4 chunks, put in a 4-cup glass measuring cup, top with a folded paper towel and microwave 60 secs or until all the butter has melted.)

Into the cup with butter add:

2 tablespoons of Worcestershire Sauce

2 teaspoons seasoned salt

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder

Stir all that up, pour half of it on the bowl of Party Mix and mix well. Pour the second half on and stir well again. Dump all this on a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet(s) and bake in a 250 degree oven for an hour, stirring twice. Check the mix at the hour mark and then add whatever time you estimate you’ll need to get some extra buttery pieces dark and crispy. For me, this usually adds an extra 10 minutes or so—but watch it. It’s the extra butter and extra crispy cooking that makes all the difference! Let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

BONUS BIG BATCH ADJUSTMENTS

I make A LOT of Party Mix at Christmas so I double up my batches. Key here? I have a GIGANTIC bowl in which I mix and I have two GIGANTIC rimmed baking sheets. You’ll need these or else this will be an exercise in frustration! As to the recipe, it’s basically a double of the amounts above!

6 cups of Corn Chex

6 cups of Rice Chex

3 cups of Wheat Chex

2 cups of Cheerios

2 cups of stick pretzels, broken in half

2 cups of Bagel Chips, garlic flavor preferably–break the big ones in half

2 cups of Deluxe Mixed Nuts

Throw all this together in your GIGANTIC bowl and use your hands to gently mix it all up.

16 tablespoons of butter, melted (This is two sticks. If you’re feeling crazy, add a tablespoon or two more. Cut into chunks, put in a 4-cup glass measuring cup, top with a folded paper towel and microwave 60 secs or until all the butter has melted.)

Into the cup with butter add:

1/4 cup of Worcestershire Sauce plus an extra small splash if you want

4 teaspoons of Seasoned Salt

2 teaspoons Garlic Powder

1 and 1/2 teaspoons Onion Powder

Roast according to the methodology above but add one more STIR to the mix to be sure all of the pieces get a chance at top-level roasting. And don’t pile the Party Mix too thick on the baking sheet—you want to end up with those glorious, toasty bites and they come from the combo of butter and direct, top-level heat! Be sure you give the mixture time to get golden brown. Add extra time if necessary (with my oven I always add 5-10 minutes) but as I said, watch it. You don’t want this yummy treat to burn.)

Enjoy!

XXOO

30 Days of Joy