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This Spicy Chex Mix is everything you want in a snack! Bold flavor, big crunch, and just the right kick of heat. It comes together in minutes and bakes into an irresistibly crisp snack mix that’s perfect for holidays, game day, or any party platter.
Try this next: For more snack ideas, try our Easy Muddy Buddies, Homemade Granola Bars, or Cream Cheese Fruit Dip.
5 Tips For The Best Spicy Chex Mix
- Toss well for even seasoning so the spicy butter mixture coats every bite.
- Bake low and slow to keep everything crisp without burning.
- Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha or substituting milder hot sauces.
- Cool completely before storing so the mix stays crisp.
- Use mix-ins that hold up to baking (avoid delicate crackers that crumble easily).
RECIPE WALK-THROUGH
How To Make Spicy Chex Mix
See the recipe card below for full, detailed instructions
Step 1: Combine the mix-ins.
Add the Chex cereal, mini pretzels, cheese crackers, and peanuts to an extra-large mixing bowl.
This combination gives you the perfect balance of textures: light, crisp cereal; salty, sturdy pretzels; crunchy crackers; and rich, toasty peanuts.
- Pro Tip: If you need to swap something (like using all one type of Chex or subbing almonds for peanuts), go for it. Just keep the total volume the same so the seasoning ratio stays balanced.
Step 2: Make the spicy butter sauce.
Melt the butter, then whisk in the soy sauce, sriracha, garlic salt, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
The butter makes everything cling nicely, while the soy sauce adds savory depth, and the hot sauce brings heat.
The sauce should smell buttery, savory, and a little peppery from the sriracha.
- Heat Note: For a milder mix, start with 1 tablespoon hot sauce. Craving a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or an extra tablespoon of sriracha.
Step 3: Coat everything evenly.
Pour half of the spicy butter sauce over the dry mix and toss gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. This prevents oversaturating any spots and keeps the cereal from getting soggy.
Add the remaining sauce and toss again until everything looks lightly glossy and evenly coated. Using a very large bowl helps you mix without crushing the pieces.
- Heat Note: After the first toss, taste a piece — if you want more heat, stir in another dash of hot sauce before adding the remaining butter mixture.
Step 4: Bake low and slow.
Spread the mix across two parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 250°F for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to encourage even drying.
You’re looking for the edges to feel a bit drier, the crackers to crisp back up, and the cereal to stay intact without browning too fast. If you notice the mix coloring early, shorten the bake time — every oven runs a little differently.
Step 5: Cool completely.
Let the Chex Mix cool on the baking sheets for at least 20-30 minutes.
- This step is crucial: it allows the butter coating to fully set and ensures maximum crunch.
Once everything is fully cooled, transfer to an airtight container. This keeps it crisp for weeks and makes it freezer-friendly, too.
Variations
- Milder version: Use less sriracha or swap for a milder hot sauce.
- Extra spicy: Add cayenne, chili crisp, or more hot sauce.
- Mix-in swaps: Bagel chips, almonds, corn chips, or spicy peanuts.
- Holidays: Package in jars for gifting or serve in large bowls for snacking.
- Game day: Serve in big bowls with a second mild batch for kids.
Storage Tips
Storage, Freezing, Make Ahead
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Cool fully before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Great make-ahead holiday or party snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make it milder or spicier?
Use less hot sauce for a gentler heat (start with 1 tablespoon), or add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne for more kick.
Can I swap the hot sauce for cayenne or chili powder?
Yes. Cayenne or chili powder works, but start small since they’re more concentrated than hot sauce.
Can I make this without nuts?
Absolutely; just replace the peanuts with more cereal, pretzels, or crackers.
Can I microwave Chex mix instead of baking it?
Yes, microwave in 1-2 minute intervals (stirring in between) until dry and crisp, though the oven gives a more even crunch.
Does this taste like Hot & Spicy Chex Mix?
It has the same addictive spicy-salty vibe, but with a fresher, bolder flavor from the homemade sauce.
More Snack Recipes
- Slow Cooker Chex Mix
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks
- Homemade Granola Bars
- Caramel Popcorn
- Everything Bagel Pigs in a Blanket
Spicy Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 9 cups rice, corn, and wheat Chex cereal (3 cups of each or any combination)
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 2 cups cheese crackers or goldfish
- 1 cup lightly salted peanuts
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha or other hot sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In an extra large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, peanuts, pretzels and cheese crackers.
- Melt the butter in a small, microwave safe bowl or glass measuring cup. Add the soy sauce, hot sauce, garlic salt, onion powder and paprika and whisk until well combined.
- Pour half of the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss well with a spatula or wooden spoon. Pour the remaining butter mixture over the cereal and toss well.
- Spread the Chex mix out over two baking sheets and bake for 45-60 minutes, gently stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 20-30 minutes. Once the mix is completely cooled, serve, or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Mix gently to avoid breaking the cereal.
- Adjust heat easily by changing the amount of hot sauce.
- Stir every 15 minutes for even toasting.
- Use unsalted butter to control seasoning.
- Cool completely so the mix turns crisp.
- Store airtight for best texture.
- Freeze for up to 3 months if making ahead.
- Swap mix-ins like almonds or bagel chips if desired.
- Taste seasoning before baking and adjust salt or heat.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
