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I’ve been making this Slow Cooker Chex Mix for years because it gives me all that nostalgic, salty, crunchy goodness without standing over the oven or stirring trays every few minutes. It’s one of those recipes that quietly works in the background while I get everything else done then rewards me with that buttery, seasoned snack mix my family can’t stop grabbing by the handful. Perfect for holidays, game days, or just when we need something munchy to have around the house.
There’s nothing better than homemade Chex Mix when you’re craving a warm, crunchy, and comforting snack. For more easy party mix ideas, try my Reindeer Chow Chex Mix or Brownie Batter Puppy Chow next!
Ingredients Notes
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy crockpot chex mix recipe, plus ideas for different mix-ins to change up the flavor and texture.
- Rice Chex: Light and crispy base that soaks up the buttery seasoning.
- Corn Chex: Adds balance and extra crunch.
- Wheat Chex: Hearty and sturdy, perfect for holding all that flavor.
- Pretzels: I like using mini twists or sticks. Gluten-free pretzels work great too.
- Bagel Chips: Garlic or rye add a bold, toasty flavor. You can swap with pita chips if needed.
- Bugles: Their fun shape and salty crunch make every bite interesting. Cheese-Its or Goldfish crackers are good substitutes.
- Peanuts: A classic salty addition, but cashews, almonds, or mixed nuts all work too.
- Butter: I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness. If using salted butter, just reduce the seasoning salt a bit.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The secret to that classic savory Chex Mix taste. Soy sauce can stand in if you’re out.
- Seasoned Salt: Lawry’s is my go-to, but any favorite blend works.
- Garlic Powder: Adds that comforting, savory depth.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor and ties everything together.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Variations
This Chex Mix in slow cooker recipe is easy to customize with your favorite cereals, snacks, and seasonings. Try these fun flavor ideas:
- Spicy Mix: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce with the butter mixture for extra heat.
- Sweet and Salty: Add a handful of Honey Nut Cheerios or drizzle lightly with honey after cooling, then toss in chocolate candies or caramel bits for a sweet twist.
- Nut-Free: Skip the peanuts and add more mini pretzels, Cheerios, or bagel chips to keep the mix crunchy and satisfying.
- Cheesy Snack Mix: Replace the Bugles with cheese crackers like Cheez-Its or Goldfish for a bold, savory variation.
- Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix: Swap the garlic, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powders for pumpkin pie spice, then mix in mini peanut butter cups for a cozy fall flavor similar to my Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix.
- Churro Chex Mix: Replace the seasoned salt with cinnamon sugar and drizzle with melted caramel to create a sweet cinnamon version like my Churro Chex Mix.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chex Mix
Follow these simple steps for the best chex mix slow cooker recipe – perfectly seasoned, buttery, and full of crunch every time.
- Mix the Base: Add the Chex cereal, mini pretzels, bagel chips, Bugles, and peanuts to a 6-quart (or larger) oval slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until well blended.
- Combine: Slowly pour the seasoning mixture over the cereal mixture, stirring between each pour to coat evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for about 3 hours. Stir every 25-30 minutes during the first 2 hours, and every 15-20 minutes during the last hour. Place paper towels under the lid to absorb condensation.
- Cool: Spread the mix onto a baking sheet or parchment paper in a single layer and let cool for about 20 minutes before serving or storing.
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
- Store: Once completely cooled, place the Chex Mix in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheat: If the mix softens, spread it on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 250°F for about 10 minutes to bring back the crunch.
- Freeze: Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: Ideal for prepping 1–2 days before a party or holiday, this crockpot snack mix stays crisp and flavorful.
More Easy Crock Pot Recipes
If you love this Chex Mix in the slow cooker, try a few more of my easy crock pot favorites
- Crock Pot Little Smokies – A sweet and tangy appetizer that’s always a hit at game day parties.
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese – Ultra creamy, cheesy comfort food made right in the slow cooker.
- Crockpot Nacho Cheese Dip – Perfectly smooth and melty, great for chips, pretzels, or veggies.
- Slow Cooker Apple Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel – A cozy dessert that fills your kitchen with fall aromas.
If you’ve tried this Slow Cooker Chex Mix Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comments below.
Slow Cooker Chex Mix
Serves — 12
This Slow Cooker Chex Mix recipe is a crunchy, buttery, and savory party snack that comes together right in your crockpot. Easy to make and perfect for holidays, parties, or game day gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex
- 3 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups Wheat Chex
- 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
Instructions
- In a large slow cooker (6 quart or bigger, oval gives more cooking space) place the cereals, pretzels, bagel chips, bugles and peanuts. Use two wooden spoons to gently mix together.4 cups Rice Chex, 3 cups Corn Chex, 2 cups Wheat Chex, 2 cups Pretzels, 2 cups bagel chips, 1 cup Bugles, 1 cup Peanuts
- Place the melted butter in a small bowl and add the Worcestershire sauce and spices and stir together until mixed well.10 tablespoons Butter, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2½ teaspoons seasoned salt, 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Pour some of the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and mix with the two spoons. Keep pouring the butter mixture over in small amounts and mixing until all the butter mixture is gone.
- With the slow cooker on low, cook for three hours. For the first two hours, stir every 25-30 minutes. The last hour stir every 15-20 minutes to keep from burning.
- Place some paper towels under the lid while cooking to absorb any extra moisture. Wipe the moisture off the lid each time you stir.
- Spread the cereal mixture in a single layer onto an ungreased baking sheet or parchment paper to cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Jenn’s Notes
Storage:
- Store: Keep cooled Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheat: If it softens, spread on a baking sheet and warm at 250°F for 10 minutes to restore crunch.
- Freeze: Store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make ahead: Perfect for prepping 1-2 days before your event, it stays fresh and crunchy.
- Use an oval slow cooker for even heating.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking the cereal.
- Prevent sogginess by tilting the lid slightly or using paper towels to absorb moisture.
- Watch closely during the final 30 minutes, Wheat Chex will show the first signs of burning.
- Make a double batch in an 8-quart slow cooker or cook in two rounds.
Nutrition Info
Calories: 529kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 1426mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 820IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 11mg
Looking forward to making ut this season.