If you’re searching for a snack that hits every note—crispy, savory, slightly salty with a touch of buttery goodness—then this Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe is absolutely going to become your new go-to. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy Corn Squares and Rice Squares, crunchy pretzels, bagel chips, and a delightful mix of peanuts and cashews, all lovingly coated in a rich, flavorful spice and butter mixture. This recipe is easy, satisfying, and made right in a roasting pan to bring out those deep, toasty flavors that make Chex Mix feel like a snack superstar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are deceptively simple but essential, each bringing its own magic to the Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe. From crunchy nuts to buttery seasoning, every element plays a role in balancing texture and flavor perfectly.
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted: Butter adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to the mix for that irresistible coating.
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a punch of umami and depth to boost the savory profile.
- 1 tsp seasoned salt: A blend of spices that amps up the flavor overall without overpowering.
- ¾ tsp garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic note that complements the nuts and snacks beautifully.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Adds subtle savory sweetness that rounds out the seasoning.
- 3 cups Corn Squares (Chex): Provides the sturdy base of crunch and a mild corn flavor.
- 3 cups Rice Squares (Chex): Lighter and crispier than corn, it balances texture and taste.
- 1 cup pretzels: Saltiness and an extra crunch add nice variety to the mix.
- 1 cup bagel chips, broken into bite-sized pieces: Adds hearty crunch and a hint of breadiness.
- 1 cup peanuts: Brings nuts’ natural sweetness and crunch.
- 1 cup cashews: Offers creamy texture and a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly here.
How to Make Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to a low 250°F (120°C). This gentle heat ensures every bit of the mix toasts evenly without burning, creating that perfect crunch we all crave.
Step 2: Whisk the Seasoning Mixture
Whisk together melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. This savory mixture is the heart of the Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe, coating everything with flavor and richness.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large roasting pan and toss in your Corn Squares, Rice Squares, pretzels, bagel chips, peanuts, and cashews. Mixing straight in the pan means less cleanup and lets the flavors distribute more evenly later on.
Step 4: Pour and Stir to Coat
Pour the buttery seasoning blend over the dry ingredients in the roasting pan. Stir well to ensure every piece gets that beautiful glossy, flavorful coating, which will caramelize slightly as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake and Stir Regularly
Place the roasting pan in your preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. Stir the mix every 20 minutes—this step is key! Stirring keeps the toast consistent and prevents any sticky clusters from burning, giving you an evenly toasted and crisp mix.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baking is complete, pull the roasting pan out and allow the mixture to cool completely. This resting period helps everything crisp up even more and ensures your Chex Mix has that perfect, addictive crunch.
How to Serve Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe
Garnishes
While this Chex Mix is fantastic on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika can add a surprising fresh or smoky twist that elevates both presentation and flavor instantly.
Side Dishes
This Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dips—think creamy ranch, a tangy cheese dip, or even a spicy hummus. It also makes a fun crunchy side for casual game days or cocktail parties.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chex Mix in colorful bowls or mason jars for a festive look. For parties, portion it into snack cones made from parchment paper or even stuff in small paper lunch bags tied with twine for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it a perfect snack to enjoy over time or prep for gatherings.
Freezing
You can freeze the Chex Mix if needed—just place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want to enjoy it, thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and it’ll taste almost as fresh as the day you made it.
Reheating
If your Chex Mix loses a bit of its crispness, pop it back in the oven at 250°F for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. This will revive that wonderful crunch and bring back the warm, toasted aroma that makes it irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in the Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out peanuts and cashews for almonds, walnuts, or pecans—just keep the total nut quantity the same to maintain balance in flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to stir the mix every 20 minutes while baking?
Yes! Stirring prevents uneven toasting and burning, ensuring every bite is perfectly crunchy and well-seasoned throughout the entire 2-hour bake time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pretzels and bagel chips, along with certified gluten-free Chex cereals. Just double-check ingredient labels to be sure.
What if I don’t have a roasting pan, can I use another pan?
A large rimmed baking sheet or even a casserole dish will work fine in a pinch. The key is enough surface area for even toasting and easy stirring throughout the baking process.
How long does the Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe keep its crunch?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, it should stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks, though it’s usually eaten well before then!
Final Thoughts
This Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe is a snack lover’s dream come true—loaded with bold, buttery, and perfectly toasted goodies that are incredibly easy to make. Once you try it, I’m betting you’ll keep coming back for batch after batch, whether it’s for parties, road trips, or just cozy nights in. Go ahead and give it a whirl; your snack game is about to get a major upgrade!
Print
Roasting Pan Chex Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Roasting Pan Chex Mix recipe delivers a crunchy, savory snack mix perfect for parties or casual nibbling. Combining Corn and Rice Chex cereals with pretzels, bagel chips, peanuts, and cashews, all coated in a flavorful buttery Worcestershire seasoning, then slow-roasted to a perfect crisp in the oven. It’s an easy-to-make snack with a great balance of salty, garlicky, and nutty flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Snack Mix
- 3 cups Corn Squares (Chex)
- 3 cups Rice Squares (Chex)
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup bagel chips, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup cashews
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) to prepare for slow-roasting the snack mix.
- Make Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined to create a flavorful coating.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large roasting pan, add the Corn Squares, Rice Squares, pretzels, bagel chips, peanuts, and cashews, mixing them thoroughly to prepare for seasoning.
- Coat Mix: Pour the butter and seasoning mixture evenly over the dry ingredients in the roasting pan, then stir well to coat everything thoroughly and uniformly.
- Roast Snack Mix: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure the mix toasts evenly and develops a crispy texture.
- Cool and Store: After baking, let the Chex Mix cool completely in the pan before transferring it to an airtight container to maintain freshness and enjoy at leisure.
Notes
- Stirring every 20 minutes is crucial to prevent burning and to promote even toasting.
- Make sure the mix cools completely before storing to keep it crunchy.
- You can customize the nut varieties or chips based on preference or availability.
- Store the Chex Mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to two weeks.
- Use a roasting pan large enough to comfortably hold and mix all ingredients without spilling.
