Last Christmas, we spent hours decorating and wrapping gifts. But one tradition stood out—it brought everyone together. Making Christmas Chex Mix added fun to our holiday prep.
The kids loved adding their favorite ingredients, like Rice Chex and M&M’s. The kitchen filled with laughter and the sweet and salty smell. It turned our kitchen into a holiday wonderland.
This simple treat became a hit, showing that the best moments come from simple recipes.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Christmas Chex Mix is an easy holiday snack that combines both sweet and salty flavors.
- The recipe preparation takes around 15 minutes and makes enough to feed a crowd—perfect for holiday parties.
- Essential ingredients include Rice Chex cereal, pretzels, roasted peanuts, Honey Nut Cheerios, M&M’s, and white chocolate chips.
- This Christmas snack mix is highly customizable with various optional add-ins like candy canes or mini marshmallows.
- Remarkably, this homemade treat holds a rating of 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 60 votes, highlighting its popularity and delight among those who try it.
Introduction to Christmas Chex Mix
Christmas Chex Mix is a holiday favorite, loved for its mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for any festive event. It’s great as a snack for a Christmas party or as a tasty gift.
What is Christmas Chex Mix?
Christmas Chex Mix is a snack mix made with cereals like Rice Chex and Wheat Chex. It also includes pretzels and M&M’s, all covered in white chocolate. It started with the Chex Party Mix from the 1950s but now has a holiday twist.
Why it’s a Favorite Holiday Snack
This festive Chex Mix is loved for many reasons. It’s easy to make, perfect for the holiday rush. The mix of sweet and salty flavors is a hit with everyone. Plus, its colorful and crunchy look makes it a great addition to any holiday spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to make a tasty homemade Chex mix? Start by getting all the ingredients. Want a festive Chex mix? Here’s what you need to make it a holiday hit.
Essential Ingredients
Your classic homemade Chex mix recipe needs:
- 12 ounces of Chex cereal (a blend of Rice, Wheat, and Corn Chex)
- 2 cups of mini pretzel twists
- 1 1/2 cups of Christmas M&Ms
- 1 1/2 pounds of white chocolate bars or discs
These ingredients mix up a sweet and savory treat. It’s loved for its great taste and texture. Prep takes just 20 minutes, and cooking is quick, at 3 minutes.
Optional Add-ins
Want to make your festive Chex mix even better? Try these creative add-ins:
- Other types of Chex cereals for varied textures
- Various nuts such as almonds, peanuts, or cashews
- Different candy pieces like toffee or peppermint bark
- Special dietary options like gluten-free cereals
These extras boost flavor and add a personal touch. Plus, the recipe is flexible for different diets.
This festive Chex mix recipe makes about 15 servings, or 15 cups. It has 327 calories per serving, with a good mix of carbs, protein, and fat. It’s a great snack for the holidays. Now, you’re all set to mix and enjoy this tasty holiday treat.
Step-by-Step Process for Making Chex Mix
Making Chex Mix for the holidays is easy and fun. This guide will help you make a tasty snack for everyone. Let’s start the process of making homemade Chex mix.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
First, mix the dry ingredients in a big bowl. You need:
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 6 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 2 cups sliced almonds
- 3 cups pretzels
- 2 cups bagel chips or rye chips
Mix these ingredients well until they’re all together.
Melting and Adding the Chocolate
To add sweetness, melt chocolate. You can use a double boiler or the microwave. Melt:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1¼ cups light corn syrup
Keep stirring until it’s smooth. Then, pour the chocolate over the dry mix and mix gently.
Drying and Storing the Mix
The last step is drying and storing the mix. Spread it on parchment paper and let it dry for 2 hours.
After drying, put the mix in airtight containers. You can store it:
- At room temperature for up to a week
- In the fridge for longer freshness
- In the freezer for even longer
By following these steps, you’ll learn how to make homemade Chex mix. It’s perfect for holiday parties. Remember to store it right to keep it crunchy and fresh.
| Ingredient | Amount | Nutritional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 356kcal | Per serving of 1/2 cup |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | |
| Protein | 4g | |
| Fat | 17g | |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | |
| Cholesterol | 24mg | |
| Sodium | 262mg | |
| Potassium | 141mg | |
| Fiber | 3g | |
| Sugar | 34g | |
| Vitamin A | 734IU | |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | |
| Calcium | 95mg | |
| Iron | 6mg |
Christmas Chex Mix
Christmas Chex Mix is the ultimate holiday snack mix. It combines sweet and salty flavors in a delightful way. This festive mix is perfect for the holiday season, with its attractive look and irresistible taste. Making it is easy, thanks to its simple preparation.
Sweet and Salty Flavor Profile
The magic of Christmas Chex Mix is its sweet and savory mix. It has crispy pretzels, Chex cereals, and salty nuts, along with sweet chocolate chips or M&M’s. This mix of flavors and textures makes it a hit with everyone.
Imagine a crunchy cereal piece coated in chocolate, mixed with a salty pretzel. This perfect blend makes it a holiday favorite.
Adding a Festive Touch
To make Christmas Chex Mix stand out, add colorful elements. Use red and green M&M’s, holiday sprinkles, or edible glitter. These add a festive touch and make the mix more appealing.
A tasty and visually appealing holiday snack mix is a must-have. It’s perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or enjoying at home. Its delicious taste and festive look make it a standout choice.
Festive Variations to Try
Looking to spice up your Chex Mix? Here are some festive twists to make your snacks shine this holiday season.
Chocolate Lovers Mix
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Add more white or dark chocolate to your mix for a chocolatey delight. Drizzle melted chocolate over it and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. This will give you a sweet and indulgent treat.
Nutty Addition
For a crunchy and rich snack, try adding nuts like almonds or pecans. This adds texture and flavor. Mixing nuts with the base ingredients makes a festive Chex mix that’s both satisfying and delightful.
Spicy Kick
Love a little heat? Try a spicy Chex mix recipe. Add cayenne pepper or spiced elements like cinnamon for a spicy kick. This unique twist makes a memorable holiday snack that will be the talk of the party. For more ideas, check out this spicy Chex mix recipe.
Here’s a quick summary of the nutritional values for these festive Chex mix variations:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 109.4 kcal | |
| Total Fat | 3.51 g | 4.6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.44 g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04 g | |
| Cholesterol | 2.83 mg | 0.7% |
| Sodium | 152.97 mg | 6.3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.3 g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.58 g | |
| Sugars | 5.78 g | |
| Protein | 1.63 g | |
| Vitamin A | 7.42% | |
| Vitamin C | 1.97% | |
| Calcium | 4.0% | |
| Iron | 14.41% |
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your Christmas Chex Mix fresh and tasty, proper storage is key. Whether you’re enjoying it soon or saving it for later, these tips will help. They ensure your mix stays crunchy and flavorful.
Short-term Storage Solutions
For short-term storage, use an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it fresh for up to two weeks. Many prefer eating it within a week for the best taste. Ingredients like Rice Chex, Golden Grahams cereal, and Bugles corn stay fresh longer this way.
- Container Choice: Choose a well-sealed container like a Lock & Lock for longer freshness.
- Cool Storage: Some find cool places like refrigerators or garages keep it fresher.
Freezing for Longevity
Freezing is great for longer storage. But, make sure the mix is cool and dry before freezing. This prevents sogginess from chocolate and other ingredients when thawed.
- Vacuum Sealing: A Foodsaver vacuum sealer with a canning jar attachment extends freshness.
- Airtight Bags: Divide the mix into portions and store in airtight bags for up to a month.
The freshness of homemade Chex Mix depends on ingredients and storage. Follow these Chex Mix freshness tips for longer enjoyment.
| Storage Method | Duration | Preferred Use |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight Container at Room Temperature | Up to 2 weeks | Short-term snacking |
| Vacuum Sealing | Months | Long-term storage |
| Refrigeration or Cool Storage | Several weeks | Maintain freshness |
| Freezing | Up to a month | Long-term preservation |
Choosing the right storage method keeps your homemade Chex Mix fresh. Enjoy it whenever you want.
Perfect for Holiday Parties
Christmas Chex Mix is a great choice for holiday parties. It’s full of flavor and looks festive. You can serve it in big bowls or small cups for everyone to enjoy.
This mix is perfect for a snack table. It adds variety and fun for your guests.
Serving Suggestions
Use colorful bowls to make your Christmas Chex Mix stand out. Or, put it in festive cups for easy grabbing. You can also set up a snack bar with the mix and other treats.
Enhance your snack station with cookies, candy canes, and chocolate-dipped pretzels. This mix of snacks offers different tastes and textures. It makes the party even more fun.
Pairing with Other Snacks
Pairing Christmas Chex Mix with other snacks makes a great spread. Try adding Pretzel Broomsticks for a crunchy contrast. Gingerbread cookies or chocolate truffles also pair well, balancing the mix’s flavors.
For a savory touch, serve Chex mix with cheese or nuts. This variety ensures everyone finds something they like.
Homemade Chex Mix as a Gift Idea
Gifts of Chex mix during the holidays are a thoughtful and festive choice. They combine the charm of homemade gifts with the tasty Christmas Chex Mix. This snack, made with 7 main ingredients, is great for making in bulk and giving as presents.
Packaging Ideas
Start by making your gifts look good. Use mason jars, decorative tins, or cellophane bags with colorful ribbons. The recipe makes about 6+ quarts, enough for many gifts. Add holiday-themed tags and labels for a fancy touch.
Personalized Tags and Labels
Make your gifts extra special with personal messages or names. Use tags and labels to make them memorable. You can write festive notes or print labels with seasonal designs. Include the ingredients list for those with dietary needs. For a digital touch, link to your inspiration, like this easy ghost cookies guide.
- First Chex Party Mix recipe appeared on Chex cereal boxes in 1952.
- Original Chex cereals were produced in 1937.
- Prepares in about 10 minutes and dries for approximately 1 hour.
- Total recipe time is less than 30 minutes.
- Yields 6+ quarts, sufficient for parties and gift-giving.
Choose nice packaging and add custom tags and labels to make your Chex mix gifts special. These homemade gifts are not just useful but also show you care.
Making it Kid-Friendly
Getting kids in the kitchen can make simple recipes special. We’ll show you how to make your Christmas Chex Mix fun for kids. These tips will make holiday cooking a fun time for the whole family.
Fun Mix-ins for Kids
To make Chex Mix fun for kids, add colorful ingredients. Try adding holiday sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or chocolate-covered raisins. Here are some mix-ins kids love:
- Mini marshmallows (2 cups)
- Holiday-colored candy-coated chocolate candies like M&Ms (1 cup)
- Mini pretzel twists (1 cup)
- Holiday-colored sprinkles (3 tablespoons)
Involving Kids in the Preparation
Getting kids to help in the kitchen makes holiday cooking special. Give them simple tasks that are fun and safe. Here are some tasks kids can do:
- Mixing Ingredients: Kids can mix Chex cereal, Golden Graham cereal, and other ingredients in a big bowl.
- Adding Sweet Elements: Kids can add holiday candies, sprinkles, and marshmallows to the mix.
- Melting the Coating: Kids can stir the mix once the coating is melted, under adult supervision.
- Final Touch: Kids can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a festive look.
By making cooking interactive, you teach kids basic skills and help them enjoy holiday traditions.
| Step | Task | Who can do it |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Dry Ingredients | Combine Chex cereal, Golden Graham cereal, shredded coconut, sliced almonds, mini pretzels | Kids |
| Adding Sweet Elements | Pour in holiday-colored candies, holiday sprinkles, mini marshmallows | Kids |
| Melting the Coating | Melt vanilla coating and stir | Adult with kids’ assistance |
| Final Touch | Sprinkle powdered sugar over the finished mix | Kids |
Gluten-Free Christmas Chex Mix
If you or someone in your family is gluten-sensitive, a gluten-free Chex Mix is a must for the holidays. Making this classic snack gluten-free is simple. It lets everyone enjoy it without worrying about dietary restrictions.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To make a gluten-free Chex mix, start with the right cereals. Use 3 cups of Rice Chex, 3 cups of Corn Chex, and 3 cups of gluten-free O’s cereal. Make sure all ingredients, like 1 cup of gluten-free mini pretzel twists and 1 cup of gluten-free peanuts, are gluten-free. This avoids cross-contamination.
For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free white chocolate. Add 1 cup of red & green M&Ms candy for a festive touch. Just remember to check they are gluten-free.
Preparation Tips
To prepare your gluten-free holiday snacks, melt 16 oz. of vanilla almond bark, white candy melts, or white chocolate chips. Do this in 20-30 second intervals until smooth. Mix your cereals, pretzels, and peanuts in a large bowl.
Pour the melted coating over the mixture, stirring gently to coat. For extra holiday flair, check out this bagel recipe for gluten-free alternatives.
Once coated, let the mixture dry completely on parchment paper. Store your gluten-free Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Adding sprinkles or holding back some M&Ms for the top makes it look great. This treat, which makes about 9 cups and is 5 stars based on 2 reviews, will be a hit at your holiday parties.
F.A.Q
What is Christmas Chex Mix?
Christmas Chex Mix, also known as Christmas Crack, is a tasty snack. It’s made from Cheerios, Rice Chex, and Wheat Chex. It also includes pretzels, M&M’s, and melted white chocolate.
Why is it a favorite holiday snack?
It’s loved for its sweet and salty taste. It’s easy to make and looks great with festive colors. This makes it perfect for holiday parties and gifts.
What are the essential ingredients for Christmas Chex Mix?
You need Cheerios, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel sticks, M&M’s, and white chocolate. These ingredients give it the classic sweet and salty flavor.
Can I customize the ingredients in Christmas Chex Mix?
Yes, you can add nuts, peppermint bark, or make it gluten-free. This makes it great for different tastes and diets.
How do I melt the white chocolate for the Chex Mix?
Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or in short microwaving intervals. Stir often to get a smooth consistency. Then, drizzle it over the ingredients and mix well.
How do I store Christmas Chex Mix?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer, freeze it in airtight bags for a month. Make sure it’s cool and dry before freezing to avoid sogginess.
How can I make Christmas Chex Mix look festive?
Add red and green M&M’s, festive sprinkles, or edible glitter. These make it look great and ready for the holidays.
What are some variations of Christmas Chex Mix?
For chocolate lovers, add more white or dark chocolate. Try adding nuts like almonds or pecans for extra flavor. You can also add spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a unique taste.
How can I make Christmas Chex Mix kid-friendly?
Use mini marshmallows or chocolate-covered raisins. Letting kids help make it can be fun and let them customize their snack.
How do I make a gluten-free version of Christmas Chex Mix?
Use gluten-free cereals like corn or rice Chex. Make sure all add-ins are gluten-free. Keep gluten-containing ingredients separate to avoid contamination.
Can I give Christmas Chex Mix as a gift?
Yes, it’s a great gift. Package it in mason jars, decorative tins, or cellophane bags. Add customized tags or labels for a special touch.
