Homemade Cheesy Chex Mix

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Macros

322 Calories
14g Fat
42g Carbs
6g Protein
2g Fiber

This homemade cheesy Chex mix is for everyone who reaches straight for the cheese crackers in a party bowl. Rice Chex, pretzels, Goldfish, and Cheez-Its get tossed in savory seasoned butter, then finished with finely crushed Cheez-Its that coat every bite.

A low-and-slow bake makes the whole batch golden and crunchy. Set it out for game day, a movie night, or any gathering that calls for a snack people can grab by the handful.

Cheesy Chex mix spread across a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chex Mix

  • Extra cheesy: Cheez-Its do double duty—whole crackers in the mix and fine crumbs that coat the rest.
  • Big snack-bowl energy: Rice Chex, pretzels, and Goldfish bring different shapes and crunch to every handful.
  • Easy to share: One batch makes 10 servings for a party or casual snacking.
  • Rice Chex: The crisp cereal squares catch the seasoned butter and cheesy crumbs.
  • Cheez-Its: Add 1 cup whole to the bowl; grind the remaining ½ cup into fine crumbs for the cheesy coating.
  • Goldfish and pretzels: Goldfish bring more cheesy flavor; pretzels add salty crunch.
  • Butter and Worcestershire sauce: Melted unsalted butter carries the savory seasoning through the mix.
  • Onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt: A simple seasoning blend gives the snack mix its savory finish.

How to Make Cheesy Chex Mix

The key is the two-part Cheez-It addition: whole crackers go into the bowl, while finely ground cracker crumbs coat the butter-tossed mix. The recipe card below has the measured ingredients and full instructions, including the 250°F bake and 15-minute stirring intervals.

Tips for a Crunchy Batch

  • Grind the reserved crackers finely: Even crumbs coat the mix instead of falling to the bottom of the pan.
  • Stir throughout baking: Give the mix a thorough stir every 15 minutes to redistribute the seasoned butter and encourage even color.
  • Use a rimmed baking sheet: It keeps the mix contained while you stir. Parchment is optional.
  • Cool completely: Wait until the mix is fully cool before sealing it in a container, or trapped moisture can soften the crunch.

How to Store Cheesy Chex Mix

Once the mix has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. Keep the lid off while it is still warm so condensation does not make the crackers soft.

Need more snack-table ideas? Pair it with pretzel cheese dip, or set out a spread with our cheese board guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you crush some of the Cheez-Its?

The finely crushed Cheez-Its cling to the butter-coated cereal and crackers, giving the whole mix a cheesy coating. Grind them into fine, even crumbs rather than leaving large pieces that can settle on the pan.

How do I know when the Chex mix is done baking?

After about 1 hour at 250°F, the mix should look golden brown. Stir it every 15 minutes so the seasoned butter redistributes and the pieces bake evenly.

Can I bake it on parchment paper?

Yes. The recipe brief allows either a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet or a rimmed baking sheet without parchment. Keep the mix spread out so you can stir it during baking.

How should I store cheesy Chex mix?

Let it cool completely on the baking sheet, then transfer it to an airtight container. Sealing it while warm traps moisture and can soften the crackers.

Cheesy Chex Mix

A crunchy homemade Chex mix with Rice Chex, Cheez-Its, Goldfish, and pretzels coated in savory butter and finely crushed Cheez-Its, then baked until golden.
By: Emily Richter
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
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Equipment

  • Food processor or high-speed blender
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rimmed baking sheet

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 1½ cups Cheez-Its, divided
  • 1 cup Goldfish crackers
  • 1 cup pretzel twists
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 250°F. Add the Rice Chex, 1 cup of the Cheez-Its, Goldfish crackers, and pretzels to a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
    Rice Chex, Cheez-Its, Goldfish, and pretzels in a glass mixing bowl before seasoning.
  • Add the remaining ½ cup Cheez-Its to a food processor or high-speed blender. Process until fine, even crumbs form, then set them aside.
  • Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt until combined.
  • Pour the seasoned butter over the cereal and cracker mixture in the large bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
    Seasoned melted butter being poured over Chex cereal, pretzels, and cheese crackers.
  • Add the finely crushed Cheez-Its and toss again so the crumbs cling to the mix.
    Finely crushed Cheez-Its added to the seasoned Chex mix in a glass bowl.
  • Spread the mix on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring thoroughly every 15 minutes, until the pieces are golden brown.
    Cheesy Chex mix spread across a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Chex mix cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container only after it has cooled so trapped moisture does not soften the crackers.
    Close-up of golden cheesy Chex mix with Rice Chex, pretzels, Cheez-Its, and Goldfish.

Tips & Notes

  • Process the reserved Cheez-Its into fine, even crumbs so they coat the snack mix instead of settling on the baking sheet.
  • Stir thoroughly every 15 minutes to redistribute the seasoned butter and encourage even baking.
  • Cool completely before storing; sealing while warm can trap moisture and soften the crackers.
  • Use a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet or place the mix directly on a rimmed baking sheet.

Watch It

Nutrition

Calories: 322 kcal, Carbohydrates: 42 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: 14 g, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 1 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Emily Richter

Emily Richter is Fit Foodie Findsโ€™ editor-in-chief and a partner in the business. She holds a masterโ€™s degree in strategic communication and brought 10 years of marketing and advertising experience to FFF after joining the team in 2015. Emily leads editorial operations, writes and edits recipe content, and oversees sponsorships and brand collaborations. She is also a co-founder of The Cheese Knees. She is a frequent speaker on influencer relations and has shared her expertise with Twin Cities agencies and organizations, including the University of Minnesota and Carmichael Lynch.

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