Crunchy, salty and totally addictive, this Crock Pot Party Mix is genuinely one of the best snack foods ever! Whether you’re making food for gameday or packing school lunches, this easy-to-follow ‘hands-free’ recipe will definitely take your snack game to the next level!
In This Post
My friend’s mother shared this recipe with me years ago, and I’ve used it for years cause, y’all, it’s the BEST. Over time, I wanted to find a less ‘hands-on’ method to make life easier. My solution? Make a slow cooker version. It’s loaded with all the flavor of my classic recipe, but now, it’s crock pot friendly!
How Chex Party Mix Became a Snack-Time Legend
The original Chex Party Mix recipe dates back to the 1950s! The classic recipe calls for it to be baked in the oven—but with the rise of slow cookers in the 1970s, home cooks started experimenting with “hands-free” versions like this one. The slow cooker simplifies the process and evenly toasts the ingredients for that perfect crunch without babysitting the oven.
Slow Cooker Chex Mix Ingredients
- Cereals: Grab your favorite trio—Cheerios, Rice cereal, and Wheat cereal.
- Pretzels: Use twists, sticks, or whatever you have in the pantry!
- Nuts: Mixed nuts or air fryer roasted nuts work great, but feel free to use just one type or swap in seeds for a nut-free version.
- Butter: Unsalted is best, so you can control the saltiness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The secret to that bold, savory flavor.
- Seasonings: A trio of garlic, onion, and celery salt ties it all together.
Can I Customize The Ingredients?
Yes, 100%! This recipe is super flexible. Here are a few ideas:
- Sweet & Salty: Add a handful of chocolate candies or dried fruit after cooling. You can also finish with Southern Candied Pecans.
- Spicy Party Mix: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cereals, pretzels, and seasonings to cater to dietary needs.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Swap the mixed nuts for crunchy seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
Can I Make This Snack Mix Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! This party mix is perfect for making ahead because it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. I always make a batch for the Super Bowl and game day. It’s also one of my favorite “homemade food gifts” to share.
Step By Step Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, onion salt, and celery salt.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Add all your cereals, pretzels, and nuts to the slow cooker. Gently toss everything together.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the butter sauce over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Crisp It Up: Remove the lid and cook uncovered for another 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes to keep it crunchy. Spread the mix onto a baking sheet to cool completely. Once cooled, it’s ready to eat or store!
How Long Does This Party Mix Stay Good For?
Slow Cooker Chex Party Mix will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag. No need to refrigerate—just store it in a cool, dry place, like your pantry or countertop.
Craving More? Try These Snack Recipes
If you tried this Crock Pot Party Mix Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 sticks Unsalted Butter
- 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon Onion salt
- 1 tablespoon Celery salt
- 1 medium sized box of Cheerios
- 1 box of Rice cereal
- ½ a box of Wheat cereal
- ¾ of a bag of Pretzels
- 2 cans of Mixed nuts
Instructions
- Melt butter in medium sauce pan. Add Worcestershire sauce along with celery, garlic and onion salt.
- Add all cereals, nuts and pretzels to slow cooker and gently mix. Pour butter mixture over dry ingredients and gently mix until coated.
- Put lid on slow cooker and set for 2 hours on LOW. Remove lid after 2 hours and stir the mix.
- Cook UNCOVERED for an additional 45 minutes on LOW, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from slow cooker and let cool.
Notes
-
- Sweet & Salty: Add a handful of chocolate candies or dried fruit after cooling. You can also finish with Southern Candied Pecans.
-
- Spicy Party Mix: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a kick.
-
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cereals, pretzels, and seasonings to cater to dietary needs.
-
- Nut-Free Alternative: Swap the mixed nuts for crunchy seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
Nutrition
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Georgie
Thanks for the Slow Cooker recipe. Seems like the oven takers forever.
Donya Mullins
Thanks Kendra. I was a little skeptical but it worked perfectly. Crispy and full of flavor with no stirring for the first 2 hours!
pat
what about to corn chex ?
Stephanie Odell
You can use whatever chex you prefer to make it your own. Enjoy! ~Donya
Kendra Bailey Morris
What a fantastic idea!