Sweet and Salty Chex Mix Recipe - Christmas Crunchy Chex Mix

Image cc: wheatbythewayside, bakeandbacon, shugarysweets, tasteofhome

There’s something irresistible about a snack that hits all the right notes — crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly salty — without leaving you feeling guilty. That’s exactly what this Sweet and Salty Chex Mix delivers. 

It’s a satisfying treat that feels indulgent but is made with wholesome ingredients, so you can enjoy handful after handful without a second thought.

If you’re looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing snack to serve at your Thanksgiving gathering or Christmas party, this recipe is it. It’s easy to make in big batches, perfect for gift jars, movie nights, or as a pre-dinner munchie while the turkey finishes roasting. 

The hardest part? Knowing when to stop snacking — because, let’s be honest, once you start, it’s nearly impossible to resist that crunchy, buttery, soy-sweet flavor.

The mix starts with a trio of cereals — Corn Chex, Cheerios, and Honeycomb — offering fiber, texture, and natural sweetness. Pretzel sticks add a touch of savory crunch, while a small amount of butter and canola oil helps the flavors stick without overwhelming the mix with fat. 

A light sprinkle of sugar, soy sauce, and garlic salt transforms the simple ingredients into a perfectly balanced sweet-and-salty snack. Every bite gives you a mix of flavors and textures that feel indulgent but are made with smarter choices in mind.

Think of it as your ultimate holiday party mix — comforting, nostalgic, and a little addictive. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast, bringing something to a potluck, or just looking for a cozy treat to enjoy by the tree, this Sweet and Salty Chex Mix will fit right in. After all, the holidays are about sharing — and this is one snack worth sharing (even if you secretly want to keep it all for yourself).

This Chex mix is perfect for anyone looking for a snack that satisfies cravings while still being a little healthier. Serve it in bowls for movie nights, pack it into jars for on-the-go munching, or keep it at your desk for a wholesome mid-day pick-me-up. 

The best part? You can snack without guilt, and the hardest part is actually stopping yourself from going back for just one more handful.

Sweet and Salty Chex Mix isn’t just tasty — it’s a snack you can feel good about, proving that healthy and delicious can coexist in one crunchy, flavorful bite.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package (12 ounces) Corn Chex

• 1 package (10 ounces) Cheerios

• 1 package (10 ounces) Honeycomb cereal

• 1 package (10 ounces) pretzel sticks

• 1-3/4 cups sugar

• 1-1/2 cups canola oil

• 1-1/4 cups butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons garlic salt

For Christmas Crunchy Chex Mix:

• 34.5 ounces Ghirardelli White Chocolate Chips, 3 packages

• 1 cup Gluten-free Pretzels

• 5 cups Corn Chex Cereal

• 5 cups Rice Chex Cereal

• 2 cups Dry Roasted Peanuts

• 1 ½ cups Red and Green M&M's Candy

• ¼ - ½ cup Red and Green Sprinkles

Image cc: wheatbythewayside, bakeandbacon, shugarysweets, tasteofhome

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

01. Preheat your oven to 275° F. Take a very large mixing bowl and add all of your cereals along with the pretzels, gently stirring them together to ensure they are evenly distributed. 

02. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the remaining ingredients—such as butter, sugar, and any seasonings—stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and well-blended. 

03. Once ready, slowly pour this flavorful mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Using a large spoon or spatula, carefully toss everything together, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the sweet and savory mixture for a consistent flavor in every bite.

04. Carefully transfer the mixture into a large roasting pan, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. Place the pan in the oven and bake uncovered for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making sure to stir the cereal every 15 minutes. 

05. This helps ensure that all pieces become evenly crisp and coated with the flavors. Once the cereal has reached a golden, crunchy texture, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. 

06. After it has cooled, transfer the cereal into an airtight container to maintain its crispness and freshness for future snacking.

Christmas Crunchy Chex Mix

Image cc: wheatbythewayside, bakeandbacon

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Add white chocolate chips to your crockpot, reserving half of the bag for later. Set to warm, cover, and let the chocolate slowly melt—stirring occasionally for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Once smooth, add the remaining chocolate chips and stir until fully melted and glossy.

Step 2: Mix the Crunchy Goodness

Gently fold in the cereals, nuts, and pretzels until everything is evenly coated in chocolate. When the mix is almost fully covered, stir in 1 cup of festive red & green M&M’s for an extra pop of color and sweetness.

Step 3: Add Holiday Magic

Spread the mixture evenly onto two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle over the remaining M&M’s and holiday sprinkles. Let the mix cool completely until firm, then break into bite-sized pieces.

Perfect for gifting, snacking, or sharing at Christmas parties—this sweet and salty Christmas Chex Mix is pure holiday cheer in every crunchy bite!

Serving Ideas

Sweet and Salty Chex Mix is as versatile as it is delicious! Here are some ways to serve it:

• Snack bowls: Perfect for movie nights, game days, or casual get-togethers.

• Gift jars: Layer the mix in decorative jars for a thoughtful homemade gift.

• Party platters: Pair it with cheese, fruit, or nuts for a festive snack spread.

• On-the-go snack: Pack small portions in zip-top bags for a quick and satisfying treat at work, school, or travel.

Image cc: shugarysweets, tasteofhome

Recipe Variations

Give your Chex Mix a fun twist with these flavor ideas:

• Sesame Treats: Add about ½ teaspoon of sesame oil to the wet mixture for a subtle, nutty flavor.

• Get Spicy: Sprinkle in ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to add a gentle heat.

• Wasabi Peas: Toss in a handful or two of crunchy wasabi peas for pops of color and a spicy kick.

• Cheddar Crackers: Add a snack-sized bag of small cheddar-flavored crackers for extra savory flavor.

• Nuts & Extras: Mix in pistachios, walnuts, mixed nuts, caramel corn, lightly salted popcorn, or even corn chips for added texture and taste.

• Reduce Sugar: Cut ⅓ to ½ of the sugar for a less sweet mix. Reducing the amount of Honeycomb cereal also lowers the sweetness without sacrificing flavor.

Storage Tips

Proper storage keeps your Chex Mix fresh and crunchy:

• Cool completely: Let the mix cool entirely before storing to prevent sogginess.

• Airtight containers: Transfer the mix to an airtight container or zippered storage bag.

• Room temperature: Store at room temperature; it stays fresh for 2–4 weeks. (Though let’s be honest, it rarely lasts that long!)

• Make ahead: You can prepare batches up to a week in advance. During the holidays, extra batches can be stored in metal cookie tins or airtight containers for gifting or party prep.