Spicy Chex Mix

A classic snack mix is spiced up with Sriracha and red pepper flakes in my Spicy Chex Mix. The combination of Chex cereal, cheese crackers, and pretzels tossed in a spicy sauce is perfect game day snack!

Spicy Chex Mix Recipe

You know that feeling you get when you are craving something to snack on and can’t quite find it?

I can never figure out if it is something sweet, salty, crunchy, or spicy. Grazing on regular potato chips is my thing, but sometimes I want more.

I think that means I just need a little bit of everything all in one bite.

My mother in law calls it “Texas Trash” but I just call it delicious. Crunchy pretzels, crackers, cereal, and nuts in a bold and savory sauce.

Much like the original recipe but with a little extra kick to the taste buds. Once you start snacking on it, you won’t be able to stop.

This Spicy Chex Mix is is an easy recipe that is perfect snack for after school, your next party for game day, and even birthday parties!

Make a double batch because it will go fast! Check out my slow cooker Chex mix recipe and my oven baked Chex mix too.

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Ingredients Needed

Pretzels – To keep everything bite size I like the square butter snap pretzels but use your favorite!

Crackers – I use a combination of spiced oyster crackers, Goldfish, and Cheez Its.

Cereal – Good old Rice Chex is what I use or use a combination of your favorite flavors.

Butter – Always use unsalted butter to keep the salt to a reasonable level.

Sauces – A combination of Worcestershire sauce and Sriracha. Sub soy sauce if you need to.

Spices – Garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and Kosher salt. Add in a dash of onion powder if desired.

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How to make Spicy Chex Mix

First: Preheat oven to 250F. Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Combine all the pretzels, crackers, cereal, and nuts in a large bowl.

Second: In a small bowl, microwave butter to melt it. Stir in the spices and sauces. Pour the butter mixture over dry ingredients. Toss to combine and make sure that the crackers are all coated.

Third: Spread the cereal mixture on the prepared sheet pan and spread into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

Fourth: Remove from oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How long does it last?

Depends on how fast you eat it! This spicy Chex party mix will last 2 weeks if stored in an air-tight container.

Can I freeze it?

You sure can!  Cool completely and place in air tight containers or freezer safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Substitutions and Variations

• Pretzels – Try a variety of pretzel shapes. I love those mini pretzels or pretzel balls if you can find them.
• Crackers – Switch up the crackers for bagel chips, mini breadsticks, Funyuns, rice crackers, etc.
• Cereal – Switch up your Chex cereal with corn chex, honey nut, or whole wheat Chex. You can also add Cheerios or Kix.
• Nuts – I use almonds but you can use peanuts, walnuts, pepitas, or pecans.
• Spices – Substitute cayenne pepper for the red pepper flakes. Creole seasoning is also a great option.
• Sauces – If you don’t have Sriracha, you can use your favorite hot sauce.
• Butter – Olive oil is a great substitute for the butter.
• Candies – Add M&Ms or other colored candies like in my red white and blue snack mix.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the exact crackers in the recipe, use what you have. Just remember that you need 12 cups of dry mix, so use the mix ins of your choice!

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Don’t get hung up on the ingredients. Use your favorite types of chex cereal and crunchy snack foods.
• Taste the sauce before pouring over crackers. Adjust the heat level to your liking.
• Add more heat if you want an extra-bold Chex mix.
• Substitute the butter for vegetable oil if needed.
• If it seems greasy, spread the mix out on paper towels for a few minutes.
• Try my Crack Chex Mix and my Christmas Chex Mix.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

This spicy Chex mix is the most addictive snack! Homemade Chex Mix is my favorite snack for football season!

{Originally published 1/12/2017 – recipe and photos updated to improve reader experience 07/07/2023}

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