Crunchy, savory, and completely addictive, Rye Chip Chex Mix is our favorite take on the original crowd-pleasing snack. We always make a big batch for the holidays, and it’s a sure hit for tailgating, parties, or sharing with neighbors and friends any time.

Chex Mix with Rye Chips

Everyone loves Chex mix! The crunch, the salt, the hint of spice and bold taste – add it all up and you have the ultimate crowd-pleaser of snacks.

Of course, Chex mix is also suited to endless variations. This one is our family’s favorite, thanks to a generous scoop of rye chips. We always toss in a few extra pretzels and nuts, as well, which makes the absolute perfect snack for sharing.

Truth be told, I don’t remember having Chex mix as a snack growing up! But my husband has a clear and fond memory of his Mom making a giant batch every year right around Christmas, and that’s a tradition I’ve been all too glad to continue. It’s also a go-to party mix snack. I love putting out bowls of Chex mix for everyone to enjoy while playing board games or card games – the only hang-up is that everyone devours their rye chips first thing and is left craving more!

Ingredient & Substitution Notes

Here are a few notes and shopping tips about the ingredients you’ll need. Find full amounts in the print-friendly recipe card below.

  • Chex, of course – I just go ahead and buy a box of all three classic types – corn Chex, rice Chex, and wheat Chex – even though it’s a lot of cereal. Somehow we always get through it. 🙂
  • Little pretzels – regular, square, round, any shape you like.
  • Peanuts or mixed nuts – whichever you prefer. I usually buy a lightly salted variety.
  • Butter.
  • Worcestershire sauce – usually found in the aisle with ketchup and BBQ sauces, this has a savory, tangy, punch of umami that adds so much flavor in a little amount. It’s a key part of this unique seasoning blend.
  • Salt, garlic powder, and onion powder – key flavorings. Don’t skimp on these!
  • Rye chips – ever wonder what the little brown things in Chex mix are? They are rye chips, and our favorite little thing that makes this version stand out from other homemade types! If you’re making this on the fly, garlic bagel chips are usually easier to find at the grocery store, and still really tasty. But we love the unique flavor of garlic rye chips so I try to plan ahead to have them on hand.

Can you make Chex mix without peanuts?

Yes! My daughter has a peanut allergy, so we have shifted to making Chex mix with deluxe mixed nuts packages that do not include peanuts. These are usually a combination of almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans, and are pretty easy to find at Whole Foods or Amazon.

Other nut allergies? Buy any varieties that do work for your family individually, or just leave them out entirely and substitute with more of the other ingredients. Some people also like to include mini breadsticks, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for another type of crunch.

Where to buy rye chips?

My go-to source for rye chips is Nuts.com. They sell rye chips literally by the pound, they’re affordable and salty-but-not-too-salty, and the website has crazy fast shipping and is also a great source for bulk nuts, flours, flax and chia seeds, and other ingredients. More recently I have also seen Gardetto special request rye chips available on Amazon, too!

My main problem is keeping a whole bag of rye crisps in the pantry long enough to make the snack mix, especially when my older step-kids are home. They are absolutely delicious and tend to disappear fast! 🙂

Wooden mixing bowl full of Chex mix.

What are rye chips?

Rye chips are a deliciously crunchy snack usually made from rye flour and sometimes seasoned with a spice mix than can include garlic powder, paprika, or other unique flavors. They make a great snack on their own but are also great for dipping or mixing into snacks like Chex mix.

How To Make Rye Chip Chex Mix

Making your own Chex mix is just about the easiest thing.

  1. Combine all the cereals, pretzels, chips, and nuts. You can use a very large mixing bowl, but I actually find it easiest to do this directly in my large roasting pan (without the rack).
  2. Melt butter in a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, then stir in the seasonings. Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir very well to combine.
  3. Bake at 250 degrees F for about an hour, stirring once or twice as it cooks.

Can you microwave Chex mix?

Yes, you can make Chex mix in the microwave by simply combining everything in a large microwave-safe bowl and cooking on full power for 6 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes and again after 4. This said, I highly recommend baking if at all possible. Low and slow heat yields the best flavor and an unmistakeable crunch.

Storage

Homemade Chex mix keeps well at room temperature for 4-5 days tightly covered. We like to store in my largest tupperware, Stasher bags, or extra-large ziplocks.

Related Recipes

Addicted to everything but the bagel seasoning blend — or just looking for another way to use the big jar in your pantry? Jackpot: everything bagel Chex mix! Or get your crunch on with a batch of homemade honey mustard pretzels.

Craving another irresistible snack? Everyone loves a big tray of pinto bean nachos served with homemade guacamole and blender salsa or a Mexican bean salad.

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5 from 8 votes

Irresistible Rye Chip Chex Mix

Crunchy, savory, and completely addictive, rye chip Chex mix is a fun and irresistibly delicious take on the original crowd-pleasing snack!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups corn Chex
  • 3 cups rice Chex
  • 3 cups wheat Chex
  • 2 cups rye bagel chips see sourcing notes in post
  • 2 cups bite-size pretzels
  • 1 cup peanuts or mixed nuts
  • 6 Tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons table salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees F. Combine cereals, bagel chips, pretzels, and nuts in a large mixing bowl or roasting pan.
    3 cups corn Chex, 3 cups rice Chex, 3 cups wheat Chex, 2 cups rye bagel chips, 2 cups bite-size pretzels, 1 cup peanuts or mixed nuts
  • In a small bowl, melt the butter, then add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk to combine well. Pour melted butter over cereal mixture, and stir to evenly coat.
    6 Tablespoons butter, 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons table salt, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Spread the mix evenly across an un-greased roasting pan or cake pans and bake for about 1 hour. Let cool, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

  • Microwave Option: Combine dry ingredients in a large microwave-safe bowl, pour over the butter mixture, stir well, and cook on full power for 6 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes and again after 4. Do this in a pinch, but be aware that the low and slow heat of the oven yields the richest flavor and crunch.
  • Baking Sheet: You do not need to use vegetable oil, canola oil, or anything else to coat your pan before cooking the Chex mix. It won’t stick.
  • Storage: Homemade Chex mix keeps well at room temperature for 4-5 days tightly covered. We like to store in my largest tupperware, Stasher bags, or extra-large ziplocks.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 257 kcal, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 7 g, Fat: 11 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 9 mg, Sodium: 658 mg, Potassium: 95 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 3 g, Vitamin A: 330 IU, Vitamin C: 2 mg, Calcium: 42 mg, Iron: 4 mg
Did you make this recipe?Leave a review below, then snap a quick picture and tag @nourishandfete on Instagram so I can see it!

Post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated with new photos and more helpful sourcing information.