This Party Mix Recipe combines crackers, pretzels, Cheez-Its, and the best seasoning blend for an easy and seriously delicious snack.
author’s note
The Graduation Snack I Had to Recreate
At my culinary school graduation, there was a dill-flavored snack mix on all the tables, and I kid you not, I could not stop eating it. It was the best savory snack mix I’d ever had.
I’m usually more of a sweets person when it comes to snack mixes. I love white-chocolate-covered cereal mixes and I’m completely obsessed with chocolate-coated popcorn, but eating this throughout graduation had me seriously reconsidering whether sweet or savory wins!
This is my copycat version, and it’s every bit as good as I remember. It’s savory, salty, crunchy, and has the perfect pop of dill. If dill isn’t your thing, you can absolutely leave it out and it’s still SO good. And if you love dill like I do, feel free to add a little extra!
What Goes In This Chex Mix Recipe
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Oyster crackers | These are also called soup crackers and are generally found in the cracker aisle at the grocery store, usually near the saltines. |
| Mini pretzels & mini saltines | I’m SO into the mini versions of these! They’re not only cute, they also blend into the mix better so you get more even-sized bites. |
| Cheez-Its | Regular Cheez-Its work great here, and they’re the perfect size to match the mini saltines! |
| Ranch seasoning & freeze-dried dill | Start with less dill and add more to taste. Freeze-dried dill gives the best flavor here. |
| Vegetable oil | I prefer using oil over butter because the mix ends up more crispy and crunchy! |
How To Make This Chex Mix Recipe
- Mix the base: Combine the cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers, and nuts.
- Whisk the seasoned butter: Melt butter, stir in Worcestershire and spices.
- Coat everything well: Drizzle slowly while tossing so every piece gets flavor.
- Bake low and slow: Spread on a big sheet pan and bake at 250 for one hour.
- Cool completely: This step keeps everything crisp and crunchy.
Quick Tip
Use (this) 15×21 inch sheet pan to bake all of this snack mix on one tray. This massive sheet pan is a game changer–less dishes is always a win in my book!
Storage
This chex mix recipe tastes best served within 2-3 days of making it, but it can be stored (at room temperature, in an air-tight container) for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze: pour completely cooled mix into airtight bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Serve immediately once thawed.
More Easy Snack Recipes:
Snacks
Trail Mix Recipe
Desserts
Chocolate Popcorn Recipe
Desserts
Muddy Buddies Recipe
Desserts
Oreo Truffles
Party Mix Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Rimmed sheet pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups oyster crackers
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup mini saltines
- 2 cups Cheez-Its
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning see note 1
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 up to 3 teaspoons freeze-dried dill see note 2
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Add oyster crackers, pretzels, saltines, and Cheez-Its to a large bowl. Drizzle on oil and sprinkle ranch seasoning and dill over the top. Use a spatula to toss thoroughly until everything is evenly and well coated.
- Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared sheet pan, making sure the ingredients aren’t overlapping.
- Bake for 15 minutes, toss well, then bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the mixture is dry and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the pan. The mix will continue to crisp as it cools.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Chex Mix Recipe FAQs
This happens when the seasoning isn’t mixed evenly or the mix isn’t baked long enough. In humid areas, store it in airtight containers as soon as it cools.
The initial cost of buying all the ingredients for this mix might be surprising, but remember, you can make a lot of mix with this recipe, which makes it cheaper in the long run.
There are different varieties of Chex cereal—rice, wheat, and corn. This mix combines 3 cups of each, but you can use just one or two flavors if desired.
Variations
• Sweet mix: Add a sugar syrup, chocolate or vanilla Chex, graham mix-ins, and small candies or nuts.
• Sweet and salty: Mix in M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or candied nuts.
• Holiday versions: Use flavors and colors for July 4th, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Valentine’s Day.
• Spicy mix: Add cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
So yummy!
Thank you Allyson!
Made this for my husband to take to work for a snack potluck and immediately started another batch for me and the kids to snack on. I added a couple shakes of Trade Joes Chili Lime seasoning along with the ranch and it’s yummy!
I also forgot oyster crackers at the store so I subbed corn Chex and it worked perfect.
I love that you immediately made a second batch! The chili lime seasoning sounds like such a fun addition, and I’m so glad the Corn Chex worked well! Thanks so much for sharing!
I love this recipe. It has a bit more kick than some other chex mix recipes. I love the Cheez-its in the mix – great flavor. I didn’t have any unsalted butter so I reduced the Seasoned salt and added a bit more garlic, onion, and paprika. The volume of Worcestershire is perfect. I may try smoked paprika next time. Thanks!
Yay! So thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Robin! 🙂