Slow Cooker Christmas Chex Mix
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This easy Slow Cooker Christmas Chex Mix recipe takes holiday snacking to a whole new level with no oven required! With a delicious blend of cinnamon, sweetness, and crunch, it’s an irresistibly addictive treat that’s perfect for movie night, game day, or sharing with friends and family.
Crock Pot Chex Mix Recipe
This Christmas Chex Mix recipe is one of those treats that’s always a party favorite. With the satisfying crunch of cereal, salty pretzels, and the delightful sweetness of chocolate, this mix has something for everyone. Unlike messy stove top versions, this slow cooker method allows you to easily whip up big batches without heating up your kitchen.
All you do is toss the ingredients together, then let the slow cooker work its magic, while you focus on wrapping gifts or enjoying holiday movies with the family. In just a couple of hours, you’ll have a delicious and totally addictive snack that everyone will love. With its festive colors, delicious flavors, and textures, this Chex Mix is sure to become your new go-to treat during the holiday season.
If you’re looking for other holiday snack mix recipes, be sure to check out this Halloween Puppy Chow and this Red, White and Blue Snack Mix.
Why We Love This Crockpot Chex Mix Recipe
- Easy recipe – An easy twist on the classic recipe, this Chex Mix comes together in the slow cooker with just a couple of easy steps. Just add the ingredients to the crock pot, set it, and let it do its thing.
- Festive colors – The addition of red and green candies not only adds sweetness but also gives this yummy snack mix the perfect festive touch to your holiday party.
- Irresistibly addictive – With the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, this Chex Mix is hard to resist. Once you start munching, you’ll find it difficult to stop.
- Make-ahead recipe – This recipe is a great way to prep snacks in advance, freeing up your time during the busy holiday season. You can make it a day or two ahead and have a great snack ready whenever you need it.
Ingredients
- Honey Nut Cheerios – Adds a touch of sweetness and a crunchy texture. Great for balancing other flavors.
- Cinnamon Chex – This gives the mix a warm flavor, plus, the crunchiness is a bonus.
- Salted cocktail peanuts – Adds salty goodness and a nice crunch.
- Mini pretzel twists or pretzel sticks – The pretzels add a little salt to the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted – Helps everything stick together and adds rich flavor. It makes the mix feel buttery and delicious.
- Brown sugar – Gives the mix a hint of caramel flavor and helps create a sweet glaze.
- Corn syrup – Adds even more sweetness and helps bind the ingredients.
- Pure vanilla extract – It adds a nice warm flavor to the overall taste.
- Cinnamon – Gives a warm, cozy spice that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Red and green M&M’s – Adds festive colors and sweetness. They make the mix pretty and fun to eat.
- White chocolate chips – Coats the mix with a creamy sweetness.
Instructions
Step One: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Add cereal pieces, peanuts and mini pretzels.
Step Two: Add the Butter, Sugar and Syrup
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, syrup, vanilla and cinnamon.
- Pour the butter mixture into the slow cooker and gently toss to combine.
Step Three: Cook Low and Slow
- Place your lid on the slow cooker but at a slight angle so it is not completely closed.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours stirring every half hour or so to make sure it does not stick.
Step Four: Add Chocolate, Cool and Serve
Give it a final stir and then using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, spread out your Chex cereal mixture on a parchment paper lined sheet pan in a single layer.
- Sprinkle with the M&Ms and white chocolate chips.
- Cool the Chex party mix and serve!
Suggestions and Alternatives
- Chex – You can use different types of Chex cereal or a combination of Chex cereals. Rice Chex, Wheat Chex or Corn Chex and sprinkle extra cinnamon over them.
- Pretzels – We use pretzel twists or pretzel sticks but you can use any shape pretzel you prefer.
- Colors – You can easily switch out the color of the candies to make a delicious snack mix for the big game, baby showers, or other holiday parties. Festive sprinkles are also a great topping.
- Different mix-ins – Get creative with your mix-ins! Swap the peanuts for other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can bring a chewy texture and a pop of flavor.
How to Store Leftover Chex Mix
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 7 days. This will keep it fresh and crunchy.
Freezer Instructions
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the Chex Mix. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Recipe Top Tips
- Prep your slow cooker – To make cleanup a breeze, line your slow cooker with a crockpot liner.
- Mix well – After pouring in the butter mixture, gently toss all the ingredients. This ensures every piece gets coated.
- Small gap in the lid – I like to place the lid at a slight angle, which allows steam to escape. This helps to keep the Chex Mix from becoming too soggy.
- Set a timer – Use a timer to remind you to stir the mixture every 30 minutes. This helps prevent sticking and helps it cook evenly.
- Cool completely – Allow the Chex Mix to cool completely on the sheet pan before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps it maintain its crunch.
Homemade Chex Mix FAQs
Any standard slow cooker works well, but a larger one (at least 4-6 quarts) is ideal for even cooking and to prevent overflow.
Yes, you can prepare it a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container after it cools completely.
It’s deliciously sweet and salty with a perfect crunch.
You can serve it in a large bowl or in individual snack bags for a fun party favor.
More Holiday Treat Recipes
- Grinch Pretzel Bites
- Red Velvet Krispie Treats
- Red Velvet Fudge
- Eggnog Bread
- Hidden Kiss Cookies
- Christmas Tree Meringues
- Christmas Crack
Slow Cooker Christmas Chex Mix
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
- 4 cups Cinnamon Chex
- 2 cups salted cocktail peanuts
- 2 cups mini pretzels twists
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup red and green m&ms
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Add cereals, peanuts and pretzels.2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios, 4 cups Cinnamon Chex, 2 cups salted cocktail peanuts, 2 cups mini pretzels twists
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, syrup, vanilla and cinnamon.1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pour the butter mixture into the slow cooker and gently toss to combine.
- Place your lid on the slow cooker but at a slight angle so it is not completely closed.
- Cool on low for 2-3 hours stirring every 30 minutes or so to make sure it does not stick.
- Pour out the chex mix to a parchment paper lined tray.
- Sprinkle with the M&Ms and white chocolate chips.1 cup red and green m&ms, 1 cup white chocolate chips
Nutrition
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