Crispy Halloween Chex Mix: Spooky Snack Fun! (Print Version)

Whip up a batch of crunchy Halloween Chex Mix! This sweet and savory snack is perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a little spooky treat.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 6 cups Chex Cereal (mix of Rice, Corn, Wheat)
02 - 3 cups pretzel sticks
03 - 2 cups mixed nuts (unsalted)

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1 tsp onion powder
08 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Spooky Mix-ins

11 - 1 cup candy corn (added after baking)
12 - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (added after baking)
13 - 1/2 cup small Halloween candies (e.g., M&M's, sprinkles, added after baking)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest roasting pan or a couple of baking sheets. I always think I have a pan big enough, and then I start pouring in the cereal and realize I need more space. Pour in all your Chex cereals, pretzel sticks, and mixed nuts. Give it a gentle toss to combine them. You want everything to be friends before the sauce comes along. I love the sound of the cereals rustling together; it's the start of something yummy!
02 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter. This is where the magic happens, hon. Once it's liquid gold, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it until everything is beautifully combined. It should smell wonderfully savory already. I always do a little sniff test here, just to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. This sauce is what gives the Halloween Chex Mix its signature flavor.
03 - Pour that glorious butter mixture evenly over your cereal and nut blend. Now, here's the arm workout part: gently, but thoroughly, toss everything together. You want every single piece coated in that savory goodness. This usually takes me a good 3-5 minutes, and I often use my hands (clean ones, of course!) because a spoon just doesn't get the job done right. Don't be shy; get in there! It's messy, but so worth it.
04 - Spread the coated Halloween Chex Mix in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Pop it into a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C). Bake for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This low and slow method is key for even toasting and that irresistible crunch. I learned this the hard way after trying to rush it and ending up with burnt spots and soft spots. The smell filling your kitchen is just heavenly during this stage!
05 - Once it's done baking, take the sheets out of the oven and let the Halloween Chex Mix cool completely on the baking sheets. This is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. I know, I know, it's hard to wait when it smells so good! But trust me, patience here pays off. It'll feel a little soft right out of the oven, but it crisps up beautifully as it cools. This is where I usually sneak a little warm piece, just for quality control, obviously.
06 - Once it's completely cool, transfer your crispy mix to a large bowl. Now for the fun part: stir in the candy corn, mini chocolate chips, and any other small Halloween candies or sprinkles you're using. This adds that pop of color and sweetness that makes it truly a Halloween Chex Mix. It's like decorating your masterpiece! The final result should be a vibrant, crunchy, sweet and savory delight.

# Notes:

01 - Baking low and slow with frequent stirring is key for that perfect, even crunch; I learned this after many burnt edges!
02 - Always ensure the mix is completely cool before adding sweet mix-ins and storing, otherwise you get a melted mess.
03 - No Worcestershire? A dash of soy sauce works in a pinch, but know it gives a slightly different, still tasty, umami profile.
04 - Serve in a big, clear bowl to show off all the fun Halloween colors – it makes it extra inviting for partygoers!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large roasting pan or baking sheets
02 - large mixing bowl
03 - microwave-safe bowl
04 - whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 180 calories
Total Fat: 10g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 3g

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