Spooky Sweet & Salty Halloween Chex Mix Crunch (Print Version)

Whip up this easy Halloween Chex Mix recipe! A crunchy, sweet, and savory snack, perfect for your spooky celebrations. Simple to make for any party.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian Option (check Worcestershire)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Cereals & Savory Crunch

01 - 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
02 - 6 cups Corn Chex cereal
03 - 2 cups mini pretzels
04 - 1 cup roasted peanuts

→ Savory Flavor Coating

05 - 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
06 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
07 - 1 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1 tsp onion powder
09 - 1 tbsp light brown sugar
10 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

→ Sweet & Spooky Add-ins

11 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
12 - 1 cup candy corn
13 - 1 cup mini marshmallows
14 - 1/4 cup Halloween sprinkles

→ Optional Extras

15 - 1/2 cup mixed nuts (for variety)
16 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (for a kick)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest mixing bowl – you’re gonna need it! Gently combine your Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and roasted peanuts. Try not to crush them too much; we want big, beautiful pieces. I always take a moment here to admire the potential, the canvas for all that spooky goodness. Honestly, this is where the excitement for this Halloween Chex Mix recipe really starts to build for me.
02 - In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter. Once it’s liquid gold, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk it until everything is well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved. This is the savory heart of your Halloween Chex Mix, and the smell, oh, the smell! It’s warm, inviting, and makes your kitchen feel like a proper autumnal haven. Don't rush this step; make sure those spices are fully incorporated.
03 - Pour that glorious savory coating over your cereal mixture in the big bowl. Now, the fun (and slightly messy) part! Gently toss, toss, toss until every single piece looks evenly coated. I usually use a big spatula, but sometimes my clean hands just work better. This is where I always worry I haven't gotten every bit, so I keep tossing for a good few minutes. You want that flavor on everything, hon!
04 - Spread the coated mixture in a single layer onto a large baking sheet (or two, if needed – don't overcrowd!). Pop it into a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) and bake for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This slow bake is key for that perfect, crispy texture. I’ve definitely forgotten to stir once or twice, and the bottom got a little too toasty, oops! The kitchen will smell incredible, like pure savory goodness.
05 - Once baked, remove the Halloween Chex Mix from the oven and spread it out on parchment paper or a fresh baking sheet to cool completely. This is crucial for crispiness! While it’s cooling, melt your white chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Once the mix is cool to the touch, gently fold in your candy corn and mini marshmallows. If you add them when it's warm, they'll melt into a gooey mess, trust me, I learned that the hard way.
06 - Now for the grand finale! Drizzle that melted white chocolate all over the cooled Halloween Chex Mix. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle generously with your festive Halloween sprinkles. Let it sit for a bit until the chocolate hardens – or, if you’re impatient like me, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. The final result should look like a vibrant, crunchy, spooky snack ready for any celebration!

# Notes:

01 - Always use parchment paper on your baking sheets; it makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking, a lesson I learned after a sticky disaster.
02 - Store your Halloween Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it wonderfully crunchy for up to a week.
03 - If you don't like peanuts, try substituting with cashews or a mix of seeds for a nut-free version; I've had good luck with pumpkin seeds!
04 - For a fun presentation, serve this Halloween Chex Mix in individual cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for party favors.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - small microwave-safe bowl
03 - whisk
04 - large baking sheets
05 - parchment paper
06 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 200-250
Total Fat: 10-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-30g
Protein: 3-5g