Gimme Some Oven

Slow Cooker Chex Mix

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Learn how to make awesome Chex Mix in the slow cooker with this easy recipe! It’s super easy, and always a crowd fave.

Slow Cooker Chex Mix -- so easy to make! | gimmesomeoven.com #slowcooker #crockpot #snack

Have you ever heard of the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon?

Well if you’re like me, you have probably known exactly what it is, but never knew it had an official name. Basically, it’s what happens when That New Thing you just found out about suddenly seems to start showing up everywhere.  Like when I started researching buying a Prius, and I suddenly noticed every single Prius on the road. Or when a friend recommended a new author to read, and suddenly I started hearing her quoted everywhere. Or when I randomly picked up a pennywhistle at work and taught myself how to play it, and then realized it’s hidden in way more popular songs than just the theme song to Titanic.  ;)

You know.

Well, call it Baaeder-Meinhof (or call it by its shorter name, “frequency illusion”) or call it a simple coincidence, the same thing has been happening over the past month with slow cooker Chex mix. It began when I saw a recipe for crock pot Chex mix out of the corner of my eye on Pinterest, and was immediately intrigued. Then a week later, a friend brought a batch of sweet Chex mix to a party and announced that she made it in the slow cooker. Then another completely different friend brought a batch to our neighbor night. And then…well, then I was just craving Chex mix.

I’ve long been a fan of making my favorite Extra-Bold Chex Mix recipe in the microwave. But this crock-pot method seemed too tempting not to try. So I pulled out my slow cooker and decided to make a test batch.

And I’ve gotta say — speaking of phenomenons, it was quite phenomenal. ;)

Slow Cooker Chex Mix -- so easy to make! | gimmesomeoven.com #slowcooker #crockpot #snack
Actually, Chex mix has been a regular occurrence in my kitchen since before I even had my own kitchen. I had the great luck of growing up with a mom who whipped up batches of the stuff for just about any occasion, and all of the cravings in between. Our family loves Chex mix.

Although while I love the traditional recipe, I have to admit that I usually double or triple the seasonings. I love my salt. :)

Slow Cooker Chex Mix -- so easy to make! | gimmesomeoven.com #slowcooker #crockpot #snack

Still, while I have made Chex mix at least one or two hundred times in my life (no exaggeration), this past month was the first time I have ever made it in the slow cooker!

For my inaugural batch, I decided to go with the classic recipe using 3 kinds of Chex cereal (rice, corn and wheat), pretzels, Cheerios and peanuts. I lined them all up just to show you, but obviously (and please), just dump ’em all in.

Slow Cooker Chex Mix -- so easy to make! | gimmesomeoven.com #slowcooker #crockpot #snack

And then pour your seasoning evenly all over the top. (I used the traditional mixture of melted butter, worcestershire, seasoned salt and garlic powder.)

Slow Cooker Chex Mix -- so easy to make! | gimmesomeoven.com #slowcooker #crockpot #snack

Then give it a good, gentle stir to toss everything together. (I recommend using a rubber spatula in order to try and avoid breaking the cereal pieces.)  Then cover and let it cook on low for about 3 hours. In order to prevent burning, you have to give it a stir at least once an hour, and probably twice in the final hour.

Slow Cooker Chex Mix -- so easy to make! | gimmesomeoven.com #slowcooker #crockpot #snack

Then, sure enough, 3 hours later the Chex mix is cooked and ready to go!

You still have to spread it out on some baking pans (or my mom always just spread out parchment paper all over the countertops and spread out the mix there) to let it cool to room temperature. But otherwise, the slow cooker (that’s an affiliate link to the one I used) does all of the work for you.

Slow Cooker Chex Mix -- so easy to make! | gimmesomeoven.com #slowcooker #crockpot #snack

And oh man, this stuff is as irresistible as ever. It’s salty, crunchy, savory, and perfect for snacking. (And snacking…and snacking some more.)

My mom and I usually sub in whatever random ingredients we have on hand — various cereals, cookies, crackers, or candies. But the original recipe is a classic for a reason, and you can’t go wrong with all of those Chex.

Slow Cooker Chex Mix -- so easy to make! | gimmesomeoven.com #slowcooker #crockpot #snack

I will say, my biggest question was whether or not making Chex mix in the slow cooker would actually be any easier than the microwave or oven versions. And to be honest, I don’t think it’s any easier. Any of those versions require you to keep an eye on the cooking process and give the mix a stir every so often. And the slow cooker version certainly takes the longest of the three methods.

But it does do a remarkable job of making your home smell like yummy Chex mix. And if you happen to be hanging near the kitchen for a few hours — say, when you’re cooking another meal, or having people over for a party or to watch the big game, it would be fun to try it in the slow cooker. Or, you know, if you are just looking for an excuse to make another batch, it’s definitely something that ever Chex-mix-lover should try. ;)

So here’s how I made it. Enjoy!

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Slow Cooker Chex Mix

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 15 reviews
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 180 minutes
  • Total Time: 190 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Did you know that your favorite homemade Chex Mix recipe can be made in the slow cooker? Give it a try!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Chex cereal (I used equal parts corn, rice, and wheat Chex)
  • 2 cups pretzels
  • 1 cup Cheerios
  • 1 cup peanuts
  • 1/3 cup (6 Tablespoons) butter, melted and hot
  • 1 Tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add cereal, pretzels, cheerios and peanuts to the bowl of a slow cooker.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter and seasoned salt until the salt is dissolved.  Stir in the Worcestershire sauce until combined.
  3. Drizzle the sauce evenly over the top of the cereal mixture.  Toss for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is evenly combined.
  4. Cover and slow cook on low for 3 hours,  stirring at the 1 hour, 2 hour and 2.5 hour marks so that the mixture does not burn.  Then spread the mixture out onto a few baking sheets or parchment paper in an even layer until it cools to room temperature.  Serve, or store in a sealed container for up to 3 weeks.
  5. *If your slow cooker does not have a tiny hole in it to let air escape, it may collect too much condensation which could make the Chex Mix get too soggy.  If that is the case, another great method is to place a towel (or a few layers of paper towels) just under the lid of the slow cooker, to collect the condensation.*

Notes

*Legally, I have to mention that you do so at your own risk, as technically that could be a fire hazard.  But I’ve used that method for years with crispy slow cooker recipes, and have never had a problem.

This post contains affiliate links.

Slow Cooker Chex Mix -- so easy to make! | gimmesomeoven.com #slowcooker #crockpot #snack

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181 comments on “Slow Cooker Chex Mix”

  1. I have used this recipe several times and it has always turned out well – except that one time I forgot I was making it and the bottom was blackened (oops!). This is my go to recipe!






    • Great recipe easy to do 2nd time making it !! I can’t seem to make it cook for the time needed but close . Instead of regular cherrios I used multi grain cherrios and original cheezit. So good

  2. Love this recipe so much! Think it’s my 3rd year in a row making it at the holidays! Please don’t ever delete it!






  3. I am so glad i fpund you/this recipe again! I had made this before and getting ready to make it for the 2nd time. My sweetie has abandoned his own mother’s chex snack for the magic of your recipe….lucky me you are still here!
    Can’t wait to try your other dishes.






  4. I love this recipe. I do think it is much easier than the traditional oven method. I use a crockpot liner so when I stir it each time I take the bag out and shake it up and put it back. It is a lot les messy and easier






  5. Great recipe, just a heads up don’t use crockpot liner though

  6. The only thing missing is Rye chips! I wonder if they would hold up in the slow cooker.

    • I added Giardettos Garlic Rye Chips, tossed in (more) Worcestershire for the final 30 minutes. I also only cook for 2.5 hours. I make this about 3 times a year.






  7. I was skeptical when trying this recipe. But my time constraints that day forced me to try it. Boy, am I glad I did!! This came out great! I have already copied it three x for friends.






  8. So easy to make. Trying to stir it on a sheet pan is for the birds. Stirring in crockpot so easy. I did use the whole stick of butter, used Rold Gold little stick pretzels and some peanuts but a whole can of mixed nuts.






  9. We’ve always called this “Texas Trash.” My Auntie made it only on special occasions, but I’ve made it for any reason I could find!

  10. What is a good slow cooker? I have several crockpot that would not work. What would you recommend since the one you have is unavailable. Thanks

  11. Super easy!!!! I like how it tasted better than in my oven. I left my top ajar when I started to see condensation, even though I do have a little hole in the top. I subbed goldfish crackers for Cheerios. ?






  12. Love this! So easy to make gluten free by adding gf pretzels. Making my second batch in a week!






  13. So glad I found this slow cooker version. I remember Mom making every year around Thanksgiving and Christmas and just love it. I try to make every year but it is so much trouble doing in the oven, stiring every 15 to 20 min. This will be so much better and I will make more often. The only difference is I like using mixed nuts without the peanuts. Thank you again for this time saver.

  14. Not a big fan of peanuts so I subbed in slivered almonds. Perfection!

  15. This is something I’m going to try. I have to say, though, that 1/3 cup of butter actually measures out to 5 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon, rather than 6 Tablespoons.






  16. So excited to try this! Silly question- what is “seasoned” salt?

    Thanks!

    • Not a silly question! It’s a bit of a throwback spice blend that’s sold in the States. Lawry’s is the most famous brand, and it’s available in all major American grocery stores and also on Amazon. It’s delicious! :)

    • Thank you SO much! :)

  17. I use my own recipe in which I also use a little sugar so I get a sweet-hot flavor. the best!

  18. This is so much easier than doing in the oven. I used a little more butter and seasonings in my second batch and it did not get soggy.
    A winner.






  19. Going to try this ASAP! Wondering about using Honey Nut Cheerios to add a touch of sweet to the savory and maybe a touch of Thyme and/or Rosemary?

  20. I just put a few Cherios around the rim to let the air on/out

  21. Next time you make this try put Cheerios, it’s really good!?

  22. What size crock pot should I use.

  23. I’m very disappointed with this recipe. I followed the recipe to a T and ended up with a lot of burnt pieces (yes I cooked it in low and stirred it as often as it said too.
    Also, I wish I would have double the amount of seasoning as it has little to no taste and is very blah.

  24. I will try this method. Here is one reason to use the crockpot:

    We are living in a motorhome while building a winter home so trying to conserve propane, which is what the oven uses. Also, the oven and microwave ovens are too small. I also plan to make a half recipe since my crockpot is also small! ?

  25. I am making my second batch. Love this mixture. Adding extra toasted nuts later. Thanks for the recipe.






  26. I’ve made this recipe anytime I make chex mix for about 2 years now, my family and I love it. Thanks for sharing it.






  27. I was really hopeful that this would take a lot of time off my plate; but I was wrong. I would say at least 1/5 of my Chex mix burnt and I had to pick all the burnt parts out. I was so worried about the fact that things were burning that I only cooked it on low for 2.5 hours, if that.

    I just feel it’s hard to mix things up in the crock pot without spilling all over the place.

    Maybe i would try this recipe again but half it so it fits in my crock pot.






  28. Genius!
    (I like to sub seasoned salt with Old Bay.)

  29. I will not be making this again. It came out soggy, even after letting it cool. So, I stuck it in the oven to see if it would help crisp it up.