This easy cereal snack mix is a go-to snack for parties, game days, or movie nights. It's made with simple pantry staples, makes a big batch, and is always a crowd favorite.
Every party needs a snack that's easy, familiar, and everyone keeps coming back to. This cereal snack mix checks all the boxes. It's crunchy, buttery, savory, and just a little spicy -- perfect for game days, sleepovers, movie nights, or an after-school snack for your kids.
This is the kind of recipe everyone hovers over during a party, grabbing "just one more handful."
Why You'll Love this Cereal Snack Mix
- Perfect for parties: Perfect for football watch parties, casual get-togethers, or large crowds.
- Kid-friendly: Familiar flavors and textures kids love.
- Easy to customize: Swap cereals, crackers, or seasonings to fit your tastes.
- Make-ahead friendly: Bake it earlier in the day (or even days before) and forget about it.
Ingredients
Gather a few staple ingredients from the grocery store. Similar to a homemade Chex mix, this snack is raised a level with sweet and salty additions. Here's what you need:
- Chex cereal (rice and corn)
- Honeynut Cheerios
- Mini pretzel twists
- Goldfish crackers
- Butter
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tabasco
- Seasoned salt (like Lawry's)
- Cajun seasoning (I use Kingsford)
- Garlic powder
- Celery salt
- Onion powder
Measurements are below in the recipe card, but this recipe is very customizable and forgiving! One time I accidentally measured TABLESPOONS instead of teaspoons, resulting in a very salty mix. I opted not to tell anyone, and it was still gobbled right up with high praises!
How to Make the Best Homemade Snack Mix
Scroll to the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions. The summary of how to make this cereal snack mix is as follows:
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Place the cereals, crackers and pretzels in a very large bowl; set aside.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan or in the microwave. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Pour slowly over the cereal, while gently stirring to evenly coat.
- Spread cereal mix onto a very large roasting pan. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Helpful Tips
- I use a 4 cup Pyrex liquid measuring cup to measure the cereals, goldfish and pretzels.
- A large roasting pan works best, but you can use two large rimmed baking sheets.
- Let the mix cool completely before storing so it stays crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change cereals?
Yes! You can use all rice or all corn flavored Chex cereal, or even the generic store brand or Crispix. Swap out Honeynut Cheerios for regular Cheerios. This recipe is very easily adaptable.
Is this spicy?
My mom asks this question all the time about every food. This snack mix has mild heat but is very kid-friendly (and mom-friendly)! You can reduce the Cajun seasoning for a more mild version, but I encourage you to try it the way it's written first.
Can I add sweet ingredients?
Absolutely. There is already a hint of sweet from the Honeynut Cheerios, but you can also toss in M&M's, raisins, craisins, or other chocolate candies after baking and cooled.
Can I change the crackers or add nuts?
Yes -- Cheez-Its, mixed nuts, or peanuts are all great additions or substitutions.
Storage and Leftovers
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The flavor actually gets better after the first day -- if it lasts that long!
Serving Ideas
- Set out in a large bowl for football games or parties
- Portion into small cups or bags for kids' movie nights
- Add to lunchboxes as a fun surprise snack
- Package in jars or bags for easy hostess or neighbor gifts
Loved This Recipe?
Leave a rating or comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Photos by Lindsay Evers Photography
Recipe Card
Cereal Snack Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios
- 2 cups mini pretzels twists
- 3 cups Goldfish crackers (6.6 oz package)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire
- ½ teaspoons hot sauce like Tabasco
- 3 heaping teaspoons seasoned salt preferably Lawry’s
- 2 heaping teaspoons Cajun seasoning I use Kingsford brand
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoons onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine cereals, pretzels and goldfish crackers.
- In a small saucepan, or 2 cup microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Slowly pour the butter mixture over the cereal while gently stirring to evenly coat.
- Spread cereal mix into a very large roasting pan. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Notes
Helpful Tips
- Nutrition information is an estimate only.
- I use a 4 cup Pyrex liquid measuring cup to measure the cereals, goldfish and pretzels.
- A large roasting pan works best, but you can use two large rimmed baking sheets.
- Let the mix cool completely before storing so it stays crisp.
Nutrition
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