Gluten-Free Chex Mix

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This Gluten-Free Chex Mix is irresistible, easy to make, and tastes exactly like the regular version. This snack mix is loaded with crunchy gluten-free cereals, gluten-free crackers, and nuts, and is coated with real butter and the perfect salty and savory seasoning that makes this recipe the go-to homemade offering to bring to any gathering.

What You’ll Love About This Gluten-Free Chex Mix

• Easy to Make – This snack mix requires minimal active time and is a great recipe to get kids involved in because it is so fun and simple to make.  
• Classic Flavor – Despite being gluten-free, this snack mix tastes exactly like the regular version and will be a hit all around.
• Perfect for Parties – This recipe is a large batch recipe (13 cups!) and is perfect to feed a crowd.
  

Gluten-Free Chex Mix Recipe Tips

• When stirring in the butter/seasoning mixture, I prefer to do this in two steps. This allows for a more even coating because once the seasoning mixture is on some of the pieces it really wants to stay there. 
• Make sure your Chex Mix is spread evenly on the pans to allow for even cooking. You will need two sheet pans. Do not try to fit it all on one or you will have some sections that are soggy and others that get overcooked.
• When stirring the Chex mix every 20 minutes, make sure to move the pieces that are toward the edge of the pan inward to prevent them from burning. And, do not skip stirring every 20 minutes!
• Allow the Chex mix to cool completely before storing to ensure you get the crunchiest of textures. 

Ingredient Notes & Possible Substitutions

Chex Cereal – You can use all of one type of gluten-free Chex cereal, but you will get better results using both rice and corn Chex cereal because each will provide a slightly different flavor and texture. 

Cheese Crackers – I used Simple Mills Farmhouse Cheddar Crackers, but most gluten-free cheese crackers will work in this recipe.

Pretzel Twists – Gluten-free pretzel twists are a little easier to coat in the seasoning mixture compared to pretzel sticks, but whatever gluten-free option you can find will work fine in this snack mix. 

Cheerios – Gluten-free Cheerios just add a little variety of texture to the mix, but you can substitute a different type of gluten-free cereal or cracker, or add a cup of one of the other ingredients to replace the Cheerios. 

Mixed Nuts – I used fancy mixed nuts but feel free to use all peanuts or all cashews in the Chex Mix if you prefer.

Butter – Real butter or a high-quality dairy-free butter can be used. I tested Miyoko’s Plant Butter and it worked fine as a replacement for regular butter.

Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire sauce is an ingredient that can occasionally contain gluten, so be sure to select a brand that is labeled gluten-free. I used Lea & Perrins.

Spice Mix – Alternatively to this spice mix, you can use a gluten-free seasoning salt if you have one that you love. You will need about 2 ½ teaspoons of seasoning salt + 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to add to the butter and Worcestershire sauce.

Sugar – I know that the ¼ teaspoon of sugar seems trivial but just a dash of sugar helps balance the saltiness. 

How to Make Gluten-Free Chex Mix

1. Preheat the oven to 250 F and line 2 full-size sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside. 
2. Place the cereal, cheese crackers, pretzels, and nuts into an extra-large mixing bowl and stir to combine. 
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Once fully melted, remove from heat, and mix in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, paprika, and sugar. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed. **This step can also be done by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave and then stirring in the seasoning ingredients**
4. Drizzle half of the melted butter/seasoning mixture over the cereal, and gently toss to coat. Repeat with the other half of the mixture and continue to stir until everything is as close to evenly coated as you can get it without crushing your cereal (expect some pieces to be slightly more seasoned than others, this is normal).
5. Divide the Chex Mix between the two lined sheet pans (This is my favorite parchment paper.) Spread the Chex Mix so that it is in a single layer on each of the pans and place it in the oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. 
6. After the Chex Mix is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before serving or storing. 

FAQ’s

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe can easily be made vegan-friendly with a few simple substitutions. Because Worcestershire sauce usually contains anchovies, you will need to find a gluten-free and vegan replacement for this ingredient. Vegan Worcestershire sauce can be found at most health food stores. I don’t recommend replacing the Worcestershire sauce with another savory sauce because it is very important to achieve that classic Chex Mix flavor. Additionally, you will need to swap out the cheese crackers for either regular vegan crackers or vegan cheese-flavored crackers and then use a high-quality dairy-free butter (I like the option from Miyoko’s Creamery). 

My oven doesn’t go down to 250 F, can I still make this recipe?

Yes! Occasionally, the lowest temperature in an oven will be 275 F. If this is the case, you can bake the Chex Mix at 275 F and shorten the cooking time to 45-55 minutes. Stir the mix every 15 minutes and keep an eye on it to prevent it from burning. 

Storage

Allow the Gluten-Free Chex Mix to cool fully before storing. Cooled Chex Mix can be stored in an airtight container or a resealable zipper bag. Store at room temperature and consume within 1 week for best quality.