Sweet and Salty Chex Mix
This sweet and salty Chex Mix hits all the right notes when you can’t decide between savory and sweet snacking. The buttery brown sugar coating turns plain Chex cereal into something addictive, while roasted peanuts and pretzels keep it balanced with that salty crunch. It takes just 65 minutes (mostly hands-off time), uses 8 simple ingredients, and works for everything from game day to holiday gift-giving. Plus, I’m giving you both oven and microwave directions so you can make it however works best for your schedule.
Sweet, salty, and irresistible!
Chex Mix is one of my most memorable comfort foods. It reminds me of Christmas’ as a kid, surrounded by cookies, yes, but also buckets of Chex Mix.
This version is a bit different! The brown sugar and butter create this light caramelized coating that’s not too sweet, and the flaky sea salt at the end makes every bite just right. It’s…
🍯 Perfectly balanced: The buttery brown sugar coating gives you that sweet caramel flavor while the salted peanuts and pretzels keep it from being too much.
🥨 Highly addictive: Once you start snacking, you won’t want to stop. Every handful has that perfect sweet-salty-crunchy combo.
🎁 Gift-worthy: Package it up in mason jars or bags for teachers, neighbors, or holiday gifts everyone actually wants.
🔄 Totally customizable: Add chocolate chips, M&Ms, or whatever mix-ins sound good to you.
You’ll also want to try my ranch and dill Chex Mix or ranch Cheez-It mix next time.
This great! So easy and I like sweet/salty as a change from the salty recipe ! I used Crispix Cereal and added Cheerios just like my salty version. –Lynn
Ingredient Notes
You’ll need some fresh ingredients and pantry staples to bring this sweet Chex Mix to the table: brown sugar, vanilla extract, Chex cereal (a combination of corn and rice works great, though you can add wheat Chex if you love it), honey roasted peanuts, salted peanuts (or use mixed nuts or almonds), tiny pretzel twists (pretzel crisps or sticks work too), and flaky sea salt for finishing.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar gives it a rich and caramel-like flavor, but you could also use regular white sugar, coconut sugar, or your sweetener of choice. Many sweet Chex mix recipes use light corn syrup, but we’ve made our own with this combination of butter and sugar.
Emily’s Tips & Tricks
- Pro tip: Stir the mix every 15 minutes during baking – this ensures everything gets evenly coated and prevents burning. The stirring is what makes the coating stick perfectly to every piece.
- Cooking methods: Short on time? Use the microwave method instead. Divide mixture into two bowls and cook for 5-7 minutes (stirring every 2 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel to cool.
- Variations: Swap the peanuts for cashews or almonds, use different Chex flavors (honey nut Chex is amazing here), or try mini chocolate chips instead of regular if you’re adding them. You can also use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Additions: If you want to add some extras to this party mix, try chocolate chips, M&Ms, candied nuts, and/or sprinkles.
Sweet and Salty Chex Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (1 cup each) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This sweet and salty Chex Mix hits all the right notes with buttery brown sugar, crunchy pretzels, and roasted peanuts. Perfect for parties!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
- 4 1/2 cups corn Chex cereal
- 4 1/2 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup honey roasted peanuts
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 2 cups tiny pretzel twists
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt butter. Whisk in sugar, vanilla, and pinch of sea salt until it’s dissolved.
- Add cereal, peanuts, and pretzels to bowl and toss to combine.
- Spread on a large baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and let cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container or stasher bags at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to three months, which makes it perfect for prepping ahead of holidays.
Ingredients: Most Chex Mix recipes call for 3 cups each of corn, rice, and wheat Chex, but I usually skip the wheat. If you love it, add it in.
Serve with: This works great on party tables alongside other snacks, packaged in cellophane bags for gifts, or just kept in a big bowl on the counter for afternoon snacking. It’s perfect for game day, holiday parties, movie nights, or anytime you want something that satisfies both sweet and salty cravings.
About the Author
Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer and founder of My Everyday Table, where she helps busy families take the stress out of weeknight dinners. With a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and over 20 years of experience, Emily specializes in simple, nourishing recipes and weekly meal plans that actually work for everyday life. She’s a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor who believes delicious food and good nutrition go hand in hand.
Get started: Weeknight Dinners Guide | Weekly Meal Plans | About Emily
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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I made this today, and of course I made changes, and it is sooooo good.
I made a huge double batch and will be giving some as teacher gifts, some to bring to share at work, and some for home. I used a combo of corn Chex, cinnamon Chex, and honey nut Chex, plus honey nut cheerios. I only had salted roasted peanuts, so that’s what I used. Each time I pulled the mixture out of the oven to stir I sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Once cooked I added white chocolate and butterscotch chips. It is so good. And really not too sweet or too salty, even with all the extras I did. Thanks!
This great! So easy and I like sweet/salty as a change from the salty recipe ! I used Crispix Cereal and added Cheerios just like my salty version.
So glad you enjoyed it Lynn! And love the addition of Crispix and Cheerios, I’ll have to try that.
I usually make my own version of classic Chex Mix before Christmas, and my wife sent me this recipe cause I wanted to do something different. It worked very, very well.
I tweaked it slightly by increasing the peanuts and beer nuts to 1.5 cups, and the butter to 3/4 cup, cause I always over do the cereal a bit, as well. Also, I used Honey Nut Chex along with the rice and corn to make the 9 cups (happened upon them in the cereal aisle!).
I was curious how something that’s always been a savory treat would translate to sweet, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Hi Mark! I’m so glad you enjoyed it; thank you for your comment and review! Love the Honey Nut Chex addition – great idea.