PARTY MIX | AKA Chex Mix

WineCheeseScallops
3 days ago
5 min read

Get ready to snack your heart out, because this Party Mix is the ultimate crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed munch fest your holidays have been waiting for! Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering, prepping for game day, or just wanting something addictive to nibble on while watching your favorite show, this mix delivers bold, buttery, savory goodness in every single bite. It’s nostalgic, crunchy, and wildly customizable — basically the “choose your own adventure” of snack food.

A close-up of a patterned bowl filled with Chex mix, pretzels, and peanuts. Nearby are garlic, salt, and herbs on a wooden surface.

Jump to recipe
Helpful tools for this recipe

This isn’t just any party mix… this is the kind of snack people stand over in the kitchen eating by the handful before it even cools. It’s warm, salty, lightly spicy, and coated in the most glorious butter + Worcestershire + garlic mixture you can imagine. And the best part? This recipe is nearly impossible to mess up, and you can tailor it to fit your family’s traditions and cravings. A signature holiday snack is born!

Affiliate Link

We’re excited to share that Wine Cheese Scallops is now part of the Amazon Affiliate Program! 🎉 When you shop using our special link, ANY item you purchase—whether it’s kitchen gear, home essentials, books, or even dog treats—helps support our blog at no extra cost to you.

It’s a simple way to help us keep creating recipes, reviews, and foodie fun you love. So whether you're restocking pantry staples or grabbing your next favorite gadget, your support means the world to us. 🛒💛

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire is truly the magic behind any legendary party mix. This fermented sauce brings savory depth and a subtle tang that transforms plain cereal into something irresistible. Its umami-rich flavor comes from anchovies, tamarind, vinegar, and spices, making it a secret weapon in marinades, stews, and — of course — snack mixes. In this recipe, Worcestershire acts like the glue holding the flavor profile together, delivering that addictive savory punch that keeps everyone reaching back into the bowl.

Seasoned Salt

Seasoned salt may seem simple, but it’s packed with flavor power. This blend often includes paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt — delivering instant seasoning that doesn’t require measuring out a dozen spices. It gives party mix a warm, nostalgic taste that reminds us of childhood snack foods and classic holiday treats. Combined with garlic, onion, and butter, seasoned salt ensures every piece of cereal and pretzel is coated in bold, satisfying flavor.

Sponsored Ad

Recipe Origin

Two butter sticks with seasoning in a glass measuring cup on a wooden board. A spoon and garlic cloves are nearby, creating a kitchen prep scene.

Party Mix is one of those staple holiday recipes that feels like it’s been passed down through every family for generations — because in many cases, it has! This classic snack dates back to mid-century America when Chex cereal first became popular and home cooks started experimenting with flavored, oven-baked snack blends. Over time, families put their own spin on it: some add more spice, some add sweet notes, some load it with nuts, while others keep it super simple.

This version brings together all the best nostalgic elements — buttery richness, savory spices, crunchy cereal — and adds a touch of heat with a generous dash of Tobasco. It’s the kind of recipe that gets made year after year because everyone expects it, asks for it, and demolishes the bowl within minutes. Perfect for gifting, perfect for parties, and perfect for snacking straight off the pan. If holiday traditions had a flavor, this would be one of them.

Sponsored Ad

Unique Recipe Qualities

Hands pour peanuts into a metal bowl with pretzels and crackers on a kitchen counter. The setting is casual and busy.

Uses real garlic for deeper, fresher flavor.
Worcestershire provides a rich umami base not found in store-bought mixes.
Tobasco adds heat without overpowering the snack.
Highly customizable with endless mix-in options.
Oven-baked for the perfect toasted crunch.
Makes a large batch, ideal for entertaining.
Stores well, making it great for gifting.
Balance of savory, salty, buttery flavors.
Works with any cereal combination you prefer.
Traditional nostalgic recipe with modern flavor upgrades.

Sponsored Ad

Tips, Serving Suggestions & Storage Advice

Person pours sauce from a measuring cup into a metal bowl of snacks, with a wooden spoon stirring. Kitchen knives and a sunny window in the background.

Mix the cereal gently to avoid crushing it before baking.
Taste the butter mixture before pouring it over the cereal to adjust heat or seasoning.
Use a very large mixing bowl to make tossing easier.
Line your baking sheets with parchment for easier cleanup.
Spread the mix into an even layer so it bakes consistently.
Stir every 15 minutes to ensure all pieces toast evenly.
If you like it extra crispy, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Store in airtight containers to keep the crunch intact for up to two weeks.
Add candies like M&M’s after cooling for a salty-sweet version.
Try mixing in bagel chips, oyster crackers, or goldfish for variety.

Snack mix with pretzels, cereal, cheese crackers, and nuts on a metal tray. A hand stirs the mix with a wooden spoon.

Amazon Affiliate Link

🎉 Exciting News for Wine Cheese Scallops! 🎉 We’re now officially Amazon Affiliates! If you’re planning any Amazon shopping, you can support our blog just by using our link – no extra cost to you, no matter what you’re buying! 🛒💖

🔗 AMAZON.COM 🔗

So whether it’s kitchen gadgets, books, holiday gifts, or anything else you need, every purchase through our link helps us keep sharing delicious recipes, foodie tips, and restaurant finds! 🌟 Thank you for being part of our journey!

Party Mix

A patterned bowl with mixed snacks—cereal, pretzels, and nuts. Fresh rosemary, garlic, and salt bowl on wood background. Rustic vibe.

Ingredients

2 sticks salted butter, melted
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
3 tsp seasoned salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
14–18 dashes Tobasco sauce
4 cloves garlic, mashed and minced
3 cups each: Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Rice Chex
2 cups Cheez-Its
2 cups peanuts (or nuts of choice)
2 cups pretzels
Optional add-ins of your choice

Instructions

Add the Chex cereals and Cheez-Its to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the pretzels and nuts.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Tobasco, and minced garlic. Heat in 15-second increments until fully melted and warm, stirring between each.
Pour the butter mixture slowly over the cereal mixture, tossing continuously to evenly coat.
Spread the mix onto one or two baking sheets in an even layer.
Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until lightly toasted.
Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE

We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!