If you’re familiar with Brenda Gantt, you already know she’s a master at creating comforting, homemade recipes that everyone loves. One of her most popular recipes is her Chex Mix, and I can’t wait to show you how to make it. This recipe is straight from Brenda Gantt’s collection, and it’s been a favorite among her followers for years. Known for her down-to-earth cooking style and bestselling cookbooks, Brenda has truly perfected this snack mix, and it’s something you’ll want to make over and over again.
So, let’s get started and I’ll guide you through every step for making copycat Brenda Gantt’s Chex Mix Recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Chex Mix Recipe
This Chex Mix is crunchy, salty, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for snacking while watching TV or sharing with friends. The mix of cereals, nuts, and pretzels gives it a great texture, and the seasoning makes it hard to stop eating!
Ingredients List
To make Brenda Gantt’s Chex Mix, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ bag each of Wheat, Corn, and Rice Chex (about 3 cups of each)
- 1.5 cups cocktail peanuts
- 2 cups pretzels
- 8 ounces rye chips
For the brine:
- 2 sticks salted butter
- 1 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Lawry’s Low Sodium Seasoned Salt
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Smokehouse Maple Seasoning
Recipe Substitutions
If you want to switch things up or make this recipe fit your taste, here are some ideas:
- Chex Cereal: You can use just one type of Chex if you prefer. Whether it’s all Corn, Rice, or Wheat Chex, the choice is yours!
- Nuts: If you don’t have peanuts or don’t like them, you can swap them for almonds, cashews, or even leave them out entirely.
- Rye Chips: If you can’t find pre-seasoned rye chips, you can use bagel chips or even leave them out for a simpler mix.
- Pretzels: Feel free to skip the pretzels if they aren’t your favorite, or try using different shapes or flavors for added fun.
Kitchen Appliances You’ll Need
Here are the kitchen tools and appliances you’ll need to make this Chex Mix:
- Large Mixing Bowls: To mix everything without spilling.
- Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two half-sheet pans lined with parchment paper.
- Spatula or Spoon: For stirring the Chex Mix and spreading it on the sheet pans.
- Pot: To make the buttery brine.
- Oven: For baking the mix to crispy perfection.
Instructions: How to Make Brenda Gantt’s Chex Mix Recipe
Step 1 | Prepare the Chex Mix
In two large mixing bowls, divide your Chex cereals (Corn, Rice, and Wheat), peanuts, pretzels, and rye chips equally. Don’t worry about measuring too precisely—just eyeball half of each ingredient into the bowls. Gently mix everything together by scooping and tossing the ingredients.
Step 2 | Make the Brine
In a medium pot, melt two sticks of salted butter over medium heat. Add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and your favorite Smokehouse Maple seasoning. Whisk the mixture until the butter is fully melted and the spices are well combined. Be careful not to let the spices stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3 | Coat the Chex Mix
Pour half of the brine over one of the bowls of Chex Mix, making sure to drizzle it evenly. Stir the mixture well for about 3 minutes to ensure every piece is coated. Repeat this process with the second bowl.
Step 4 | Bake the Chex Mix
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Chex Mix onto lined baking sheets in an even layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly flat. Bake the mix for 15 minutes at 350°F. After that, lower the oven temperature to 300°F and bake for another 20 minutes. Stir once halfway through.
Step 5 | Cool and Enjoy
Once the Chex Mix is done baking, let it cool completely on the pans. After it cools, transfer it to an airtight container or enjoy it straight away!
Recipe Notes
Here are a few extra tips for making this recipe:
- Mix Well: When stirring in the seasoning, make sure to mix for at least 3 minutes to get every piece coated.
- Oven Temperature: Keep an eye on your oven temperature. If your oven runs hot, lower the heat to avoid burning.
- Season to Taste: You can adjust the seasoning levels based on your preference—more garlic powder or more Smokehouse Maple Seasoning can give it an extra flavor boost.
Recipe Variations and Additions
One of the great things about Brenda Gantt’s Chex Mix Recipe is how easy it is to change it up. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Sweet and Spicy Chex Mix: Add a touch of cayenne pepper and a drizzle of honey to the butter mix for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Cheesy Chex Mix: Sprinkle grated parmesan or cheddar cheese over the Chex Mix right before baking for a cheesy variation.
- Trail Mix Style: Add dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or M&Ms after baking for a sweet addition to the savory flavors.
Serving Suggestion
This Chex Mix is delicious straight out of the oven, but it’s also perfect for storing in airtight containers for snacking later.
You can serve it in bowls at get-togethers or simply pack some in a bag for an easy snack on the go.
The crunchy texture and bold flavors make it perfect for any occasion when you want something savory and satisfying.
Storage Tips
To keep your Chex Mix fresh and crispy, here’s how to store it:
Room Temperature:
Store the Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer:
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze Chex Mix in a sealed plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months—just let it come to room temperature before eating.
Refresh:
If your mix loses its crunch, pop it in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to crisp it back up.
Brenda Gantt’s Chex Mix Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you might need to add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
2. How do I know when the Chex Mix is done baking?
You’ll know it’s done when it feels dry to the touch. The baking time helps remove moisture, so the mix becomes crisp and crunchy.
3. Do I need to stir the Chex Mix while it bakes?
You don’t need to stir it often. I recommend stirring once or twice during baking to ensure everything is evenly cooked.
4. What’s the best way to prevent the Chex Mix from burning?
Lower your oven temperature to 300°F or even 250°F if you notice it browning too quickly. You can also use an oven thermometer to ensure the right temperature.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe if you have enough baking pans and oven space.
6. What if my Chex Mix turns out too salty?
If it’s too salty, try adding a bit more cereal or other neutral ingredients like unsalted pretzels or nuts to balance out the flavors.
Brenda Gantt’s Chex Mix Recipe
Enjoy Brenda Gantt's Chex Mix Recipe—a savory, buttery snack that's easy to make and perfect for sharing. Customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients
- ½ bag each of Wheat, Corn, and Rice Chex (about 3 cups of each)
- 1.5 cups cocktail peanuts
- 2 cups pretzels
- 8 ounces rye chips
For the brine:
- 2 sticks salted butter
- 1 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Lawry’s Low Sodium Seasoned Salt
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Smokehouse Maple Seasoning
Instructions
Step 1 | Prepare the Chex Mix
In two large mixing bowls, divide your Chex cereals (Corn, Rice, and Wheat), peanuts, pretzels, and rye chips equally. Don’t worry about measuring too precisely—just eyeball half of each ingredient into the bowls. Gently mix everything together by scooping and tossing the ingredients.
Step 2 | Make the Brine
In a medium pot, melt two sticks of salted butter over medium heat. Add the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and your favorite Smokehouse Maple seasoning. Whisk the mixture until the butter is fully melted and the spices are well combined. Be careful not to let the spices stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3 | Coat the Chex Mix
Pour half of the brine over one of the bowls of Chex Mix, making sure to drizzle it evenly. Stir the mixture well for about 3 minutes to ensure every piece is coated. Repeat this process with the second bowl.
Step 4 | Bake the Chex Mix
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Chex Mix onto lined baking sheets in an even layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly flat. Bake the mix for 15 minutes at 350°F. After that, lower the oven temperature to 300°F and bake for another 20 minutes. Stir once halfway through.
Step 5 | Cool and Enjoy
Once the Chex Mix is done baking, let it cool completely on the pans. After it cools, transfer it to an airtight container or enjoy it straight away!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning how to make Brenda Gantt’s Chex Mix Recipe! It’s one of my go-to snacks for any time of the year, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. The combination of crunchy Chex, savory peanuts, and buttery seasoning is just so good. Be sure to give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you.
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