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Crunchy Patriotic Chex Mix Recipe with Red White Blue M&Ms Perfect for 4th of July

Crunchy Patriotic Chex Mix - featured image

A quick and easy festive snack mix combining Chex cereals, salted nuts, a savory buttery seasoning, and colorful red, white, and blue M&Ms. Perfect for 4th of July celebrations and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
  • 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
  • 1 cup salted mixed nuts (Planters preferred)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup red, white, and blue M&Ms

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex cereals, and salted mixed nuts. Toss gently to mix evenly.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
  4. Pour the butter-spice mixture over the cereal and nuts. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
  5. Spread the coated mix evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes at 250°F, stirring gently every 15 minutes to toast all sides evenly.
  7. Remove from oven and let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet.
  8. Once cool, gently fold in the red, white, and blue M&Ms.
  9. Transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

Add M&Ms only after baking to prevent melting. Stir the mix every 15 minutes during baking to avoid burning. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free Chex cereals and Worcestershire sauce. Nut-free option: substitute nuts with pretzels or pumpkin seeds. To reduce saltiness, add plain cereal after baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze without M&Ms for up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chex Mix, 4th of July snack, patriotic snack, M&Ms, party mix, crunchy snack, easy snack recipe