Salty, savory taco chex mix with corn chips, three types of cereal, roasted peanuts, and pretzels with homemade taco seasoning to boot. The best crunchy snack mix is made right at home!
Why this recipe works
Crunchy, salty, and a little zesty is a great way to sum up this easy taco Chex mix! Homemade Chex mix is super versatile, from the ingredients to the seasoning you use. Mix and match your favorite crunchy snacks to make that perfectly tailored blend. Honestly, the best part is that it lasts quite a while if stored properly (and if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers for that long).
This particular taco Chex mix recipe has been with me since 2012, and has been brought to its fair share of football parties, movie nights, and packaged into many, many school lunches over the years. The extra special ingredient is the homemade taco seasoning, which you can easily tailor to your own taste buds. Seriously, what isn’t good when it’s taco flavored?
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CEREAL – Chex cereal is a no-brainer. It’s in the name after all! I used both corn and rice Chex cereal, but you can use all of one or the other if preferred, or even substitute with wheat Chex. Mixing the Chex cereals adds more flavor! I also had some plain Cheerios on hand, which adds a nice element of texture and crunch.
ADDITIONS – On top of the cereals, there are pretzel sticks, Fritos, and roasted peanuts. Chex mix is all about the “mix”, so there’s a lot of room for customization. Allergic to nuts? Swap them out for rye chips or bagel chips. Instead of Frito corn chips, you can sub in cheese crackers (like Cheez-It) or oyster crackers. It doesn’t matter what shape of pretzel you choose! Snaps, twists, nuggets, or sticks are all great.
SEASONING – I used my homemade taco seasoning, so I can control the flavor, but a store-bought envelope will also do the trick.
More Taco Chex Mix Additions
- Oyster crackers
- Rye chips
- Sesame sticks
- Bagel chips
- Cashews or almonds
- Corn nuts
- Cheese crackers (such as Cheez-It or Goldfish)
How to Make Taco Chex Mix
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat oven to 250 F.
- Combine cereals, chips, pretzels, and nuts.
- Melt the butter. Mix melted butter with water and taco seasoning mix.
- Pour half of the seasoning over the cereal and mix well with your hands. Pour the remaining seasoning mix over the cereal and stir well.
- Pour onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour; stirring every 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
If properly stored in an airtight container, jar, or zipper bag, homemade taco Chex mix can last for up to 2 weeks, maybe even longer, depending on how often you open your container. Keep it stored in a cool, dark place such as the pantry or cabinet. Be sure to allow the snack mix to completely cool before sealing it in a container or bag so you don’t trap any moisture inside.
Absolutely. As mentioned above, it lasts quite a while! Prep, bake, and fully cool the Chex mix 1-2 days in advance. Be sure to store it in a large jar, zipper bag, or a container with a lid.
I would highly recommend baking your homemade Chex mix, as it adds a toasty flavor you wouldn’t get otherwise. Since all of the ingredients are first tossed in butter to help the seasoning stick, toasting the mix will also help everything crisp back up.
Serving Suggestions
Taco Chex mix is the ideal crunchy snack mix for game nights, parties, or as an on-the-go snack packaged into little baggies. I especially love it for get-togethers because you can prep it a few days ahead of time.
More Snack Recipes
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Taco Chex Mix
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups Rice Chex
- 2 cups Cheerios plain
- 2 cups Fritos
- 2 cups pretzel sticks or twists/rounds/snaps
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1.25 ounce taco seasoning mix
Before You Begin
- I found the easiest way to stir it was to have a large bowl on hand, remove the baking sheet from the oven and pour the contents into the bowl, stir, then return to the baking sheet.
- I used both corn and rice Chex cereal, but you can use all of one or the other if preferred, or even substitute with wheat Chex. Mixing the Chex cereals adds more flavor!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 F.
- Combine cereals, chips, pretzels and nuts.2 cups Corn Chex, 2 cups Rice Chex, 2 cups Cheerios, 2 cups Fritos, 2 cups pretzel sticks, 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- Melt the butter. Mix melted butter with water and taco seasoning mix.3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 Tablespoons water, 1.25 ounce taco seasoning mix
- Pour half of seasoning over cereal and mix well with hands. Pour remaining seasoning mix over cereal and stir well.
- Pour onto a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 1 hour; stirring every 15 minutes.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- If properly stored in an airtight container, jar, or zipper bag, taco Chex mix can last for up to 2 weeks, maybe even longer, depending on how often you open your container. Keep it stored in a cool, dark place such as the pantry or cabinet. Be sure to allow the snack mix to completely cool before sealing it in a container or bag so you don’t trap any moisture inside.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
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Ann Gerren says
How far ahead can you make this for a party
Amanda Formaro says
It should be good for a week or so.
Rebecca Wallace says
New to cooking. Almost sat my oven on fire because i did not know to move my racks because the mix would be too close to the heating element.
Maria says
I want to snack on this all day long!
Suzanne says
OMG, I LOVE this stuff, although I’ve never had the “Taco” variety. Now, I can’t wait to make it! I really don’t want to go to the grocery store tonight, but not sure I can wait til tomorrow. ugh. You’re such a tease!
Chuck says
You know my grandma would send us her home made chex mix every christmas. Sadly she passed away a few years ago and haven’t had any in years. I’m so glad i found this recipe and will make these. Thank you!
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
that sounds like the perfect salty snack! yum!
Taylor @ greens & chocolate says
Mmm I love that you added corn chips to this mix! Sounds like a yummy snack!