This Italian Chex Mix is the ultimate party snack! Bursting with flavors from buttery herbs and Parmesan, this snack mix is crunchy, savory, and completely addictive.
This Italian Chex Mix recipe adds a zesty twist to a favorite snack. This mix consists of Chex cereal, pretzels, Cheez its, cashews and oyster crackers, all tossed in an Italian spice mix and coated in a garlic butter sauce. Everyone will keep coming back for more.
For more fun snack mixes you can make at home you have to check out my Sweet & Spicy Asian Snack Mix, Bunny Bait (Easter Snack Mix), and Peppermint Snack Mix.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Italian Chex Mix
- It is different from your everyday snack mix and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
- Italian Chex mix is perfect for the holiday season, you can make it for a holiday gathering or even wrap it up as a gift.
- The Italian Chex mix recipe is simple and quick to prepare.
Recipe Ingredients
- Italian Herb Seasoning: Adds a savory flavor with hints of basil, oregano, and garlic and is essential for the authentic Italian taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, nutty, and slightly salty flavor.
- Cashews – A crunchy protein to give this snack mix additional nutrients.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Chex Blend Swap: Mix all three types – Corn, Rice Chex, and Wheat Chex – for a delightful mix of crunch and balanced flavor.
- Nut Addition: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding almonds, pecans, or even walnuts. I would recommend unsalted or lightly salted nuts to maintain the balance of flavors in the mix.
How to Make Italian Chex Mix
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and set aside.
Step 2: In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine the Chex, Premium crackers, Cheez-It crackers, pretzels, and cashews.
Step 3: In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the butter. Place in the microwave and heat for 45 seconds to 1 minute on HIGH. Stir until completely melted.
Step 4: Add the olive oil, Worcestershire (or balsamic), salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and cayenne (or red pepper flakes) to the melted butter. Whisk until combined. Pour over the dry ingredients and toss to evenly coat.
Step 5: Pour onto the prepared baking sheet, spread evenly, and bake for 40 minutes, stirring at the 15 and 30 minute marks.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and toss with Parmesan. Allow to cool completely before serving or storing.
Expert Tips
- Watch for Browning: Keep an eye on the mix during baking, especially towards the end. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
- Uniform Spread: Spread the mixture in a single, even layer on the baking sheet to ensure consistent baking and prevent clumping.
FAQs
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best for this recipe. It melts slightly during baking, creating a richer and more cohesive flavor compared to pre-grated or powdered varieties.
Serve Italian Chex mix in a large bowl for parties, or portion it into smaller bags for an easy, on-the-go snack.
Storage Info
To STORE this Italian snack mix, place it in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
More Snacks That You’ll Love
Italian Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 c. Chex corn cereal
- 3 c. Premium soup & oyster crackers
- 3 cups Cheez-It crackers
- 2 c. pretzels - any shape
- 2 c. roasted cashews - unsalted or lightly salted
- 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp. kosher sea salt
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried parsley
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- 1/4 c. quality grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, set aside.
- In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine the Chex, Premium crackers, Cheez-It crackers, pretzels, and cashews.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the butter. Place in the microwave and heat for 45 seconds to 1 minute on HIGH. Stir until completely melted.
- Add the olive oil, Worcestershire (or balsamic), salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and cayenne (or red pepper flakes) to the melted butter. Whisk until combined. Pour over the dry ingredients and toss to evenly coat.
- Pour onto the prepared baking sheet, spread evenly, and bake for 40 minutes, stirring at the 15 and 30 minute marks.
- Remove from the oven and toss with Parmesan. Allow to cool completely before serving or storing.
Perfect snack for movie night, everyone kept reaching for more.
What an easy & tasty snack!! My kids love everything in this mix!
We love Chex Mix at our house. This Italian Chex Mix takes it up several notches though. So addicting!
hey girl- this looks so yummy! Y’all have a great weekend!