Gluten-Free Chex Mix Recipe
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Aug. 27, 2024
This Gluten-Free Chex Mix Recipe is all about the irresistible flavors of this crunchy, natural Ranch Snack Mix. It’s deliciously savory, better than store-bought, and always a huge hit, whether it’s for a party, a healthy after-school snack, or lunch boxes.
In This Article
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
We love a good snack mix, especially if they’re also healthier snack recipes. This Gluten-Free Chex Mix Recipe is just that:
- Easy to Make: This snack mix recipe is crazy-easy, making it the perfect option for parties, after-school snacks, or just about any occasion!
- Great for Bringing Along: Like our Candied Pecans, this mix keeps well for weeks, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it whenever the craving strikes.
- Healthier: It’s a much healthier option than potato chips, making it a guilt-free snack for both kids and adults.
- Big on Flavor: It’s ultra-crunchy and fun to munch, and the homemade ranch seasoning adds big, yummy flavor in every bite.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Gluten-Free Cereal and Pretzels – We use gluten-free corn and rice squares cereals, along with gluten-free pretzels, which makes this a favorite snack among our gluten-free friends!
- Roasted Almonds – We add whole roasted almonds for a boost of protein and a delicious nutty flavor. You can also use your favorite roasted nuts – walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or cashews all work well.
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning – We use homemade ranch seasoning mix to add a zesty, herby flavor to our Chex mix. It’s 100% natural with no preservatives or additives, making it a healthier option. If you prefer, you can use store-bought ranch seasoning packets.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Nuts: We love the crunch that whole roasted almonds add to this mix, but feel free to get creative with your nuts. Cashews, peanuts, pecans, or pistachios would all work great.
- Nut-Free: Try substituting the nuts for roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or dried fruits (i.e., raisins, dried cranberries, etc.) or just omit them.
- Seasonings: Our homemade ranch seasoning mix is what gives this Chex mix its addictive flavor. For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of cayenne for some heat or some smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate: If you’re a fan of sweet and salty snacks, try adding some chocolate chips, as we do in our Samoa Snack Mix, or try any variety of M&Ms.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet. In a large bowl, combine the cereals, pretzels, almonds, and melted butter.
- Fold in the seasonings and Worcestershire sauce.
- Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Stir the mix and bake for another 15 minutes. Let it cool completely, and serve.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our favorite prep ahead tips and strategies:
- Prep the Ingredients: You can measure out all the dry ingredients (cereals, pretzels, nuts) and store them in an airtight container a few days in advance.
- Make the Ranch Seasoning Mix: Feel free to make the homemade ranch seasoning mix ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature up to a week in advance.
- Make the Entire Chex Mix: This Gluten-Free Chex Mix can be made up to two weeks in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Commonly Asked Questions
Our Chex Mix recipe is gluten free, as we use gluten-free cereal, pretzels, and seasonings. If you’re using store-bought ranch seasoning, double check that it is labeled gluten-free.
Feel free to try roasted cashews, peanuts, pecans, or pistachios. For a nut-free version, try roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds. You can also leave out the nuts completely.
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the melted butter with a dairy-free alternative. There are many dairy-free butter options, such as coconut oil or vegetable oil spreads.
Several brands offer gluten-free pretzels, so you have a variety of options to choose from. Look for pretzels that are specifically labeled as gluten-free. You can use traditional pretzel twists, pretzel sticks, or any other shape you prefer.
Once the Chex Mix has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag. It will stay fresh and crispy for up to two weeks. Store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Did you make this?
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Gluten-Free Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn cereal, squares, gluten-free
- 3 cups rice cereal, squares, gluten-free
- 3 cups pretzels, gluten-free
- 1 cup roasted almonds, whole, or other roasted nuts of your choice
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 3 oz Ranch seasoning mix, or use our homemade ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300F with rack on lower middle position. Line large rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cereals, pretzels, almonds, and melted butter. Use rubber spatula to gently fold together and incorporate.
- Add remaining ingredients. Continue to fold mixture together until fully combined and coated.
- Transfer mixture to lined baking sheet and bake 15 minutes, turning pan the pan and giving it a stir halfway through baking. Let mixture cool completely and serve.
Notes
- We love Homemade Ranch Seasoning mix, as it’s 100% natural, with no preservatives nor additives. However, you can use 3 oz. store-bought Ranch seasoning packets if you prefer.
- Make sure all your ingredients are labeled as gluten-free to keep the entire recipe free of gluten.
- Feel free to swap the almonds for your favorite nuts, and if you have a nut allergy, simply omit them altogether.
- This recipe is easily doubled or triple if you’re making it for a crowd, just use additional baking sheets and rotate them in the oven for even cooking.
- Stored in an airtight container, Gluten-Free Chex Mix will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. We don’t recommend refrigerating it, as it will lose its crunch.
- If you’d like to add M&M’s or chocolate chips, allow mixture to fully cool before adding them.
Nutrition (per serving)
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