BEST Gluten-Free Chex Mix (Bold & Zesty)

Gluten-Free Chex Mix recipe takes the original party mix and transforms it into a bold and zesty snack perfect for the holidays, homemade gifts, or entertaining. Make this easy, savory snack mix in the oven, microwave, or in the slow cooker!

Is chex-mix gluten free? 

A recipe for Chex Mix can easily be adapted to gluten-free, but not all are made safe to enjoy. There are two things to watch out for.

First of all, most recipes contain Worcestershire sauce, but not all brands are gluten-free. Some contain malt barley, which needs to be avoided. However, the US distributed Lea & Perrins Original is certified GF.

The other thing to watch out for are the mix-ins. Original Chex Party Mix contains wheat Chex, which is not safe to consume. There may be other non gluten-free add-ins, such as crackers, sesame sticks, and melba toasts to avoid.

Scroll down for a complete list of safe gluten free mix-ins and what to avoid. 

Looking for a gluten-free and dairy-free Chex mix recipe? Simply swap out the butter with vegan butter, such as Earth Balance Vegan Butter Sticks.

If you are looking for the ultimate party combo, pair it with some of the best gluten-free beers! Also, for an irresistible sweet version, try Muddy Buddies or nut-free Nutella Puppy Chow! 

Ingredients Notes / substitutions

This recipe for gluten-free Chex mix has safe ingredients, tossed in a bold and zesty seasoning. Beware…it’s love at first bite and hard to stop the snacking!

This snack mix makes an addictive and affordable snack, perfect for game day, holidays, or to give as a homemade food gift. As all the recipes shared on the site or those in my gluten-free cookbook, the ingredients are readily and cheaply available!

• Chex cereal – Use a combination of rice and corn Chex, which are gluten-free. Avoid wheat Chex or Cheerios cereal, which is not safe for a gluten-free diet.
• Butter – Use vegan butter sticks for dairy-free Chex mix
• Seasoings – An ample combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt makes this mix bold and zesty. However, some reader’s have even doubled the amount for an extra boost!
• Worcestershire Sauce – Read label to make sure it’s gluten free, such as Lea & Perrins Original 
• Gluten-Free Pretzels – I like Aldi’s brand or Synder’s gluten-free pretzels.
• Mixed Nuts

How To Make gluten-free chex mix

There are three methods to make this gluten-free snack mix recipe. Typically I bake it in the oven, but if you are pressed for time try the microwave method. To cook low and slow, or save oven space, try cooking it in your crock pot!

Oven Method:

1. Combine the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl mix together the butter, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Pour over the dry ingredients and gently mix well.
3. Divide on to two baking sheets or roasting pan and bake in a 250°F oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring and rotating racks every 15 minutes.

Microwave Method:

1. Combine the dry ingredients together in a large, microwave-safe bowl.
2. In a small bowl mix together the butter, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Pour over the dry ingredients and gently mix well.
3. Microwave for 5-6 minutes, stopping to gently stir every 2 minutes.
4. Transfer to a baking sheet to cool. 

Slow Cooker Method:

1. Combine the dry ingredients together in a large slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl mix together the butter, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Pour over the dry ingredients and gently mix well.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, removing lid to gently stir at the 1 hour, 2 hour, and 2 1/2 hour point. TIP: If your slow cooker is lined with a crockpot liner, simply remove the bag, shake to combine, and reinsert in the crockpot. 
4. Transfer to a baking sheet to cool. 

How to Store chex party mix

Making a batch of original savory Chex mix is the ideal make-ahead party food because it lasts so long! In fact, making it a few days ahead of time allows for the flavors to really seep in and marinate.

Chex Mix will last, or stay good, up to 6 weeks in an airtight covered container stored at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze in air sealed bags up to 6 months. 

suggested gluten-free add-ins

Besides the rice and corn Chex cereal, here are some suggested mix-ins to keep your snack mix gluten free! To keep the ratio of ingredients to seasonings even, do not add more than 5 additional cups of mix-ins to the mixture. 

• Gluten Free “O” cereal, such as Nature’s Path
• Pepitas
• Popcorn
• Cheetos 
• Dry Roasted Edamame
• Wasabi Peas
• Fritos
• Roasted Chickpeas
• Gluten-Free Pretzels
• Nuts – peanuts, cashews, almonds
• For sweet and savory, try dried cranberries, raisins, or M&Ms added after it cooks and cools. 

Not all store bought or homemade recipes are gluten-free, though. Be sure to AVOID adding or eating of the following common mix-ins:

• Melba Toast
• Wheat Chex
• “Goldfish” Crackers
• Sesame Sticks
• Oyster Crackers
• Bagel Chips
• Cheerios

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step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

More gluten-free snack Recipes 

• Homemade Microwave Caramel Corn
• Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks
• Candied Pecans
• Gluten Free Granola Clusters
• Nutella Puppy Chow
• Peanut Brittle

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