This is the gluten-free Chex mix recipe our family has been making for decades and we still can’t get enough of it. My bold, zesty, crunchy savory snack mix delivers big in the flavor department, plus it’s made with simple, recognizable ingredients. Choose between the slow baked oven method or throw it in the slow cooker.

a small bowl of snack mix with a small scoop inside
Classic, retro Chex mix made gluten-free, using simple ingredients you can pick up right at your local grocery store.

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The Best Savory Gluten-Free Chex Mix!

Holidays would just not be the holidays without bowls of our family’s go-to crunchy baked Chex mix every where you turn. When it was time for me to recreate this classic into a gluten-free savory snack mix, I knew it had the taste had to be spot on.

To make a GF Chex mix like our classic recipe, I knew some of the things had to be left out, like wheat Chex. In a serendipitous twist, though, those are the pieces I always picked out as a kid anyway! Corn and rice Chex was where it was at for me then and now. Luckily these are certified gluten-free and available at any grocery store.

As for the other party mix add-ins, I stick with things I can pick up easily, like salty nuts and gluten-free pretzels. If you scroll down I include what mix-ins are allowed and not allowed when making a homemade Chex mix gluten-free.

For the buttery seasoned coating, I stuck close to Mom’s recipe, but punched it up a bit for a bold and zesty flavor. Some reader’s even double the amount for an extra boost! For the spices, be sure to use a GF seasoned salt. I use Lawry’s brand, which doesn’t have any unsafe ingredients, but to be clear, isn’t specifically certified GF.

The other ingredient to watch out for recipe is Worcestershire sauce because not all brands are gluten-free. Some contain malt barley, which is a no-no. I use the US-distributed Lea & Perrins Original Worcestershire (certified GF).

Once you have the ingredients, only about 5 minutes of prep stands in your way from some serious gluten-free party mix. Zesty, savory Chex mix is great for tailgating, holidays, game night, or for gifting. When I do this I usually pair it with a sweet counterpart – either viral white chocolate coated popcorn or this no-peanut butter puppy chow made with Nutella. Can’t go wrong!

Absolutely delicious! I haven’t been able to have Chex Mix in so long 😫. Even my gluten eating husband approves! 😁

—Melissa

Let’s Make This Together!

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

Let’s talk mix-ins: what to have and what to avoid

Grab a very large bowl and pour in the essentials. In my book it’s rice Chex, corn Chex, GF pretzels, and salty mixed nuts. Other gluten-free add-ins could be gluten free “O” cereal (like Nature’s Path brand), pepitas, popcorn, Cheetohs, dry roasted edamame, or Fritos.

Stay away from melba toast, wheat Chex, goldfish crackers, Cheezits, sesame sticks, oyster crackers, bagel chips, or Cheerios for a GF diet.

a bowl of gluten free mix ins for chex mix.
To have enough coating for the mix, plan on 10 cups cereal and about additional 5 cups GF mix-ins.

Zesty seasoning

In a small bowl melt the butter. For a dairy-free recipe, swap out vegan butter sticks. Add in the Worcestershire, seasonings, and combine. Pour that all over the dry mixture and toss well, being careful to not crush anything.

melted butter, seasonings, and Worchestshire sauce in 3 separate glass bowls.
Feel free to play around with the seasoning. You can add more or dial it back for milder flavor.

Divide and bake

Now it’s time for that oven-baked crunchy goodness. Divide it up on two baking sheets so it all can be exposed to the heat and crisp up. Bake in a low 250°F oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Make sure to set a timer so you don’t forget to stir!

two pans of GF chex mix before baking.
Typically I bake it in the oven, but if you need to save oven space, I include the crock pot directions in the recipe card below.

Mom’s Storing Tips

Making Chex mix from-scratch is the ideal party food because it lasts so long and makes a ton. In fact, Mom always made sure she made it ahead of time because she said it gets even better as it sits.

The mix will last, or stay good, up to 6 weeks in an airtight covered container stored at room temperature. We always stored ours in metal tins or large glass jars. For longer storage, freeze in airtight bags up to 6 months. 

overhead close up of gluten free chex mix
This is the perfect make-ahead gluten-free snack mix because it stays crisp and crunchy for weeks!

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a small bowl of snack mix with a small scoop inside
4.41 stars (15 ratings)

Crisp, Bold & Zesty Gluten-Free Chex Mix Recipe

Melissa Erdelac of MamaGourmand headshot in patterned dress.Melissa Erdelac
Yield: 24
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
This is the gluten-free Chex mix recipe our family has been making for decades and we still can't get enough of it. My bold, zesty, crunchy savory snack mix delivers big in the flavor department, plus it's made with simple, recognizable ingredients. Choose between the slow baked oven method or throw it in the slow cooker.
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Ingredients
 

Instructions
 

Oven Method

  • Combine the dry ingredients – Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts together in a large bowl.
    5 cups Corn Chex cereal, 5 cups Rice Chex cereal, 3 cups gluten-free pretzels, 2 cups mixed nuts or peanuts
  • In a small bowl mix together the melted butter, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Pour over the dry ingredients and gently mix well.
    8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoon gluten-free seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Divide onto two baking sheets and bake in a 250°F oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring and rotating racks every 15 minutes.
  • Cool completely and store in airtight container up to 6 weeks.

Notes

Slow Cooker Method
Combine the dry ingredients – Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts together in a large slow cooker. In a small bowl mix together the butter, Worcestershire, and seasonings. Pour over the dry ingredients and gently mix well.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, removing lid to gently stir at the 1 hour, 2 hour, and 2 1/2 hour mark. TIP: If your slow cooker is lined with a crockpot liner, simply remove the bag, shake to combine, and reinsert in the crockpot. 
Calories: 270kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 812mg, Potassium: 112mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 429IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 53mg, Iron: 4mg
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