We’re Obsessed with This Chili-Cheese Twist on Chex Mix

The combination of chili and cheese is always a party in your mouth — spicy, salty, and just enough of an umami kick to keep you coming back for more — so it makes sense that the flavor profile works wonders with a party snack like Chex Mix. All you need to make this happen is a little chili powder and cheddar cheese powder.

You’ll need a big batch of basic Chex Mix on hand before you can go and jazz it up. Luckily, churning some out couldn’t be easier — especially when you lean on your slow cooker. Simply combine Chex cereal, pretzels, bagel chips, and crackers with melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the mixture cook on low in a slow cooker for a few hours until it’s dry and toasty and you’ve got your classic Chex Mix.

While it’s hard to beat homemade Chex Mix, don’t hesitate to reach for the store-bought stuff in a pinch. In fact, adding a few ingredients to a bag of traditional Chex Mix is the easiest way to make it taste so much closer to the from-scratch version.

Get the recipe: How To Make Slow-Cooker Chex Mix

1. From homemade: Add 1/4 cup cheddar cheese powder and 2 teaspoons chili powder to the seasonings for slow-cooker Chex Mix and proceed with the recipe.

2. From store-bought: Toss a bag with 1 tablespoon cheddar cheese powder, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and a drizzle of olive oil. Lay it out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for about 15 minutes, until the mix is dry.

The beloved party mix is a classic for good reason, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be jazzed up. In fact, it’s a blank slate for flavorful additions and mix-ins. This series will show you just how easy it is to make Chex Mix — be it homemade or store-bought — all your own.