Reindeer Snack Mix ~ Sweet & Spicy Chex Mix Recipe
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure page for more information.
If Rudolph had a snack break he’d grab a big bowl of this reindeer snack mix to munch on. This sweet and spicy Chex mix recipe is the perfect treat for movie nights, holiday gatherings and edible gifts.
We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
If you love a good snack mix recipe, especially at the holidays, this one does not disappoint. The unusual combination of crunchy Bugles, Cheez-its, pretzels and corn Chex cereal, paired with the sweet & spicy seasonings, makes for an addicting snack.
It’s sweetened with maple syrup and the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper give the mix a little kick. But not too much spice – just the perfect amount of heat to offset all of the holiday sweets we’re munching down this time of year.
This Christmas Chex mix recipe is a longtime family favorite. It’s so good I have to make a double or triple batch because it disappears in a flash. One handful of this sweet and spicy Christmas snack mix just isn’t enough!
For more tasty Christmas snack mixes be sure to check out our gingerbread snack mix, Christmas snack mix with Santa hats and Grinch snack mix recipes. Or try this easy homemade caramel corn recipe for another easy treat.
If you like to make edible gifts during the Christmas season, this easy recipe is always a huge hit. You can package the mix in Mason jars or decorative cello bags and tie with a decorative ribbon for a pretty presentation.
Reindeer Snack Mix Ingredients
For the Snack Mix
- Cheese flavored snack crackers – aka Cheez-its
- Pretzel sticks – break in half for bite-sized pieces
- Bugles corn snacks – the fun cone-shape adds crunch (you can buy these at the grocery store but I’ve included a link so you know what to look for)
- Corn Chex cereal – light and crispy, but it holds up well to the other ingredients
- Pecans – use pecan halves (not pieces)
For the Sweet and Spicy Seasoning
- Butter – use real butter not margarine
- Worcestershire sauce – brings savory umami flavor to the mix
- Maple syrup – we use real maple syrup for this recipe for a touch of sweetness
- Cajun seasoning – bold and zesty, it makes this snack mix irresistible
- Cayenne pepper – you can use more or less depending on your preferences
Get the complete ingredients & directions in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix Recipe
The prep for this recipe is super simple! Start by preheating your oven.
Then place all the snack mix ingredients in a large bowl.
Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove top. Add the remaining seasoning ingredients and stir to combine.
Pour the seasoning mixture over the snack mix and stir gently.
Transfer the mix to a rimmed baking pan in a single layer. Bake for an hour, stirring in 15 minute intervals.
Remove mix from the baking pan and place on parchment paper to cool.
Tips for Making the Chex Reindeer Mix Recipe:
- Be gentle when stirring the mix to avoid breaking the crunchy ingredients.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Adjust the heat level – the cayenne pepper adds just a wee bit of heat, but feel free to omit it if you’re not a fan of spicy food. Or double it if you like things on the spicier side.
- Plan on making a double batch – this snack mix goes FAST! If you do make a double batch, I recommend baking on 2 pans to make sure the mix crisps up.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the cheese crackers for goldfish if preferred.
- Mini pretzel twists can be used instead of the pretzel sticks.
- Omit the nuts if you have someone with allergies. Just substitute an equal amount of one of the other snack items.
- Red and green coated chocolate candies add a festive touch to the mix.
How to Store Reindeer Chex Mix
This snack mix can be made a couple days ahead of time. Wait for the mix to cool, then place in an airtight container or ziptop plastic bag and store in a cool, dry place for up to 7 days.
So are you ready to make a batch of reindeer snack mix? You know you want to!
Do you have snacks you make every Christmas? Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite holiday snacks are.
More Easy Snack Recipes
This post was originally published on 12/12/19.
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Reindeer Snack Mix ~ Sweet and Spicy Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bugles corn snacks
- 2 cups cheese flavored snack crackers
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 2 cups corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a 15x10x1 pan with a baking mat or parchment paper.
- Combine Bugles, cheese crackers, pretzel sticks, corn cereal and pecans in a large bowl.2 cups Bugles corn snacks, 2 cups cheese flavored snack crackers, 2 cups pretzel sticks, 2 cups corn Chex cereal, 1 cup pecan halves
- In a small bowl, combine butter, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Pour over the cereal mixture & toss gently to coat.1/2 cup butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Transfer mixture to the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly across the pan.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove mix to parchment paper or paper towels. Allow to cool completely.
- Store the cooled snack mix in an airtight container.
Notes
- When making a double batch, I recommend baking the mix on 2 pans so the mix crisps up.
- This recipe makes about 9 cups of snack mix, with a serving size of 1/2 cup.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
