If you love my Cowboy Butter recipe, you are going to want to try this Cowboy Butter Chex Mix! I took those same bold, buttery flavors and turned them into a crunchy snack mix that is so hard to stop eating.
Made with my Cowboy Butter Seasoning, this Chex Mix comes together easily and is perfect for game days, parties, road trips, or just keeping around for a salty snack. And if you love cowboy butter as much as I do, be sure to check out my other Cowboy Butter Recipes, too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chex cereal: I used a combination of Rice Chex and Corn Chex, but you can use Wheat Chex or swap in your favorite cereal. Just keep the total amount the same so the seasoning coats everything well.
- Cheez-It crackers: These add a cheesy, salty crunch that works so well with the cowboy butter flavors. You can use another cheese cracker if that is what you have on hand.
- Rye chips: Rye chips add a classic Chex Mix flavor and a little extra crunch. You can leave them out or replace them with another crunchy snack.
- Oyster crackers: These soak up the buttery seasoning and add a light, crispy bite.
- Pretzel twists: Pretzels add the perfect salty crunch. Mini pretzels, pretzel sticks, or another small pretzel shape will work.
- Unsalted butter: I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the salt level, especially since the crackers and seasoning already add plenty of flavor. Salted butter will also work if that is what you have.
- Cowboy Butter Seasoning Mix: This is what gives the snack mix its bold, savory flavor. Make a batch of my homemade seasoning mix ahead of time so you can easily make this whenever a snack craving hits.
FAQs
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chex Mix spicy?
Yes! The Cowboy Butter Seasoning Mix already has a little kick, but you can add more heat if you like. Try adding a little extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes before baking.
Can I use different snacks in this Chex Mix?
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to customize. Use different crackers, cereals, pretzels, or crunchy snacks, but try to keep the total amount of mix the same so everything gets evenly coated.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Cowboy Butter Chex Mix is a great snack to make for a crowd. If doubling the recipe, use additional baking sheets so the mix can spread out in an even layer. This helps it bake evenly and get nice and crunchy.
Can I make Cowboy Butter Chex Mix ahead of time?
Yes! This is a great snack to make ahead. Once it has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container until you are ready to serve it. It is perfect for parties, holidays, and game days.
Can I make this Chex Mix with prepared Cowboy Butter?
Yes, you can. Just keep in mind that prepared Cowboy Butter is made with fresh herbs, which are milder than the dried herbs and spices in the Cowboy Butter seasoning. Because of this, you may need a bit more of the prepared Cowboy Butter to get the same bold flavor. Start with the amount listed in the recipe and add more to taste if needed.
How To Serve Cowboy Butter Chex Mix
Cowboy Butter Chex Mix is the kind of snack that works for just about any occasion. Here are a few easy ways to enjoy it:
- Add it to a snack table for game days (perfect addition to your football foods!), parties, or holidays.
- Pack it into small bags or containers for an easy grab-and-go snack.
- Serve it alongside sandwiches, burgers, or grilled foods for a crunchy side.
- Put out a big bowl for movie nights or family gatherings.
- Package it in jars or bags to give as a fun, homemade snack gift.
Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Chex Mix
- Use a large bowl: A bigger bowl makes it easier to toss everything together without crushing the cereal and crackers.
- Coat everything evenly: Pour the butter mixture over the snack mix slowly and stir well so every piece gets some of that cowboy butter flavor.
- Spread it out: Use one or two baking sheets and spread the mix into an even layer. This helps it toast instead of steaming.
- Stir halfway through baking: This helps the mix bake evenly and gives all the pieces a chance to get crispy.
- Let it cool completely: The Chex Mix will continue to crisp up as it cools, so wait before storing or serving.
How To Store Cowboy Butter Chex Mix
Let the Chex Mix cool completely before storing. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container or resealable bag and keep it at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Cowboy Butter Chex Mix will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks. If it starts to lose some of its crunch, you can spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in a low oven for a few minutes to help crisp it back up.
Cowboy Butter Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups (120 g) Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups (125 g) Corn Chex, or Wheat Chex cereal
- 2 cups (124 g) Cheez-It crackers
- 2 cups (120 g) rye chips
- 1 cup (45 g) oyster crackers
- 1 cup (40 g) pretzel twists
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup Cowboy Butter Seasoning Mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F. Line 1 to 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex (or Wheat Chex), Cheez-It crackers, rye chips, oyster crackers, and pretzel twists.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and Cowboy Butter Seasoning Mix until well combined.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the Chex Mix into an even layer on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mix is lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheets. The mix will continue to crisp up as it cools.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep in a cool, dry place to help it stay crunchy.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
crap this looks amazing. Making today and sending with my kiddo to youth group. Will report back.