Hot Honey Chex Mix

Hot Honey Chex Mix is the bold, sweet-and-spicy snack you didn’t know you needed. Combining the crunch of cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers, and nuts with a buttery glaze infused with honey, sriracha, and soy sauce, this snack is completely addictive. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for everything from parties to road trips or cozy nights in. What makes this mix irresistible is the balance — crispy and chewy textures with a sweet-heat combo that builds as you snack. The recipe is easily customizable and can be scaled up for large gatherings or made ahead for convenient snacking throughout the week.

This version of Chex Mix takes a classic party snack and gives it a flavorful twist. It’s not just spicy — the honey adds a gentle sweetness that mellows the heat from the sriracha, while soy sauce brings in a salty, umami punch that ties everything together. Roasted cashews add richness and protein, while cheese crackers and pretzels deliver fun, familiar crunch. Whether served at a game day gathering, packed into lunchboxes, or wrapped up as a gift, Hot Honey Chex Mix is a hit that’s hard to stop eating. It’s homemade snack perfection — no bagged mix can compete.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Spicy Flavor Combo: The honey and sriracha duo creates an addictive balance of heat and sweetness.
2. Crunchy and Satisfying: The mix of cereal, pretzels, nuts, and crackers makes for a perfect textural experience.
3. Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time with pantry staples means this comes together fast.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the heat, swap ingredients, or add extras based on your preference.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, gifts, movie nights, or snacking on the go.

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Ingredients

• Chex cereal (rice, corn, and/or wheat)
• Pretzels
• Cheese crackers
• Roasted cashews
• Salted butter
• Honey
• Sriracha hot sauce
• Soy sauce

Variations

• Add Popcorn: Mix in some air-popped popcorn after baking for extra volume and crunch.
• Make It Smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Sweeten It Up: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins after baking for a touch of fruity sweetness.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit the cashews and add more pretzels or cereal to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Use Maple Syrup: Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweet note with a more robust flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers, and roasted cashews. Toss gently to mix.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine salted butter, honey, sriracha, and soy sauce. Stir until the butter melts and everything is fully combined. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Coat the Mix

Pour the hot honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30–35 minutes, stirring every 10–12 minutes to ensure even toasting.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, store in an airtight container.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Stir frequently during baking to prevent burning and ensure even crisping.
• Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
• For more or less heat, adjust the amount of sriracha to taste.
• Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed for balanced flavor in every bite.
• Cool completely before storing to keep everything crisp.

How to Serve

Serve Hot Honey Chex Mix in bowls for parties, portion it into snack bags for road trips or school lunches, or package it in mason jars or treat bags for edible gifts. It pairs perfectly with fizzy drinks, cocktails, or iced tea for a flavorful snack spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooled Chex Mix in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Freezing

You can freeze Hot Honey Chex Mix in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Let it come to room temperature before serving to restore its crunch.

Reheating

If the mix loses some of its crispiness, you can reheat it in the oven at 250°F for about 10 minutes to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of sriracha or use a milder hot sauce to control the heat level.

Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely. Almonds, peanuts, or pecans also work well in this recipe.

Is this gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free pretzels, cheese crackers, and Chex cereal labeled gluten-free.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Salted butter adds richness that margarine may lack.

How long does it stay fresh?

It stays crisp and tasty for up to 7 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two baking sheets and rotate them during baking for even crisping.

What kind of cheese crackers work best?

Any brand of cheese crackers will do, but sharp cheddar-style ones add extra flavor.

Can I skip the soy sauce?

You can, though it adds depth. Try tamari or coconut aminos as substitutes for a similar taste.

Will kids like this?

If they enjoy a little spice, yes! For a milder version, reduce the sriracha.

Can I add chocolate or candy?

It’s not recommended with this savory-spicy profile, but you can after baking if you prefer a sweet mix.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chex Mix is a vibrant, spicy twist on a classic snack favorite. With bold flavors, crispy textures, and simple preparation, it’s a snack you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want something to munch on during the week, this Chex Mix brings sweet heat and serious crunch in every bite. Customize it to suit your taste and enjoy the perfect homemade snack — better than anything store-bought.

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