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Best Easy Sweet and Salty Football Chex Mix Recipe

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This Easy Sweet and Salty Football Chex Mix is the ultimate game day snack, combining crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, sweet chocolate, and a buttery brown sugar coating. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex)
  • 3 cups pretzel twists (regular size)
  • 1 cup salted peanuts (dry roasted)
  • 1 cup M&Ms (milk chocolate or peanut)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (e.g., Ghirardelli or Toll House)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (flaky sea salt or table salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl (at least 4-quart), combine 9 cups Rice Chex, 3 cups pretzel twists, and 1 cup salted peanuts. Gently toss to mix.
  3. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces), 1 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until mostly melted. Microwave for another 30 seconds if needed, then stir until smooth.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and whisk vigorously until the mixture foams slightly.
  5. Pour the coating evenly over the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold until everything is evenly coated (about 2 minutes).
  6. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute, then stir gently. Repeat for a total of 3 to 4 minutes, stirring after each minute. The mixture will look wet but will dry out as it cooks.
  7. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Let cool completely, about 20 to 30 minutes. The coating will harden as it cools.
  8. Once completely cool, sprinkle 1 cup M&Ms and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top. Gently toss to distribute.
  9. Let the chocolate chips firm up for a few minutes, then break up any large clusters into bite-sized pieces. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip the baking soda—it creates a light, crispy coating. Let the mix cool completely before adding chocolate to prevent melting. For best flavor, make a day ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To re-crisp, spread on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, then cool completely.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chex mix, sweet and salty, football snack, game day snack, party mix, easy snack, microwave snack, crowd-pleaser