Spicy & Savory Taco Chex Mix: The Ultimate Homemade Snack Sensation
Are you tired of the same old snacks? Do you find yourself with an abundance of cereal and a craving for something
exciting and flavorful? That’s exactly where I found myself recently! After taking advantage of a fantastic sale on
various cereals, I ended up with more boxes than my pantry could comfortably hold. While traditional Chex Mix is a
timeless classic that always hits the spot, I was eager to experiment and put a fresh spin on this beloved snack.
Enter: Taco Chex Mix – a brilliant idea that transforms ordinary cereal and chips into an irresistible,
flavor-packed treat.
The inspiration for this delicious adventure came from the Chex website, which featured a recipe for Taco Chex Mix.
However, like any good home cook, I believe in using what you have on hand and tailoring recipes to your personal
taste. My pantry was overflowing with not just various Chex cereals but also an ample supply of generic Cheerios
and, crucially, corn chips (Fritos, to be precise). The original recipe called for cheese crackers, but I felt that
corn chips would lend a more authentic and robust taco flavor, complementing the seasoning perfectly. This simple
substitution proved to be a stroke of genius, adding an extra layer of crunch and a distinct savory depth that
truly elevates the mix.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Chex Mix Recipe
This isn’t just another snack; it’s an experience. If you’re a fan of the bold, zesty flavors of tacos and the
addictive crunch of classic Chex Mix, then this recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s incredibly easy
to make, highly customizable, and perfect for virtually any occasion.
The Perfect Party Snack
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a unique addition to your party spread? Taco Chex Mix is your answer. Its
savory, slightly spicy, and wonderfully crunchy texture makes it impossible to resist. Serve it at game day
gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a fun treat for family movie night. Guests will be reaching for handful after
handful, guaranteed!
A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
While traditional Chex Mix is undeniably delicious, this taco-flavored rendition offers a refreshing change. The
aromatic blend of chili powder, cumin, and other spices in the taco seasoning coats every piece of cereal, chip,
and pretzel, creating a harmonious burst of flavor in every bite. It’s reminiscent of your favorite taco-flavored
tortilla chips, but with the satisfying variety of textures that only Chex Mix can provide.
Customizable to Your Heart’s Content
One of the best aspects of Chex Mix is its adaptability, and this taco version is no exception. Feel free to mix
and match cereals, chips, pretzels, and nuts based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. Have extra Wheat
Chex? Throw them in! Prefer a different type of corn chip? Go for it! This recipe encourages creativity in the
kitchen, making it a joy to prepare and perfectly suited to your taste.
Key Ingredients and Smart Substitutions
The beauty of this Taco Chex Mix lies in its simplicity and the ability to adapt it to your pantry. Here’s a closer
look at the core components and how you can make them your own.
The Cereal Base
-
Corn Chex and Rice Chex: These are the classic foundation of any good Chex Mix. Their light,
crispy texture and neutral flavor make them perfect for absorbing the taco seasoning. They also provide that
iconic Chex Mix crunch. -
Cheerios (or generic O-shaped cereal): My personal addition due to an “overabundance” (as I
mentioned, I really went for it on that cereal sale!). Cheerios add another layer of satisfying crunch and a
slightly different shape, making the mix more visually appealing and texturally interesting. Don’t hesitate to
use any O-shaped oat cereal you have. -
Other Cereal Options: If you don’t have all three, or prefer others, feel free to swap in
Wheat Chex, Shredded Wheat, or even certain savory crackers that can hold up to baking. Just ensure the total
volume remains consistent.
The Savory Add-ins
-
Fritos (Corn Chips): This was my chosen substitute for cheese crackers, and I couldn’t be
happier with the result. Fritos deliver a distinct corn flavor and a hearty crunch that perfectly complements
the taco theme. They toast up beautifully in the oven, intensifying their flavor. -
Pretzel Sticks: A staple in Chex Mix, pretzel sticks add a salty, slightly chewy element that
contrasts wonderfully with the crispier cereals and chips. You can use mini pretzels or pretzel twists if that’s
what you have. -
Dry Roasted Peanuts: For an added protein boost and a rich, nutty flavor, peanuts are a great
addition. They also get wonderfully toasted in the oven. Consider other nuts like cashews or almonds if you
prefer. -
Endless Possibilities: Think outside the box! Other great additions could include bagel
chips, goldfish crackers, cheese crackers (if you prefer them over corn chips!), sesame sticks, or even dried
roasted chickpeas for extra fiber. The key is to maintain a balance of textures and flavors.
The Flavor Infusion: Taco Seasoning
This is where the magic happens! The taco seasoning is the heart and soul of this mix.
-
Homemade Taco Seasoning: I personally prefer to use my own
homemade taco
seasoning. Making your own allows you to control the spice level, sodium content, and specific blend of
herbs and spices. A typical homemade mix includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder,
oregano, and a touch of cayenne for heat. -
Store-Bought Taco Seasoning: For convenience, a standard 1.25-ounce packet of premixed taco
seasoning works perfectly. Just be mindful of the sodium content if you’re watching your intake. -
Butter and Water: These two simple ingredients act as the binder and carrier for the taco
seasoning, ensuring every piece of the mix gets evenly coated and infused with that delicious flavor. The butter
adds richness, while the water helps distribute the dry seasoning evenly.
Tips for the Best Taco Chex Mix
Achieving that perfect, crispy, and evenly flavored Taco Chex Mix is all about technique. Here are a few tips to
ensure your batch is a resounding success:
-
Even Coating is Key: Don’t rush the seasoning process. Pouring half the seasoning mix, stirring
thoroughly, and then adding the rest ensures that every single piece gets coated. Using your hands (clean, of
course!) is often the most effective way to achieve this, allowing you to feel and distribute the seasoning
evenly across all the textures. -
Single Layer Baking: Spread the mix out on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Overcrowding
the pan will steam the ingredients rather than toast them, resulting in a less crispy mix. If you have a large
batch, use two baking sheets. -
Frequent Stirring: Stirring the mix every 15 minutes during baking is crucial. This prevents
burning on the bottom and sides, ensures even toasting, and helps dry out the mix for maximum crispness. -
Cool Completely: Allow the Taco Chex Mix to cool completely on the baking sheet before
transferring it to an airtight container. Cooling helps it crisp up further and prevents condensation, which can
make the mix soggy. -
Adjusting Heat: If your oven runs hot, you might consider reducing the temperature slightly or
keeping a closer eye on the mix. Oven thermometers are inexpensive and can be a real game-changer for consistent
baking results.
The resulting snack reminded me so much of my favorite taco-flavored Doritos, but with a richer, more nuanced flavor
and a satisfying medley of textures. It’s truly a delight!
Taco Chex Mix
Chex Mix, only this recipe has a taco flavor that you are going to love!
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IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the
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dark
Snacks
American
20 servings
10 minutes
158
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
- 2 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups Rice Chex
- 2 cups Cheerios
- 2 cups Fritos
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1.25 ounce taco seasoning mix
Before You Begin
have a large bowl on hand, remove the baking sheet from the oven and pour the contents into the
bowl, stir, then return to the baking sheet.
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 250 F.
-
Combine cereals, chips,
pretzels and nuts. -
Melt the butter. Mix
melted butter with water and taco seasoning mix. -
Pour half of seasoning
over cereal and mix well with hands. Pour remaining seasoning mix over cereal and stir
well. -
Pour onto a baking sheet
and bake in preheated oven for 1 hour; stirring every 15 minutes.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a
conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age,
can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is
truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in
mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to
adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow
cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For
baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if
cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Once your Taco Chex Mix has cooled completely, proper storage is essential to maintain its irresistible crunch and
fresh flavor.
-
Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled mix to an airtight container or a large resealable
bag. This prevents it from going stale and keeps moisture out. -
Room Temperature: Store the mix at room temperature in a cool, dry place. There’s no need to
refrigerate it. -
Shelf Life: When stored correctly, Taco Chex Mix will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 1-2
weeks. However, it’s so delicious, it rarely lasts that long! -
Make Ahead: This snack is perfect for making ahead of time for parties or busy weeks. Prepare
a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week, or bag it up for individual portions to grab and go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this Taco Chex Mix gluten-free?
Absolutely! Many Chex cereals are naturally gluten-free (like Corn Chex and Rice Chex). You’d need to ensure that
any other cereals, chips, pretzels, and seasonings you use are also certified gluten-free. For example, choose
gluten-free pretzels and verify your corn chips and taco seasoning mix.
Can I use different types of nuts or omit them entirely?
Yes, feel free to customize the nuts! Walnuts, pecans, cashews, or even pepitas (pumpkin seeds) would be delicious.
If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to include them, you can easily omit them or replace them with more
cereal or pretzels to maintain the overall volume.
What if I don’t have all the specified cereals?
No problem! The recipe is quite flexible. You can adjust the proportions of Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Cheerios
based on what you have. Just aim for a total of 6 cups of cereal as the base. You can also include Wheat Chex or
other similar unsweetened, oven-safe cereals.
Can I make this spicier?
Definitely! To add more heat, you can mix a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or extra chili powder
into your taco seasoning blend. Adjust to your desired level of spice.
How can I ensure the seasoning sticks evenly?
The key is to mix thoroughly, preferably using your hands. Pouring the butter-water-seasoning mixture in two
stages (half, then the rest) and mixing well after each addition helps ensure everything gets coated. And remember
to spread the mix in a single layer on the baking sheet for even toasting, which helps the seasoning adhere.
Is this suitable for a large crowd?
This recipe yields 20 servings, making it perfect for gatherings. If you need an even larger quantity, you can
easily double or triple the recipe. Just ensure you use multiple baking sheets to avoid overcrowding and ensure
even baking.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Chex Mix is more than just a snack; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a touch of creativity
can transform everyday staples into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a party, looking for a
delicious movie night treat, or simply want a savory, crunchy snack to munch on, this recipe delivers on all
fronts. The bold taco flavor combined with the satisfying crunch of cereals, chips, and pretzels creates an
addictive snack that will have everyone coming back for more. So, next time you have a surplus of cereal or a
hankering for a unique savory snack, give this Taco Chex Mix a try. You won’t be disappointed!