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If you’re craving a hint of smoky goodness, you must try this Irresistibly Crunchy Traeger Smoked Chex Mix recipe! Loaded with pretzels, peanuts, crackers, and more, this easy snack mix is perfect for parties and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Years and years ago I made a slow cooker Chex mix recipe that I think is delicious, but it was always lacking a little something. This year I changed things up a bit and stuck it in our Traeger to smoke for an hour. SUCCESS! Now that’s the savory Chex mix recipe I was looking for all these years. A little more flavor, no extra work.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Smoked Chex Mix
- What Kind of Pellets Should I Use in My Pellet Grill?
- Variations
- How to Make Smoked Chex Mix
- Can This Chex Mix Be Made in the Oven?
- Other Options for Add-Ins
- Can Chex Mix Be Made Ahead of Time?
- How Do I Store Chex Mix?
- More Snack Recipes to Eat by the Handful:
- Traeger Smoked Chex Mix Recipe
I don’t recall enjoying Chex Mix very often during my childhood—unless we were camping. Back then, it wasn’t even the Chex Mix we know today; it was those delicious Gardettos bags! Mmmmm, I loved munching on those while enjoying the great outdoors. We always had red vines and Gardettos at Girls’ Camp, a camp our church put on for 12-18-year-olds and there was nothing better than late-night giggling and snacks
While I may not be heading off to Girls’ Camp anymore, I still believe that no party is complete without tasty finger foods and a bowl of something crunchy for everyone to grab and enjoy. Am I right?
Ingredients for Smoked Chex Mix
There are just a few ingredients in the sauce that you pour all over the snack mix, and then you can really put anything you want in it. I’ve included a section below on other options, but this is our favorite combo:
- Melted Butter
- Vegetable Oil
- Italian Dressing Powder
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Sugar
- Corn Chex
- Mini Pretzels
- Oyster Crackers
- Cheezit Crackers
- Salted Peanuts
- Bagel Chips
The measurements for each can be found in the recipe card below. You can also print or save the recipe card there.
What Kind of Pellets Should I Use in My Pellet Grill?
There’s plenty of freedom in choosing the right pellets for this recipe, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find what your family loves best! For a sweet and mild smokiness, cherry pellets are an excellent choice. If you’re in the mood for a bold kick, mesquite pellets deliver a robust punch that’s hard to beat. For a lighter, sweeter touch, apple wood pellets infuse your dishes with a delightful smoky flavor. And if you prefer versatility, a standard pellet blend works great too!
Variations
The beauty of making your own Chex Mix is that you can customize it in any way you want! This recipe’s smokiness elevates the classic snack to a whole new level. Here are some of my favorite additions to elevate your Chex Mix:
- Swap the Cheez-Its for Goldfish cheese crackers for a fun twist that adds a different texture and flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your butter mixture to kick things up a notch, giving your mix a zesty punch that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Not a fan of peanuts? Substitute them for other nuts like cashews or almonds, or feel free to omit them altogether!
- Toss in some rye chips, one of my favorite parts of traditional Chex Mix, to add a robust flavor and unique crunch that you’ll love.
- Recently, we’ve started experimenting with multi-grain Cheerios, and let me tell you, they are absolutely delicious!
Feel free to mix and match to create your ultimate snack mix masterpiece!
How to Make Smoked Chex Mix
A snack mix should be easy and delicious, and that is just what this recipe is! You basically combine all the ingredients and then smoke them. Here are a few more details:
- Heat your pellet smoker.
- Combine all the ingredients for the sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine all the snack ingredients, then drizzle the sauce over the top and toss everything together to coat.
- Spread it all out on a large baking sheet.
- Place in the smoker stirring frequently.
All of the details can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Can This Chex Mix Be Made in the Oven?
If you don’t have a smoker, you can definitely make it in the oven. You won’t have that smoky flavor, but it will still be extra tasty!
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven 250° F.
- Transfer the Chex Mix onto two baking sheets with parchment paper, spreading it into an even layer.
- Bake the Chex Mix for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely then serve.
Other Options for Add-Ins
Here are a few more ideas for ingredients to add:
- Bugles
- Rice Chex or Wheat Chex
- M&Ms
- Cashews
- Sesame Sticks
- Goldfish Crackers
- Crispix
- Cheese Puffs
This is totally up to you! Put your favorite snack ingredients in it and devour!
Can Chex Mix Be Made Ahead of Time?
This chex mix is best when made and eaten within a day or two which makes it the perfect party prep food as you can prepare it in advance.
How Do I Store Chex Mix?
Store in an airtight container once cooled for up to 1 week.
If your next game-day party needs a smoky, savory, and crunchy snack (which all parties should have!), then this smoked Chex mix recipe is your answer!
More Snack Recipes to Eat by the Handful:
- 5 Minute Reese’s Snack Mix
- Muddy Buddies Mix
- Churro Chex Mix
- Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels
- Ranch Slow Cooker Chex Mix
- Reese’s Krispies Popcorn
- Coconut Oil Kettle Corn
- All our yummy Snack Recipes!
Traeger Smoked Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
- 5 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 2 Packets of Italian Dressing Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 4 Cups Corn Chex
- 3 Cups Oyster Crackers
- 3 Cups Cheezit Crackers
- 3 Cups Mini Pretzels
- 1 Cup Dry Roasted Lightly Salted Peanuts
- 1-2 Cups Broken Bagel Chips
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F. If your smoker has a super smoke option and you want an extra smoky flavor, feel free to use it, but be sure to increase the cooking time by 30 minutes.
- In a glass measuring cup, melt the butter in 15 second intervals in the microwave until melted.2 Tablespoons Butter
- Stir in the oil, Italian dressing, Worcestershire, and sugar.5 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil, 2 Packets of Italian Dressing Powder, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce, 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- Line a large jelly roll or cookie sheet with heavy duty foil.
- In a very large bowl, add the cereal, crackers, pretzels, peanuts and bagel chips. Pour the dressing all over and toss well to combine. There should be no oil or seasoning on the bowl's bottom.4 Cups Corn Chex, 3 Cups Mini Pretzels, 3 Cups Oyster Crackers, 3 Cups Cheezit Crackers, 1-2 Cups Broken Bagel Chips, 1 Cup Dry Roasted Lightly Salted Peanuts
- Spread everything out on the cookie sheet (you can use two if you prefer, but make sure you stir often so that nothing will burn.)
- Place everything into the smoker and allow to cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring every 15-30 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container once cooled for up to 1 week.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
