Slow Cooker Party Snack Mix

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3 Tips for Better Slow-Cooker Chex Party Mix:
Avoid a soggy snack mix: Use an oval slow cooker for more surface area in heating the party mix. Place a double layer of paper towels under the lid to catch any condensation that gathers and keep it from dripping down onto the party mix.

Don't overcook it: The mix will look dry, not greasy or wet, when it is ready. Keep an eye on the pretzels and the Wheat Chex — these are the first to show signs of burning if you are close to overcooking the mix.

Add fragile mix-ins at the end: Cheeseballs are one of my favorite upgrades to classic party mix, but they get squished and overcooked in the slow cooker. Add these when the snack mix is done and cooling.

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  • 12

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Corn Chex cereal (4 1/2 ounces)
  • 4 cups Rice Chex cereal (3 3/4 ounces)
  • 2 cups Wheat Chex cereal (4 ounces)
  • 2 cups bite-sized pretzels (3 ounces)
  • 2 cups bagel chips (3 ounces), broken into bite-sized pieces (such as Stacy's Simply Naked bagel chips)
  • 1 cup cheese-flavored crackers, mini breadsticks, mini crackers, or oyster crackers (2 ounces)
  • 1 cup nuts, such as Party Peanuts (4 1/2 ounces, optional)
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder

Preparation

Step 1

Combine the cereals, chips, and nuts: Place the cereals, pretzels, bagel chips, other crackers, and nuts (if using) in a 6-quart (preferably oval-shaped) slow cooker. Using 2 wooden spoons, gently toss together, being careful not to crush the cereal.

Mix the seasonings: Whisk the butter, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder together in a small bowl or measuring cup. Pour half over the dry ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Pour in the remaining half and toss again.

Cover with paper towels: Place a double layer of paper towels over the top of the slow cooker to catch condensation.

Slow-cook the party mix: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. When it is done, the party mix should look toasty and relatively dry.

Cool the party mix: Pour the party mix onto a work surface or baking sheets lined with parchment or paper towels. Spread into a single layer. Cool for 5 minutes before serving or storing.

Store the party mix: Party mix can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Recipe Notes:
Bagel chips substitution: If you can't find bagel chips, use oyster or bruschetta crackers instead.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

How to Make a Sweet Version of Snack Mix
For a sweet snack mix base, omit the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Replace them with 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, 1/2 cup granulated or brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Per serving, based on 12 servings. (% daily value)
Calories 292 Fat 14.3 g (22%) Saturated 5.8 g (29.1%) Trans 0.3 g Carbs
38.3 g (12.8%) Fiber 3.6 g (14.5%) Sugars 3.8 g Protein 5.4 g (10.9%)
Cholesterol 20.4 mg (6.8%) Sodium 410 mg (17.1%)

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