With its flavorful seasonings and satisfying crunch, party mix (more commonly known as “Chex Mix” for the brand of cereal that popularized the recipe) is a favorite American party snack — especially during the holiday season. Traditionally made from a combination of seasoned cereals, nuts, pretzels, and other crunchy tidbits, recipes for party mix are so easy to customize that many families will fine-tune their own signature “house” version.
Retro Party Mix | History and Recipe Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Ever wondered about the history of party mix? Not surprisingly, it began with the invention of Wheat Chex cereal by Ralston Purina (yes, that Purina) in the late 1930s, only then the cereal was known as Shredded Ralston. The name was officially changed in 1950, the same year Rice Chex was introduced. The word “chex” was a play on the red and white checkerboard logo that Purina still uses today.
It’s likely that versions of party mix were enjoyed throughout the late 1930s and 1940s, but Ralston Purina didn’t begin publishing their official party mix recipe (printed on the box, of course) until 1952. It included both kinds of Chex and nuts, tossed in a combination of Worcestershire sauce, butter, garlic salt, and salt. Everything was mixed together and baked in the oven at a low temperature, then cooled and stored until ready for munching. When Corn Chex arrived on the scene in 1958, it quickly joined the party (mix).
Future savory recipes evolved to include additions like pretzels, bagel chips, melba toast, cheese crackers, oat cereal, and seasonings like onion powder or ranch dressing mix. And those bags of pre-made Chex Mix (now made by General Mills) in multiple savory and sweet flavors? They didn’t begin to arrive until 1985.
This retro party mix we’re sharing today is a fairly classic recipe, calling for three kinds of Chex cereal (rice, corn, and wheat) plus Cheerios, pretzel sticks, and peanuts.
Assembling our party mix ingredients! Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Making this homemade party mix couldn’t be simpler. First, place the cereals, nuts, and pretzels in a large bowl (either really large, or 2 average large) and mix together. Then, in a separate bowl, stir together a stick of melted butter, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt.
Distribute the cereal mixture into one large or two small roasting pans, then drizzle the melted butter mixture over the cereal and toss to coat. A rubber spatula works best here, since you can work it under the edges of the cereal with minimal crushing.
Toss to coat, then cover and bake! Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
After a few folds, cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for an hour at 225 degrees, then remove the foil and bake for another hour, giving the mixture another fold-and-toss every 15 minutes.
By this point, it’s hard to stop yourself from sneaking a piece or two, so just go for it. Let the party mix cool to room temperature, and then store it in airtight containers or zip-top bags until it’s time to dig in.
This party mix is ready to party. Photo Credit : Aimee Seavey
Does your family have a favorite party mix addition? Tell us about it in the comments!
This post was first published in 2016 and has been updated.
Aimee Tucker is Yankee Magazine’s Senior Digital Editor. A lifelong New Englander and Yankee contributor since 2010, Aimee has written columns devoted to history, foliage, retro food, and architecture, and regularly shares her experiences in New England travel, home, and gardening. Her most memorable Yankee experiences to date include meeting Stephen King, singing along to a James Taylor Fourth of July concert at Tanglewood, and taking to the skies in the Hood blimp for an open-air tour of the Massachusetts coastline.
My mom made this every Christmas that I remember and called it Scrabble! My niece continues the tradition and gives us Aunts a tin filled with Nana’s Scrabble each year! <3
I sometimes add a couple teaspoons of lemon or lime juice. I also like it with a 1/2 teaspoon of crushed celery seeds or celery salt.
Grandma made nuts and bolts for many years. Mom made a big batch sometimes with ingredients supplied at a family gathering. I often make it to give away to friends and coworkers.
I still use the same recipe my mother used from a 1954 cookbook. The recipe is titled Bite-Sized Tidbits but we also always referred to it as Nuts and Bolts.
My mother made this every year for Christmas and I have carried on the tradition making multiple batches for my daughter and son. They expect this every year along with some family cookies.
My mom made this every Christmas that I remember and called it Scrabble! My niece continues the tradition and gives us Aunts a tin filled with Nana’s Scrabble each year! <3
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Chex Mix! My Mom always made this. After she passed away my sister carried on the tradition.
Don’t COVER before baking! The whole idea of baking is to make it crunchy.
I agree. I just leave it uncovered and “fluff” it every 15 minutes for 60-90 minutes depending on if it is a whole or 1.5 batches
I like to omit the Cheerios and add cheese balls.
Long live nuts and bolts!
That’s what we called it as well!
We called it nuts and bolts also!
We make it every year! My kids would revolt if it wasn’t ‘out’ on Christmas Eve.
Add a couple of cups (or more) of M&Ms (or Reese’s bits) for a sweet spicey treat that the friend who suggested it calls “TV Trash”
We have a recipe in the family from the 40s of the original original called SCRAMBLE.
I sometimes add a couple teaspoons of lemon or lime juice. I also like it with a 1/2 teaspoon of crushed celery seeds or celery salt.
Grandma made nuts and bolts for many years. Mom made a big batch sometimes with ingredients supplied at a family gathering. I often make it to give away to friends and coworkers.
Thank you! I swear that the original recipe I had called for lemon juice. Of course I can’t find my recipe! I don’t know how much to add though.
I still use the same recipe my mother used from a 1954 cookbook. The recipe is titled Bite-Sized Tidbits but we also always referred to it as Nuts and Bolts.
My Dad who really wasn’t a cook , made this every year for Christmas. My 5 siblings happily devoured it, to the very last piece! A great memory.
My mother made this every year for Christmas and I have carried on the tradition making multiple batches for my daughter and son. They expect this every year along with some family cookies.
This is a staple at my family’s Thanksgiving weekend game nights. Love it!
I used to have a recipe for this that called for beau monde. Does anyone have this old original recipe?
Beau Monde is simply a blend of Salt, Dextrose, Onion, Celery Seed and Silicon Dioxide. You just add celery seeds to the recipe.
Does anyone have the old recipe that called for beau monde?
This is not about Chex mix which I also make every year, but about the Friendly’s Jubilee Roll. Apparently they aren’t making it any more! Sad