Chex Mix is a classic snack with just the right blend of salty, sweet and crunchy components. It is also popular because it is easily variable to meet your own snack cravings and needs, whether you like yours with pretzels or cheerios, or both, every combination is possible. This Instructable explores and details the use of a crock pot or slow cooker to make Chex Mix instead of the usual bake in the oven method.

Step 1: Ingredients

Again, Chex Mix is one of those magical snacks that when made at home has a plethora of variations. Experiment and find out what you like in your Chex Mix! For this Instructable I stuck with the "classic" Chex Mix combination of three types of Chex cereal, cheerios, peanuts and pretzels.

Gather the Following:

3 Cups Rice Chex Cereal
3 Cups Wheat Chex Cereal
3 Cups Corn Chex Cereal
2 Cups Honey Nut Cheerios
1 Cup Pretzels
1 Cup Peanuts
1 Stick of Butter (melted)
4 Tablespoons Worcestershire
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt*

*Note: Worcestershire is already pretty salty. If you aren't a salt fan, you may want to omit the extra teaspoon of salt.

Step 2: Sauce

If you haven't already, melt your butter either in the microwave or using a double broiler. Once you have your melted butter, add your onion powder, garlic, Worcestershire and salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Combining Crunch

Add your wheat, corn and rice Chex to your slow cooker. Add your peanuts, cheerios and pretzels to the slow cooker as well. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.

Step 4: Combine

Add your Chex Mix sauce to your dry ingredients. Stir gently again with either your wooden spoon or rubber spatula. If you find that you are breaking up the cereal Chex with your wooden spoon, try switching solely to the rubber spatula which will be a little bit more forgiving as you stir your mix.

Step 5: Cook

Set your slow cooker to low. Cook your Chex Mix on low for 3 hours. Stir your Chex Mix twice every hour to ensure even heating and uniform sauce coating.

Step 6: To Cover or Not to Cover

If your slow cooker has a lid with a vent hole, you can cover your Chex Mix for the first hour. If it does not have vent hole, do NOT cover your Chex Mix or it will end up soggy and moist. If you are worried at all about moist chex, simply skip covering your Chex Mix all together.

Step 7: Enjoy

You're done! You've made homemade Chex Mix in your slow cooker. It's easy, simple, and delicious. Whip up a batch for your next party, super bowl, game night, or rainy afternoon! Enjoy.

If you aren't going to consume your Chex all at once, store in an air tight container or ziplock bag to avoid the cereal becoming stale.