Ohhh Chex Mix. One of the BEST packaged mixes out there. I could eat bags and bags of it.
My mom also used to make the homemade version when I was a kid, and it was even better homemade. Since I haven’t been able to eat the packaged, or traditional homemade version in years, I wanted to create a version that was gluten free, vegan, gut-friendly and soy free. That meant no Worcestershire sauce, no soy sauce, no garlic powder, no onion powder…. No Chex mix?! This recipe has been on my list to make for months but I haven’t tackled it because I knew it was going to be challenging. But using similar ingredients in replacement and omitting the garlic and onion, I was able to create a tasty little mix! So yes, this is safe for a low fodmap diet.
I am sticking to my ‘salty and savory’ January as a little reset after the Christmas cookie binge. I have had fun playing with different flavors and ingredients, but I’m much more of a salty person than a sweets person (can you believe it?) so I have a hard time containing myself after making these snacks! Between the Chex mix and recently remaking my favorite Cheez it recipe, I haven’t stopped snacking in days. Which, if you have digestive issues, you know this doesn’t end up in the most pleasant results. But well worth it, salty crunchy and delicious. A great gluten free snack.
If you are looking for a good Sunday football healthy snack, this gluten free Chex Mix is so easy to make and packs a good crunch!
This Chex Party Mix is gluten free, vegan, low fodmap and allergen free!
I have been craving Chex Mix for so long but have never eaten it because I have to avoid soy, wheat, garlic and dairy. Which is everything in a packaged Chex mix, and most homemade Chex mixes are made with Worcestershire sauce which contains garlic, soy and…. anchovies!! (insert tongue emoji here). So I wanted to create a flavor that was still salty and tangy and delicious without the gluten, dairy, garlic and made vegan.
Is gluten free Chex Party Mix easy to make?
It’s so much easier than baking a dessert that’s for sure! You mix all your ingredients in a large bowl, melt the liquid ingredients and mix them into together and bake!
How to store the vegan Chex Party Mix?
This stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. It won’t last that long though.
What is in this gluten free Chex Party Mix?
Chex Cereal: or similar. Rice Chex and Corn Chex are gluten free. I am sensitive to corn so I just use rice Chex in my mix
Gluten Free Mini Pretzels: I used Hanover’s and Savor Street grain free pretzels here but any will work
Almonds/Cashews/Nuts: I personally avoid peanuts so I used almonds and cashews
My Vegan/GF Cheez Its: These are probably the best homemade cheese crackers you’ll ever make! They taste true to a Cheez it and are just 4 ingredients. The recipe is here.
Coconut Aminos: This is my favorite soy-free soy sauce alternative. It tastes similar but a bit less salty. You can use any soy sauce or Tamari in replacement
Nutritional Yeast: This is to add some flavor to the mix since we are not using Worcestershire sauce or garlic/onion. Nutritional yeast is actually a vegan substitute for a cheesy powder
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a little tang to your mix
Non-Dairy Butter: You can use real butter or ghee as well, but I used Miyoko’s dairy free butter Spices: I used paprika, but you also have the option of adding onion or garlic powder if you are not following a low Fodmap diet. Or some cayenne for a kick.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a vegan seasoning with a cheesy flavor. It is often used in vegan snacks and can be sprinkled over popcorn or made into cheese sauces. It is rich in vitamin B-12 and full of protein. This recipe calls for 1 tbsp so it just adds a little flavor, it does not make a cheesy based mix.
What are coconut aminos?
Coconut aminos are fermented coconut sap. It is similar to a soy sauce in taste and texture without the soy. It’s great in stir fries and with sushi and asian dishes. Here it’s a substitute for soy sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, you can always use soy sauce of choice in replacement.
What special kitchen tools are needed?
Just a big bowl for mixing and a large baking sheet and spatula
Ingredients:
For the Chex mix:
4 cups of rice Chex or similar cereal
2 cups of my homemade cheez its or similar cheese cracker of choice
2 cups of mini pretzels half twisted and half sticks
1 cup of almonds
1/2 cup of cashews
Other add ins of choice (plantain chips, Cheerios, GF bagel chips)
For the seasoning:
1 heaping tbsp of nutritional yeast
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp of coconut aminos or gluten free soy sauce
1/3 cup non dairy butter
1/2 tsp of paprika or smoked paprika
1/8 tsp+ of sea salt omit if using real soy sauce
Optional for non-fodmappers:
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
How to make the Chex Party Mix:
Preheat the oven to 250F. In a large bowl, combine all the Chex mix ingredients and set aside.
In a small saucepan (or in a microwaveable bowl), combine all the seasoning ingredients and heat until melted together and fully combined.
Pour the seasoning over the Chex mix in the large bowl and mix well until the pieces are coated with the seasoning.
On a full size/large baking sheet, spread your Chex mixture evenly. Cook for an hour, stirring and mixing every 15 minutes. If it is not to your preferred crunch level at 60 minutes, stir again every 15 minutes until nice and crispy.
When ready, let cool and enjoy. I feel the flavor enhances after fully cooled and do have a stronger flavor the next day. Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
You can customize this recipe to your liking or preference. If you are not following a low fodmap diet, garlic and onion powder would be a great addition. You can also add a hint of cayenne pepper for a kick.
You can substitute soy sauce for the coconut aminos if you are not intolerant to soy.
Feel free to add in other mix ins such as peanuts, plain Cheerios, plantain chips, bagel chips, and other favorite crunchy GF snacks
If the mix is not crunchy to your liking by 60 minutes, keep in the oven for 15 minute increments until browned and crunchier.
Right out of the oven I felt the basic recipe without additional seasonings was a little plain. But overnight the flavors enhanced and marinated…aka, it’ll be more flavorful the next day!
If you make this Chex Mix, please leave me comments or ratings below! And tag me in your creations @gutsy_baker on Instagram!
xo Stephanie