Go Back

Sweet & Salty Patriotic Chex Mix

Sweet & Salty Patriotic Chex Mix coats Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and pretzels in melted white chocolate, then finishes with red, white, and blue candies and sprinkles. It sets into crunchy clusters—ideal for July 4th parties and summer snack tables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
chilling/setting 30 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chex Mix Base
  • 3 cup Rice Chex cereal
  • 3 cup Corn Chex cereal
  • 2 cup mini pretzels
  • 1 cup roasted salted peanuts Optional
Coating & Mix-ins
  • 2 cup white chocolate chips or white melting wafers
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup red M&Ms or red candy-coated chocolate pieces
  • 1 cup blue M&Ms or blue candy-coated chocolate pieces
  • 1 cup white M&Ms or white chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup red, white & blue sprinkles
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup white cheddar popcorn Optional
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries Optional for extra red
  • 0.5 cup yogurt-covered raisins Optional for extra white

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

Prep
  1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a very large mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex cereal, Corn Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and roasted salted peanuts (if using), then toss gently so pieces stay whole.
Melt and coat
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips or white melting wafers with coconut oil or vegetable shortening, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth (about 1½–2 minutes total).
  2. Pour the melted white chocolate over the Chex mix and fold and stir with a large spatula until every piece is evenly coated, working quickly before the chocolate begins to set.
  3. Spread the coated mixture in an even layer across the prepared baking sheets.
Add colors and set
  1. Immediately scatter the red M&Ms (or red candy-coated chocolate pieces), white M&Ms (or white chocolate chips), and blue M&Ms (or blue candy-coated chocolate pieces) evenly over the top while the chocolate is still wet so they stick.
  2. Sprinkle red, white & blue sprinkles generously over the entire surface.
  3. Allow the mix to set at room temperature for 45–60 minutes, or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until the white chocolate is fully hardened.
Finish and store
  1. Once set, break the mixture into clusters and transfer to a large serving bowl or airtight bags.
  2. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

Pro tip: Work fast right after coating—if the chocolate starts to thicken, it won’t hold the candies and sprinkles as well. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days. Freezing: no. Dietary swap: for a dairy-free option, use dairy-free white chocolate chips or melting wafers.