Slow Cooker Chex Mix (Gluten Free)
Developed and tested by Robyn Conley Downs
on Nov 10, 2022 (last updated May 22, 2026) 
Made with corn and rice Chex, gf pretzels, mixed nuts, and a homemade savory seasoning blend, this slow cooker Chex mix has all the crunchy, salty flavor of the classic with none of the oven babysitting. Just toss everything in the crockpot, stir occasionally, and you have a crowd-pleasing party snack!
5 star review
“This turned out great! And so easy! Making for a second time today. ”
– Christina
My Favorite Easy Gluten Free Party Snack Mix
There is a reason this slow cooker Chex mix is my go-to party snack all season long, and it comes down to how easy it is! You just toss the Chex, pretzels, and nuts right in the crockpot, pour over a buttery homemade seasoning blend, and let the slow cooker do the work while your oven stays free for everything else. It comes out just as crunchy and savory as the classic baked version, with that buttery, garlicky, Worcestershire-spiked flavor everyone reaches for again and again.
The stirring is the part that makes the biggest difference here, so set a timer and give the mix a gentle toss every 15 to 30 minutes. It keeps the pieces from scorching against the hot sides of the crockpot and helps the seasoning coat everything evenly. Use a rubber spatula and a light hand so you do not crush the Chex as you go, and pull it out as soon as it looks toasty and dry rather than greasy.
The texture sets as it cools, not while it is warm, so resist the urge to judge it straight from the crockpot. Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet and let it cool completely, and it will crisp right up into that signature crunch! And for another easy crowd-pleaser to set out alongside it, my cottage cheese queso goes fast at a party, and my slow cooker taco dip is another hands-off appetizer that frees up your oven!
Robyn’s Testing Notes for Party Mix in the Slow Cooker
- Skip the nuts for a nut free version, or swap in your favorites like almonds, cashews, or peanuts depending on the crowd.
- Turn this into sweet chex mix by stirring half a cup of honey into the melted butter, or make it spicy with a teaspoon of cayenne in the butter mixture.
- Cool the mix completely before storing, then keep it sealed tightly at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks, which makes it great for prepping ahead of a party or packaging as a homemade gift.
Slow Cooker Chex Mix (Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups corn Chex cereal
- 4 ½ cups rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini gluten-free pretzels
- 1 cup 1 cup mixed nuts, such as peanuts, almonds, or cashews
- 8 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
Equipment
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, mix together the dry ingredients (corn Chex, rice Chex, pretzels and nuts).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, or melt in a small microwave safe bowl. Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the cereal mixture, tossing until evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring every 15-30 minutes.
- Remove from the slow cooker, spread in an even layer, and allow to cool completely, then serve or store.
Notes
- Check Your Ingredients! For true gluten-free, you’ll need to ensure ALL your ingredients are gf, especially the pretzels, nuts, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Note that if you have a slow cooker that doesn’t have a small vent hole in the lid, this recipe might not work well, as the condensation will drip on the mix, leaving it soggy. You can try adding a clean kitchen towel directly under the lid to catch any condensation, but do not leave the slow cooker unattended in this case.
Thanks Robyn! How do you think ghee would work as a substitute for butter?
Annie, yes, melted ghee should work well as a sub for the melted butter. Hope you enjoy!
This turned out great! And so easy! Making for a second time today.
Yay, so happy to hear this one was so easy and came out well! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Christina!
Trying for the first time, can I use vegan butter?
Patty, yes, this recipe works well with vegan butter! I hope you enjoy!
How long does it last?
Hi Danielle, about 2-3 weeks tightly sealed as long as you make sure it’s completely cooled first. I have all the details on storage written out in the blog post above as well. I hope you enjoy!