This Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix is a swoon-worthy twist on the nostalgic snack we all know and love! Savory, herby, and kissed with a touch of maple, this irresistible mix is packed with crunchy Chex, pretzels, sunflower and pumpkin seeds—all coated in the aromatic goodness of rosemary and olive oil. Prepare to fall in love with your new go-to party mix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavor: Every handful bursts with rosemary, savory soy, garlic, and just a hint of maple sweetness for an unforgettable snack.
- Wholesome Crunch: The blend of Chex cereals, seeds, and pretzels brings texture and a healthy twist that makes snacking feel extra satisfying.
- Totally Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a movie night, game day, or holiday party, Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix is a guaranteed favorite for adults and kids alike.
- Easy to Customize: You can adapt ingredients or flavors in a snap—no last-minute store runs necessary!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix so addictive? It’s all about the balance of simple, honest ingredients—each one lending its own special magic to the final mix. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love it!).
- Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, and Rice Chex: These crispy cereals give the mix its signature crunch and soak up every drop of the rosemary olive oil mixture.
- Pretzels: For an extra salty, snappable bite that makes the whole mix even more fun.
- Hulled Sunflower Seeds & Pumpkin Seeds: Add wonderful nutty flavor (plus a boost of nutrition!) without any tree nuts, making this snack friendly for many allergies.
- Olive Oil: The base of our savory coating, olive oil keeps things heart-healthy and rich in flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Just a tablespoon adds a natural, subtle sweetness that balances the herbs and umami notes.
- Soy Sauce: The secret for that craveable, savory edge—feel free to use tamari for a gluten-free version!
- Thyme: Pairs beautifully with rosemary for extra earthy depth.
- Fresh Rosemary: Absolutely essential—freshly chopped rosemary infuses the entire mix with garden-fresh, woodsy aroma.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Classic flavors that layer in extra savoriness.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a boost of cheesy, umami flavor that’s completely plant-based (and packed with B vitamins!).
Variations
The beauty of Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix is how endlessly riffable it is! Don’t be afraid to swap, add, or subtract to make it your own—this recipe is deliciously flexible.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels and sub tamari for soy sauce to keep every bite celiac-friendly.
- Add a Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne with the oil mixture for a gentle heat.
- Go Nutty: Stir in roasted almonds or cashews for even more crunch and flavor complexity—just keep in mind any allergies.
- Savory Swap: Change up the herbs—try sage or dill for a fun flavor twist, or sprinkle in smoked paprika for depth.
How to Make Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F and lining one large, rimmed baking sheet (or two smaller ones) with parchment paper. This ensures super easy cleanup and guarantees the mix will get evenly golden without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Savory Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, thyme, chopped rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutritional yeast. This becomes a fragrant, golden elixir that’s about to transform the humble Chex into something extraordinary!
Step 3: Mix and Coat Everything
In a gigantic mixing bowl, add all three kinds of Chex cereal, pretzels, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Pour your rosemary olive oil mixture evenly over the top, then toss—gently but thoroughly—until every piece glistens.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy, Golden Perfection
Spread the coated snack mix evenly across your prepared pan(s). Pop into the oven and bake for one glorious hour, giving it a good stir every 15 minutes. This step is key for even toasting and ultimate crunch.
Step 5: Cool and Devour
Once golden and deeply aromatic, remove the mix from the oven and let it cool completely right on the sheet. The mix crisps up even more as it cools—just try not to sneak too many handfuls while you wait!
Pro Tips for Making Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix
- Fresh Rosemary Magic: Chop your fresh rosemary as finely as possible—it releases oils that thread every piece of Chex Mix with incredible herby aroma.
- Even Coating Technique: Pour the oil mixture slowly and toss frequently for a few minutes to ensure every nook and cranny is deliciously coated—no bland bites allowed!
- Bake Low and Slow: Resist cranking up the oven—300°F is the sweet spot for thorough crisping without burning the delicate seeds or herbs.
- Toss During Baking: Stirring every 15 minutes is essential for even toasting—set a timer and don’t skip this step for maximal crunch!
How to Serve Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished Chex Mix with a little extra chopped fresh rosemary or a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking for an extra pop of flavor and a pretty, rustic look. A tiny drizzle of olive oil before serving can add sheen and fragrance.
Side Dishes
Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix stands strong on its own, but pairs beautifully with cheese boards, fresh vegetable crudités, or a crisp green salad. It’s also wonderful alongside a bowl of hot soup for a crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack the mix into cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts, pile it high in pretty bowls for parties, or portion into individual cups for easy, grab-and-go snacking. For holidays, nestle sprigs of rosemary in serving bowls to play up that fresh herb aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature—away from heat or humidity—for up to a week. It stays fresh, crisp, and flavorful, making it perfect for snacking all week long.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Chex Mix! Let it cool completely, then place in freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep for up to two months; let it come to room temperature before serving for maximum crunch.
Reheating
If your mix starts to lose its crispness, simply spread it on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool before storing again—good as new!
FAQs
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Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh in Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix?
Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh rosemary, use about one-third the amount of dried (so roughly 2 teaspoons). The flavor will be a bit less vibrant, but still delicious.
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Is there a way to make this Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix gluten-free?
Yes! There are plenty of gluten-free pretzel brands, and if you use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce, your mix will be safe for gluten-sensitive snackers.
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Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely—roasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews blend beautifully here. You can also try adding cheese crackers, bagel chips, or even roasted chickpeas for variety.
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How long does Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix stay fresh?
When stored in a tightly-sealed container at room temperature, it’s wonderfully crunchy for up to a week. After that, it’s still safe to eat but can lose its crispness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a bowl of homemade Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix—every bite feels cozy, familiar, and just a little bit fancy! I hope you give this recipe a whirl and discover just how effortlessly a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create your new favorite crowd-pleasing snack. Can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!
Print
Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Description
A savory and herb-infused twist on traditional Chex mix, this Rosemary Olive Oil Chex Mix is a flavorful and addictive snack perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cereal Mix:
- 1 1/2 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 1 1/2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 1/2 cups Rice Chex cereal
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups pretzels
- 1/2 cup hulled sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup hulled pumpkin seeds
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp thyme (fresh or dried)
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Olive Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutritional yeast.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix all three Chex cereals, pretzels, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Pour the olive oil mixture over the dry ingredients and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake: Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
