If you’re a fan of bold, tangy flavors and crave a snack with serious crunch, then this Dill Pickle Chex Mix is about to become your go-to treat. It’s a zesty, savory explosion of taste packed into every bite, combining the iconic crispiness of Chex cereal with the unmistakable zing of dill pickles. Whether you’re hosting a game night, binge-watching your favorite series, or simply need a unique snack to brighten your day, this mix checks all the boxes. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and most importantly—completely addictive.
Why is this recipe so popular?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average Chex Mix. It’s a snack that embraces your obsession with dill pickles in a way that’s both unexpected and irresistible. Here’s why it’s a fan-favorite:
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Bold & Tangy Flavor: The combination of real dill pickle chips, briny pickle juice, and classic dill spices delivers a punch of mouthwatering flavor with every handful.
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Satisfying Crunch: With a mix of Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts, you get an unbeatable texture that keeps things exciting.
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Perfect for Parties or Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it for snacks throughout the week—or serve it in a bowl at your next gathering and watch it disappear.
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Customizable: Swap in your favorite nuts or crackers, add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or toss in some cheesy popcorn for a tangy-cheesy twist.
Ingredients
To whip up this crave-worthy Dill Pickle Chex Mix, you’ll need:
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3 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice, or wheat)
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2 cups pretzel sticks
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1 cup roasted peanuts (or cashews, almonds, or a mix)
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1 cup dill pickle chips, chopped into bite-sized pieces
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons dill pickle juice (from the jar)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried dill weed
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Salt, to taste (optional, depending on your ingredients’ salt levels)
Preparation (Step-by-Step)
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Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, peanuts, and chopped dill pickle chips. Give them a gentle toss to evenly distribute.
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Create the dill butter mixture: In a small bowl or saucepan, mix together the melted butter, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill weed. Stir well until fully blended.
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Coat the mix: Pour the dill butter mixture over your Chex mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in that delicious pickle flavor.
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Bake low and slow: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to avoid burning and to promote even crisping.
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Cool & serve: Remove from the oven and let the mix cool completely. It will crisp up as it cools. Once cool, taste and add additional salt if desired.
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Store or serve: Transfer to an airtight container for up to a week (though it’s rarely around that long!).
Variation Ideas
Want to take this Chex Mix to the next level or tweak it to your liking? Here are a few ideas:
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Spicy Pickle Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the butter mixture for a spicy version.
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Cheesy Dill Pickle Mix: Sprinkle with powdered cheese (like white cheddar or Parmesan) after baking.
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Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and replace any animal-derived components with plant-based alternatives.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pretzels and Chex (like rice or corn Chex).
Snack Note
The magic of this Dill Pickle Chex Mix lies in the balance between savory and sour. The briny pickle juice pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and the earthiness of the nuts, while the cereal and pretzels give you the satisfying crunch that keeps your hand reaching back in the bowl. It’s a snack that feels indulgent but homemade and wholesome.
Serving Suggestions
This snack is ultra-versatile. Here’s how you can enjoy it:
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Game Day Snack: Serve it in big bowls with cold drinks for the ultimate football or movie night treat.
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Lunchbox Hero: Pack a small bag in your lunch for a crunchy midday pick-me-up.
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Gift It: Package in cute jars or treat bags for a quirky and delicious homemade gift.
Tips
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Don’t skip stirring during baking! It’s key to getting everything evenly toasted.
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Taste before salting—pickle juice and chips already add plenty of saltiness.
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For extra dill power, sprinkle a pinch more dill weed on top right after baking.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
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Calories: 250
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 16g
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Carbs: 22g
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Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
Can I use flavored Chex cereal?
Yes, but stick to neutral flavors like corn or rice. Sweetened varieties won’t pair well with the dill and garlic flavors.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It keeps well in an airtight container for up to a week and stays crispy.
Can I use pickle-flavored seasoning instead of juice?
You can, but the real pickle juice gives it that authentic zing that makes this mix stand out.
Conclusion
This Dill Pickle Chex Mix is a game-changing twist on a classic snack. With its tangy, garlicky, crunchy combination, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a die-hard pickle fan or just love unique snacks, this mix hits all the right notes. Whip up a batch and see for yourself—just be prepared to make more, because it disappears fast!
Print
Dill Pickle Chex Mix
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
To whip up this crave-worthy Dill Pickle Chex Mix, you’ll need:
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3 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice, or wheat)
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2 cups pretzel sticks
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1 cup roasted peanuts (or cashews, almonds, or a mix)
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1 cup dill pickle chips, chopped into bite-sized pieces
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons dill pickle juice (from the jar)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried dill weed
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Salt, to taste (optional, depending on your ingredients’ salt levels)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, peanuts, and chopped dill pickle chips. Give them a gentle toss to evenly distribute.
-
Create the dill butter mixture: In a small bowl or saucepan, mix together the melted butter, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill weed. Stir well until fully blended.
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Coat the mix: Pour the dill butter mixture over your Chex mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in that delicious pickle flavor.
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Bake low and slow: Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to avoid burning and to promote even crisping.
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Cool & serve: Remove from the oven and let the mix cool completely. It will crisp up as it cools. Once cool, taste and add additional salt if desired.
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Store or serve: Transfer to an airtight container for up to a week (though it’s rarely around that long!).
Notes
The magic of this Dill Pickle Chex Mix lies in the balance between savory and sour. The briny pickle juice pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and the earthiness of the nuts, while the cereal and pretzels give you the satisfying crunch that keeps your hand reaching back in the bowl. It’s a snack that feels indulgent but homemade and wholesome.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 5g