Sweet, salty, crunchy, and totally addictive — this Maple Bacon Chex Mix hits every craving in one bite.
It’s made with crispy bacon, real maple syrup, and all your favorite mix-ins like pretzels, cereal, and nuts.
The best part? You can whip up a big batch in under an hour, and it’s perfect for movie nights, game day, or gifting during the holidays.
🍴 What You’ll Need
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1½ cups pecan halves
- 1½ cups crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this for a holiday party, and now it’s the one thing everyone begs me to bring to every get-together. It’s like trail mix’s cooler cousin—sweet from the maple syrup, salty from the bacon, and toasty from the nuts and cereal. It stores well (if you can stop yourself from eating it all) and makes a thoughtful, unique snack gift too.
- Perfect balance of sweet + salty + smoky
- Big batch snack that stays crispy
- Super easy to customize
- Smells amazing while it bakes
🍽️ Servings & Cook Time
- Servings: About 10 cups (10–12 servings)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The maple syrup and brown sugar caramelize in the oven, coating the cereal and pretzels to create a glossy, crunchy shell. Butter helps it spread evenly and adds richness. Bacon brings in crispy texture and savory balance to all that sweetness. The low heat allows everything to toast slowly, locking in flavor without burning the sugar.
❌ Common Mistakes
- Not stirring during baking: You have to stir every 15 minutes or it’ll clump and burn in spots.
- Using thick-cut bacon: It won’t crisp up properly and can go soggy. Use regular bacon!
- Adding bacon too early: Add it halfway through baking so it doesn’t overcook.
- Skipping parchment paper: Makes cleanup so much easier and prevents sticking.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (rimmed)
- Parchment paper
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups + spoons
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds
- Use gluten-free pretzels and cereal for a GF version
- Add a handful of dried cranberries after baking
- Skip cayenne if you don’t want heat
- Try honey instead of maple syrup (flavor will change)
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- Can be made up to 5 days in advance — just cool completely and store in an airtight container
- Keeps well at room temp or in the fridge if it’s extra humid where you live
👩🍳 How to Make Sweet & Salty Maple Bacon Chex Mix
Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crispy. Transfer to paper towels and chop into small pieces once cooled. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups corn Chex, 4 cups rice Chex, 2 cups mini pretzels, and 1½ cups pecans. Gently toss.
Step 3: Make the Maple Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup butter. Stir in ⅓ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp cayenne (optional), and 1 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth and just bubbling.
Step 4: Coat the Mix
Pour the warm glaze over the cereal mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Mix
Spread mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Bacon
After 20 minutes of baking, sprinkle chopped bacon over the mix and stir it in. Finish baking for the remaining 20 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let mix cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools. Once cooled, break into chunks and store or serve.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days
- Freeze in zip-top bags for longer storage (up to 1 month)
- Do not refrigerate – it’ll get soggy
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Game day wings or sliders
- Holiday party spreads
- Cheese boards
- A cold beer or hot apple cider
- Ice cream (trust me — sweet + salty is magical)
❓ FAQ
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but it won’t get as crispy or flavorful as pork bacon. Cook it extra well before adding.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.
Is it spicy with the cayenne?
Not really. It just gives a gentle heat. Skip it if you’re sensitive to spice.
🎉 That’s It!
Now you’ve got a batch of sweet, salty, smoky Maple Bacon Chex Mix that people won’t stop eating. It’s easy, crave-worthy, and great for parties or snacking at home. Try it, make it your own, and let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear if you added your own twist — leave a comment or ask me anything if you have questions. 💬
