Lingering Shade Chex Mix is the perfect Southern comfort snack to share with friends and family. Growing up, this recipe always made an appearance at our porch gatherings, served alongside tall glasses of sweet tea.
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The mix is bold, zesty, and delightfully crunchy, embodying the flavors of the South with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or preparing for game day, this snack will have everyone asking for more.
A Southern food classic
Southern food has always been about bringing people together. From family reunions to tailgate parties, there’s always a table full of rich, comforting dishes. One of my earliest memories of Southern cooking involves my grandmother preparing a big batch of homemade Chex mix for us kids.
She had a knack for balancing spicy and savory flavors, and this Lingering Shade Chex Mix is my take on her classic recipe. Every bite reminds me of the love and care that goes into Southern cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 8.6 oz. bag Gardetto’s Original Recipe Snack Mix
- 1 12 oz. bag Synder’s Hot Buffalo Wing Pretzel Pieces
- 1 12.4 oz. box CHEEZ IT “DOUZ” Sharp Cheddar/Parmesan
- 1 14 oz. box Wheat Chex
- 1 12 oz. box Rice Chex
- 1 12 oz. box Corn Chex
- 1 lb. Butter
- ¼ cup Minced Garlic
- ½ cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 ½ tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Tabasco Sauce
- 1 tbsp Louisiana Hot Sauce
How to make Lingering Shade Chex Mix
Making this mix is simple and rewarding. First, combine all your snack base ingredients like Chex cereals, pretzels, and crackers in a large bowl. Then, melt the butter with spices, sauces, and garlic in a saucepan to create a flavorful coating.
Pour this buttery blend over the dry mix, ensuring every piece gets evenly coated. Finally, bake the mix low and slow, stirring it occasionally for even toasting and maximum crunch.
Serving suggestions
Serve Lingering Shade Chex Mix warm or at room temperature in a large bowl, and watch it disappear quickly! Pair it with classic Southern beverages like sweet tea or a refreshing glass of lemonade. For a heartier spread, offer it alongside fried chicken, deviled eggs, or pimento cheese sandwiches.
Storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the mix crunchy. It stays fresh for up to a week at room temperature. Reheat in a low oven (250°F) for 5-10 minutes if needed to restore crispiness. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make the mix soggy.
Southern farewell
Lingering Shade Chex Mix is more than just a snack—it’s a way to bring people together and share a taste of Southern hospitality. I hope this recipe becomes a staple for your gatherings, just like it has been for mine. So, grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the simple joy of Southern comfort food.
This recipe comes to us from Lingering Shade.
Lingering Shade Chex Mix
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 8.6 oz. bag Gardetto’s Original Recipe Snack Mix
- 1 12 oz. bag Synder’s Hot Buffalo Wing Pretzel Pieces
- 1 12.4 oz. box CHEEZ IT “DOUZ” Sharp Cheddar/Parmesan
- 1 14 oz. box Wheat Chex
- 1 12 oz. box Rice Chex
- 1 12 oz. box Corn Chex
- 1 lb. Butter
- ¼ cup Minced Garlic
- ½ cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 ½ tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Tabasco Sauce
- 1 tbsp Louisiana Hot Sauce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Gardetto’s Snack Mix, pretzel pieces, CHEEZ IT crackers, Wheat Chex, Rice Chex, and Corn Chex. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, Tabasco sauce, and Louisiana hot sauce. Keep stirring until the butter is fully melted and the ingredients are combined.
- Pour the butter sauce over the snack mix in small batches, stirring well after each addition. Ensure the sauce evenly coats all the pieces.
- Divide the mixture evenly across three half-sheet pans. Spread it out into a single layer. Bake at 265°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes to toast evenly.
- Remove the pans from the oven and let the mix cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to a serving bowl or store it in airtight containers. Enjoy!
