Texas Trash
Texas Trash is a easy American recipe that serves 10. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by The Anthony Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $27.78 total, $2.78 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Wheat Chex Cereal (measure loosely)
- 2 cups Rice Chex Cereal (measure loosely)
- 2 cups Corn Chex Cereal (measure loosely)
- 1 cup Pretzel Sticks (broken into bite‑size pieces if large)
- 1 cup Rye Chips
- 1 cup Bugles
- 1.5 cup Bagel Chips (broken if large; any flavor works)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes; 1 stick)
- 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt
- 1.5 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce (adjust to heat preference)
Instructions
Measure the cereals and snacks
Measure 2 cups each of Wheat Chex, Rice Chex, and Corn Chex. Add 1 cup pretzel sticks, 1 cup rye chips, 1 cup bugles, and 1½ cups bagel chips into a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT2M
Combine dry ingredients
Using clean hands, toss the cereals and snack pieces together until evenly mixed.
Time: PT2M
Melt butter and blend spices
Place the butter cubes in a microwave‑safe bowl. Add Creole seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Microwave in 30‑second bursts, stirring between bursts, until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is fragrant (about 1 minute).
Time: PT5M
Coat the mix with butter‑spice blend
Drizzle the melted butter mixture over the cereal‑snack blend. Using clean hands, toss vigorously until every piece is well‑coated.
Time: PT3M
Spread on baking sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment (optional). Spread the coated mix in a single layer, no more than ½ inch deep. Use a second sheet if needed.
Time: PT2M
First bake
Place the sheet in a pre‑heated oven and bake at 275°F for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 275°F
Stir and finish baking
Remove the sheet, give the mix a good toss to redistribute, then return to the oven for another 15 minutes at 275°F.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 275°F
Cool and store
Allow the Chex mix to cool completely on the sheet. Transfer to a large serving bowl or, for longer storage, pack into a gallon‑size zip‑top freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 24 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Dairy (butter), Soy (Worcestershire sauce), Potential gluten in pretzel sticks and rye chips
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Wheat Chex Cereal: General Mills Chex
- Instead of Rice Chex Cereal: General Mills Chex
- Instead of Corn Chex Cereal: General Mills Chex
- Instead of Pretzel Sticks: Mini pretzels
- Instead of Rye Chips: Rye crackers, broken
- Instead of Bugles: Corn chips, broken
- Instead of Bagel Chips: Pita chips
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Creole Seasoning: Cajun seasoning
- Instead of Seasoned Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use less)
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce (use less)
- Instead of Hot Sauce: Sriracha, Tabasco
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl or Measuring Cup
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Rimmed Baking Sheet (13×18 inch)
- Oven
- Tongs or Heat‑Resistant Spoon (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Melt butter with spices thoroughly without burning.
- Coat every piece evenly before baking.
- Bake at low temperature (275°F) to achieve toastiness without burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the spice blend.
- Use a mix of dark and light bagel chips for visual contrast.
- If you like extra crunch, toast the pretzel sticks separately for 5 minutes before mixing.
Troubleshooting
Mix is soggy after baking.
Make sure the butter coating is thin and spread the mix in a single layer. Increase baking time by 5‑10 minutes if needed.
Pieces are unevenly seasoned.
Toss the mix thoroughly while the butter is still liquid; use clean hands or a large spoon to ensure even coating.
Burnt edges.
Reduce oven temperature to 250°F and extend baking time slightly, or stir more frequently.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be kept in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Store in a zip‑top freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Best consumed within 2 days if left out at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze the cooled mix in a zip‑top bag; re‑heat briefly in a 300°F oven for extra crunch before serving.
- Portion into snack bags for easy grab‑and‑go treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chex Mix in American holiday celebrations?
Chex Mix became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century as a convenient, shelf‑stable snack. Over the years it evolved into a staple for holiday parties, movie nights, and potlucks, especially in Texas where families often add regional twists like spicy seasonings.
What are traditional regional variations of Chex Mix in the United States?
In the Southwest, cooks often add chili powder and corn chips; in the Midwest, sweet‑and‑salty versions with honey glaze are common. The Anthony Kitchen’s version adds Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce for a Texas‑style spicy kick.
How is Chex Mix traditionally served in American holiday gatherings?
Chex Mix is typically served in large bowls on snack tables, allowing guests to help themselves throughout the evening. It’s also packaged in individual zip‑top bags for take‑home favors or to keep the mix fresh for days.
What occasions or celebrations is Chex Mix traditionally associated with in American culture?
Chex Mix is a go‑to snack for Super Bowl parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and casual family gatherings. Its easy‑to‑make nature makes it perfect for large crowds.
What makes this Spicy Holiday Chex Mix special compared to classic Chex Mix recipes?
The addition of Creole seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce creates a bold, savory‑spicy flavor profile, while the mix of pretzel sticks, rye chips, bugles, and bagel chips adds varied textures not found in the standard recipe.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spicy Holiday Chex Mix at home?
Common errors include using too high an oven temperature, which burns the butter; not coating the cereal evenly, leading to bland spots; and stacking the mix too high on the baking sheet, which prevents even toasting.
Why does this recipe use a low oven temperature of 275°F instead of a higher heat?
Low heat gently toasts the butter‑spice coating without scorching it, ensuring every piece stays crunchy and evenly colored. Higher temperatures cause the butter to burn before the mix is fully toasted.
Can I make Spicy Holiday Chex Mix ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. After cooling, store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze it in a zip‑top bag for up to three months. Re‑heat briefly in a 300°F oven to restore crispness before serving.
What does the YouTube channel The Anthony Kitchen specialize in?
The Anthony Kitchen focuses on family‑friendly, approachable recipes that bring people together, often adding creative twists to classic comfort foods and holiday favorites.
How does the YouTube channel The Anthony Kitchen's approach to American snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
The Anthony Kitchen emphasizes simple ingredient swaps, bold seasoning blends, and practical tips for batch‑making and storage, whereas many other channels stick to traditional versions without the extra flavor layers.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
