Furikake Chex Mix

Furikake Chex Mix

The Addictive Hawaiian Holiday (or anytime of the year) Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you grew up in a Hawaiian or Japanese-American household (or were lucky enough to visit one during the holidays), you know the snack table wasn’t complete without furikake Chex mix. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and just a little sticky in the best way, this stuff is legendary.

My grandma? She was a snacking queen. Chips, candy, assorted nuts, red cinnamon gummy bears and even black licorice could always be found on her Lazy Susan on the kitchen table… but the real gem was her homemade furikake mix.

Equal parts love and sugar-butter-shoyu magic, it was always waiting in a giant plastic baggy whenever we came over.

This recipe is a twist on the classic version my family’s been making for decades. I added Chex Mix (yes, the real deal) to our usual Crispix and Honeycomb blend for a little extra texture party. Bugles? Absolutely. Pretzels? Yes please. Nuts? Sure, if you’re feeling fancy. Wasabi peas? Now you’re speaking my language.

And here’s the best part: it’s ridiculously easy to make and even easier to eat. Make a batch (or two), because this stuff disappears faster than your uncle at cleanup time.

Why We Love It

Furikake Chex Mix is the Hawaiian holiday snack. It’s everywhere—from office parties to family potlucks to care packages sent across the ocean. It’s nostalgic, addictive, and totally customizable. Swap in whatever crunchy bits you like, add more furikake, dial up the sweetness—this recipe is super forgiving and even better when it’s made with love.

Fun Add-Ons

Part of the magic of Furikake Chex Mix is how wildly customizable it is. Want to throw in M&M’s for a sweet surprise? Go for it. Love that roasted peanut crunch? Toss ’em in. Swap cereals like it’s breakfast roulette; Golden Grahams, Reese’s Puffs, or even Rice Chex all play nicely. Just make sure your mix-ins can hold up to the sauce and bake time. Think of this as a choose-your-own-snackventure, and follow your crunchy little heart.

More Questions? Check Out the FAQ’s

What is furikake?
Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning made with dried seaweed, sesame seeds, sugar, and sometimes bonito flakes. It adds a salty umami punch and crunch—perfect for this snack.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free cereals and pretzels, and check your furikake and soy sauce labels (use tamari instead of shoyu if needed).

How long does it stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container and it’ll stay fresh for 1–2 weeks. But let’s be honest—it won’t last that long.

Can I use different cereals?
Absolutely. Swap in whatever cereal you like. Some people use just Crispix or Corn Chex. I love the combo of Honeycomb and Bugles for extra crunch and sweetness.

Is this a Hawaiian thing?
Yes! Furikake Chex Mix is a beloved local treat in Hawaii, especially during the holidays. Everyone’s auntie has a version, and every family swears theirs is the best.

💬 What’s your favorite way to make Furikake Chex Mix? Drop your favorite add-ins in the comments below!


Furikake Chex Mix Recipe

Furikake Chex Mix

Furikake Chex Mix

Yield: 10
Author:
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 15 M

This Hawaiian-style Furikake Chex Mix is the ultimate holiday snack—sweet, salty, crunchy, and totally addictive. A nostalgic treat perfect for gifting or snacking!

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients
Syrup Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 250°F and mix the base: Toss all your cereals, pretzels, Bugles, and optional add-ins into a large roasting pan. Make sure there’s room to stir!
  2. Make the sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the oil, butter, sugar, corn syrup, and shoyu. Stir until everything melts together and the mixture runs mostly clear (it’ll still be dark from the shoyu and brown sugar—totally normal).
  3. Coat and sprinkle: Pour the warm sauce evenly over the cereal mix. Stir well to coat everything. Then sprinkle on your furikake and stir again.
  4. Bake low and slow: Pop it in the oven at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15–20 minutes to keep it from sticking and ensure maximum crispiness.
  5. Cool and devour: Let it cool for 15–20 minutes (if you can wait that long). Bag it up, gift it, or hoard it. No judgment here.

Notes

This will make one large pan full of delicious treats. Experiment with the cereal combinations and alter your recipe as necessary!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

578

Fat

25 g

Sat. Fat

8 g

Carbs

86 g

Fiber

7 g

Net carbs

79 g

Sugar

26 g

Protein

9 g

Sodium

861 mg

Cholesterol

25 mg

Nutritional information provided here is based on estimates and may vary depending on the brand and preparation methods used. Always check food labels for accurate nutritional details. 


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