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This festive Christmas Trash Snack Mix is the ultimate sweet and salty treat that comes together in minutes with everyday pantry finds. It is a staple at our family holiday parties and makes a perfect edible gift for neighbors or teachers when packaged up with ribbons.
I think of my girls impatiently waiting as the white chocolate sets every year the scent of peanut and vanilla wafting through our kitchen always means Christmas week has arrived
Ingredients
- Corn Chex Cereal: brings crunch and soaks up the white chocolate coating look for boxes with whole grains as the first ingredient
- Honey Nut Cheerios: a touch of honey flavor and extra crunch choose fresh for best texture
- Mini Pretzels: provide that classic salty snap use traditional mini twists or rods for the best blend
- Peanuts: salty and rich roasted unsalted peanuts work well but dry roasted add a deeper nutty flavor
- Christmas M&Ms: festive color with chocolatey sweetness buy the seasonal holiday bags for extra cheer
- White Chocolate Chips: creamy sweetness that binds everything together choose a good quality brand that melts smoothly
- Coconut Oil: helps white chocolate melt evenly and stay silky opt for unrefined for the lightest coconut touch
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Combine the corn Chex cereal honey nut Cheerios mini pretzels peanuts and Christmas M&Ms in a large mixing bowl Stir gently to keep the cereal pieces whole and evenly distributed
- Melt the White Chocolate:
- Add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl Microwave in short twenty second bursts stirring in between until completely smooth and glossy Do not overheat or the chocolate may seize
- Coat the Snack Mix:
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the snack mix in the bowl Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to fold and toss until every piece is evenly coated Take a minute to scrape the sides and mix from the bottom
- Spread to Set:
- Transfer the coated mixture onto a nonstick baking sheet and spread it into an even layer Press extra M&Ms or holiday sprinkles on top if you like
- Let it Cool:
- Leave the tray on the counter to set at room temperature until the chocolate is dry to the touch This usually takes fifteen to twenty minutes depending on the room
A big bowl always vanishes at parties in under ten minutes My favorite part is scattering jewels of red and green M&Ms across the warm chocolate mix When we make batch after batch during December my children bring armfuls to their holiday classroom parties
Storage Tips
Transfer Christmas Trash Mix into airtight containers once fully set It keeps best at room temperature and stays fresh for up to a week Hidden in a cookie tin it has even made it until New Year in our house If it is humid use parchment between layers to prevent sticking
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap peanuts for mixed nuts or candy coated sunflower seeds Use butterscotch or peanut butter chips in place of some white chocolate Add holiday sprinkles chocolate candies or mini marshmallows for extra color and fun Rice Chex is a fine swap for corn Chex in a pinch
Serving Suggestions
Serve in festive bowls or clear jars for movie night Offer in small treat bags for stocking stuffers or gifts Makes the perfect snack for card games or cookie decorating parties Spoon over ice cream for a quick crunchy topping
A Bit of History
This sort of sweet and salty mix traces back to classic mid century American party snacks Sometimes called puppy chow or muddy buddies it is a way to dress up cereal for special occasions The holiday version burst in popularity as home cooks loved making big batches for sharing
Seasonal Adaptations
Turn it into Valentine Trash with pink and red candies next month Use orange and brown M&Ms for Halloween Mix in pastel chocolate eggs for an Easter version
Helpful Notes
Make sure all cereals are crisp and fresh for best texture Let the white chocolate set naturally and do not rush with the fridge Always break up any large clusters before storing so every bite is coated
Success Stories
My neighbor always requests a jar for her Christmas Eve open house while my kids practically live off of this snack the week school lets out Friends say they now make Christmas Trash Mix their own new tradition
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze this snack mix with great results Keep in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to one month Thaw at room temperature and stir again before serving or gifting
This Christmas Trash Snack Mix is a holiday tradition worth sharing. Make a batch for celebrations or gifts and watch everyone reach for seconds.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of cereal works best for this mix?
Corn Chex and honey nut Cheerios provide ideal texture and hold up well with the coating. Other cereals like Rice Chex can also be used.
- → How do I ensure the white chocolate melts smoothly?
Add a bit of coconut oil and heat in short intervals, stirring well between each, to achieve a silky, even coating.
- → Can I use different candies or nuts?
Absolutely—swap in your favorite chocolate candies or use alternative nuts like cashews or almonds for variation.
- → How should the mix be stored?
Place in an airtight container at room temperature. It maintains freshness for up to one week without refrigeration.
- → How do I keep the mix from sticking to the pan?
If not using a nonstick pan, line with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- → Is it possible to add festive toppings?
Yes, extra M&Ms or colorful sprinkles can be added while the coating is wet for a more festive appearance.