Christmas Snack Mix
The holiday season brings with it delightful smells of cookies baking, warm spices swirling through the air, and the cozy comfort of shared moments with loved ones. One treat that always brings a smile to my face is the Christmas Snack Mix—a festive blend that combines sweet and salty in the most heavenly way. Imagine crunchy Rice Chex cereal, buttery Bugles, tangy pretzels, and colorful M&Ms, all coated in smooth white chocolate. It’s a scoop of joy in every handful!
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Growing up, my family always included this delicious snack at our holiday gatherings. We would gather ’round the table, all hands diving in as we shared stories and laughter. The colors of the mix, the crunch of each bite, and the occasional chocolatey surprise made every moment feel special. This Christmas Snack Mix is not just food—it’s a celebration of togetherness, warmth, and festive cheer, crafted in just 10 minutes. I can’t wait for you to make this scrumptious treat for your loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but want a crowd-pleaser.
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet white chocolate with the salty crunch of pretzels and Bugles.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant red and green M&Ms and colorful sprinkles make it a festive centerpiece.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for snacking at holiday parties, gifting to neighbors, or even as a whimsical breakfast option!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free snacking by using gluten-free pretzels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
8 cups Rice Chex cereal: This crunchy, gluten-free cereal serves as the base, adding the perfect texture to the mix. Feel free to substitute with Corn Chex for a different flavor profile.
2 cups mini pretzels: These little twists add that delightful salty crunch—choose gluten-free pretzels if needed.
3 cups Bugles corn chips: With their unique shape and delightful crunch, Bugles are a fun addition. If you can’t find them, corn chips or tortilla chips work in a pinch.
2 cups red and green M&Ms: These shining candies not only add sweetness but also a festive touch. You can replace them with any other chocolate candies for variety.
24 ounces white chocolate chips: For that creamy coating, you can also use almond bark for a similar flavor. Just remember to melt it gently!
2 tablespoons red and green sprinkles: These sprinkles elevate the festive look—use any shapes or colors that capture your holiday spirit.
How to Make Christmas Snack Mix
Prepare and Line: Begin by prepping a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying your treat. Preheating the oven isn’t necessary for this recipe, making it even faster to put together!
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzels, Bugles, and M&Ms. Using clean hands, gently toss everything together until evenly distributed. You’ll want every bite to have a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will wow your taste buds!
Melt the Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds and then stir. Continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The key here is to avoid overcooking, so keep an eye on it!
Combine and Coat: Pour the melted white chocolate over your cereal mix. Use a large spoon, or your hands, to gently toss everything together until evenly coated. This is where the magic happens—watch as each piece gets beautifully covered in luscious chocolate.
Spread and Sprinkle: Transfer the coated mix onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle the extra red and green M&Ms and the sprinkles on top for that extra festive flair. This gives it a gorgeous, celebratory look!
Cool and Serve: Allow the mix to set at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, usually about 30 minutes. Once it’s set, break it into pieces and prepare to indulge. This **Christmas Snack Mix** is ready to bring joy to your gatherings or become your favorite snack at home!
Storing & Reheating
For optimal freshness, store your Christmas Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it in a sealed container, where it will last for up to two weeks. You can freeze it for up to three months; just be sure to use a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy again, let it come to room temperature. While freezing might alter the crunchiness slightly, a quick toss can help refresh it!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-melting the chocolate; it can seize up and lose its smooth texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients when mixing to ensure even coating throughout.
- Customize your mix by adding nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If the chocolate sets too quickly, give it a gentle reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Make this ahead of time for parties—it actually tastes even better after resting for a day!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this snack mix vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute white chocolate chips with vegan chocolate chips made from plant-based ingredients. Also, ensure that the pretzels and Bugles are vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain dairy.
Can I add other toppings or mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative—add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or dried fruits for a touch of sweetness. Just remember that every addition changes the flavor and texture slightly, so mix what you love!
How do I make this for a crowd?
To serve a larger group, simply double or triple the recipe. Just make sure you have enough baking sheets for cooling and allow ample time for each batch to set before serving.
Why is my chocolate not coating the mix well?
If the chocolate is too thick, it may not coat properly. Try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out when melting, ensuring better coverage for each piece of the mix.
This Christmas Snack Mix is more than a simple treat; it’s a fun, festive experience that everyone will love. The blend of flavors and textures is beautifully balanced and sure to bring smiles all around. So gather your ingredients, channel that holiday spirit, and dig in!
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📖 Recipe Card
Christmas Snack Mix
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Snack Mix combines the crunch of Rice Chex, buttery Bugles, salty pretzels, and colorful M&Ms, all drizzled with creamy white chocolate. A perfect, quick festive treat that’s sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 8 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 3 cups Bugles corn chips
- 2 cups red and green M&Ms
- 24 ounces white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Rice Chex, pretzels, Bugles, and M&Ms in a large bowl and toss.
- Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short increments until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the cereal mix and toss until coated.
- Transfer the mix to the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle more M&Ms and sprinkles on top.
- Let it cool at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Customize with nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and nutrition.
Aim for room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
