Festive Holiday Snack Mix
This delightful holiday snack mix blends crunchy cereals, salty pretzels, savory peanuts, and a festive splash of M&Ms, all lovingly coated in a sweet and creamy white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for gatherings, gifting, or just a cozy night in, it's a treat you'll be asked for again and again—perhaps even before the leaves turn red!
2.5
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice Chex
3 cups (none)
Corn Chex
3 cups (none)
Honey Nut Cheerios
3 cups (none)
Small pretzels
2 cups (none)
Salted peanuts
2 cups (none)
Holiday M&M's plain chocolate candy
1 (12 ounce) bag (red & green)
Holiday M&M's peanut chocolate candies
1 (12 ounce) bag (red & green)
White chocolate chips
2 (12 ounce) bags (melted)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, honey nut Cheerios, small pretzels, salted peanuts, and both varieties of holiday M&Ms. Stir until well mixed.
2
Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly in between, until completely melted and smooth.
3
Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry mix. Gently stir the mixture until everything is evenly coated with the chocolate.
4
Spread the coated mixture evenly onto a sheet of wax paper. Allow it to sit at room temperature until the white chocolate has fully hardened. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
5
Once hardened, break the mix into clusters and store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the Festive Holiday Snack Mix?
The mix contains Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Honey Nut Cheerios, small pretzels, salted peanuts, plain holiday M&Ms, peanut holiday M&Ms, and white chocolate chips.
How do I melt the white chocolate chips?
Place the chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth.
How long does the snack mix need to set?
It typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature for the white chocolate to fully harden on the wax paper.
How should I store the Festive Holiday Snack Mix?
Store the mix in an airtight container to maintain its crunch and freshness.
Can I use different types of cereal?
Yes, you can substitute other cereals like Wheat Chex or Crispix, though the Rice and Corn Chex provide a classic texture.
Are the M&Ms specific to Christmas?
The recipe calls for red and green holiday M&Ms, but you can use any color variety to suit different seasons or occasions.
Can I add other types of nuts?
Certainly! While the recipe uses salted peanuts, almonds, cashews, or pecans would also be delicious additions.
What type of pretzels are best?
Small pretzels like mini twists or sticks work best because they are bite-sized and easy to coat evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Yes, this snack mix is perfect for gifting when placed in decorative jars or festive cellophane bags.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields approximately 2.5 large servings, though this depends on the serving size allocated per person.
Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate chips?
Yes, almond bark or white candy melts can be used as a substitute for white chocolate chips for a similar result.
Do I need to grease the wax paper?
No, the wax paper is naturally non-stick, making it easy to remove the hardened snack clusters once they are set.
Can I make this snack mix gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free pretzels and verify that your cereals and M&Ms are certified gluten-free.
What should I do if my chocolate is too thick?
If the chocolate is too thick after melting, you can stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to thin it out.
Can I add dried fruit to the mix?
Yes, dried cranberries or raisins would add a nice chewy texture and a pop of tartness to the sweet mix.
How long will the snack mix stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, the mix will remain fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.
Can I use dark chocolate instead?
Yes, dark or milk chocolate can be used if you prefer a less sweet or more cocoa-forward flavor profile.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids usually love the combination of sweet and salty flavors, and they can help stir the dry ingredients.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to double or triple. Just ensure you have a large enough mixing bowl and plenty of wax paper.
Should the peanuts be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for salted peanuts to provide a savory contrast to the sweet white chocolate.
Can I add popcorn to this mix?
Yes, adding some popped popcorn can provide a light, airy texture to the overall snack mix.
What happens if I overheat the white chocolate?
Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy. Heating in short 30-second intervals is key to preventing this.
Do I have to use Honey Nut Cheerios?
While Honey Nut Cheerios add a specific sweetness, plain toasted oat cereal can be used for a more neutral flavor.
Can I freeze the snack mix?
Freezing is not recommended as the moisture can make the cereal and pretzels soggy when thawing.
Can I add sprinkles to the mix?
Yes, adding festive sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet will add extra color and fun to the mix.
What size bags of M&Ms are required?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce bag of plain holiday M&Ms and one 12-ounce bag of peanut holiday M&Ms.
Can I make this without a microwave?
Yes, you can melt the white chocolate using a double boiler on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, use plain Cheerios and increase the ratio of pretzels and salted peanuts.
How do I break the mix into clusters?
Once the chocolate is fully hardened, simply use your hands to snap the large sheet of mix into bite-sized chunks.
Can I add cinnamon to the recipe?
Yes, a light dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the mix before the chocolate sets can add a warm holiday flavor.