Christmas Chex Mix
Indulge in the spirit of the season with this delightful Christmas Chex Mix, a quintessential holiday snack that's both simple to prepare and incredibly addictive. This no-bake treat features a harmonious blend of crisp cereals and crunchy pretzels, generously coated in luscious white chocolate and studded with festive M&M's. It's the perfect sweet and salty combination for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying by the handful.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes (for melting chocolate)
Total Time
20 minutes plus setting time
Servings
Approximately 12 servings (about 1.2 kg or 2.6 lbs of mix)
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Effortlessly festive: Perfect for adding a joyful touch to any holiday occasion.
- Quick and easy: Requires minimal prep and no baking, ideal for busy schedules.
- Sweet and salty harmony: The perfect balance of flavors to satisfy every craving.
- Customizable fun: Easily adapted with your favorite cereals, nuts, or candies.
- Great for gifting: Makes a wonderful homemade present for friends and family.
Ingredients
- 210 grams (3 cups) Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- 60 grams (2 cups) Cheerios cereal
- 30-60 grams (1-2 cups) pretzel sticks, broken in half
- 170 grams (1 cup) Christmas M&M's, plus more for topping
- 283 grams (10 ounces) high-quality white chocolate wafers or chopped white chocolate (such as Ghirardelli)
Instructions
- Gently combine the dry ingredients. In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the 210 grams (3 cups) of Chex cereal, 60 grams (2 cups) of Cheerios, and 30-60 grams (1-2 cups) of broken pretzel sticks. Add 170 grams (1 cup) of Christmas M&M's to the mixture. Use a sturdy spatula or spoon to gently toss and combine all ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
- Carefully melt the white chocolate. Place the 283 grams (10 ounces) of high-quality white chocolate wafers or chopped chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Begin by microwaving at 50% power for 60 seconds. Remove and stir thoroughly. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. This gradual approach prevents scorching and ensures a silky texture. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler method for a more controlled melt.
- Thoroughly coat the mixture. Promptly pour the smoothly melted white chocolate over the combined cereal, pretzel, and M&M mixture in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula, gently but quickly fold and stir the ingredients until every piece is evenly coated with the luscious white chocolate. Work efficiently before the chocolate begins to set.
- Spread and garnish. Transfer the entire coated mixture onto a large sheet of parchment paper or wax paper spread out on a baking sheet or clean counter surface. Spread the mixture into a single, even layer. While the chocolate is still warm and tacky, generously sprinkle additional Christmas M&M's over the top for an extra festive touch and vibrant color.
- Allow to set and store properly. Let the Christmas Chex Mix sit undisturbed at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, or until the white chocolate has fully hardened and set. Once completely firm, break the mix into desired bite-sized clusters. Store the finished snack in an airtight container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for extended freshness. This makes it an ideal make-ahead holiday treat.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl (or saucepan for double boiler)
- Sturdy spatula or mixing spoon
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Baking sheet
Essential Success Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your cereals and pretzels are fresh and crispy for the best texture.
- Don't overheat the chocolate: Melting white chocolate gently is crucial. Overheating will cause it to seize and become grainy. Lower power and frequent stirring are key.
- Work quickly once chocolate is melted: White chocolate sets relatively fast, so have all your dry ingredients ready and mix promptly and thoroughly.
- Spread thinly: Spreading the mixture in a thin, even layer helps it set faster and ensures consistent texture.
- Chill if in a hurry: If you need it to set faster, place the baking sheet with the spread-out mix in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes (but not too long, as it can dull the M&M colors).
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Temper your white chocolate (optional): For a truly professional sheen and snap, consider properly tempering your white chocolate. This involves precise temperature control during melting and cooling, preventing bloom (white streaks) and ensuring a beautiful finish.
- Infuse with extract: Elevate the flavor by stirring in a touch of peppermint extract (1-2 milliliters or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon) into the melted white chocolate before coating. This adds a delightful holiday twist.
- Layer for presentation: When gifting or serving, consider layering the mix with different holiday candies or sprinkles in a clear jar or cellophane bag for an appealing visual effect.
Notes
- Storage: Store the completed Christmas Chex Mix in an airtight container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Variations: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts (pecans or almonds), dried cranberries, or different holiday-themed candies. You can also experiment with milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cereal for this mix?
Absolutely! While Chex and Cheerios provide a great base, you can substitute with other similarly crisp, plain cereals like Golden Grahams or even small cookie pieces, ensuring they hold up well to coating.
My white chocolate seized. What went wrong?
White chocolate is very sensitive to heat and moisture. Seizing typically occurs if it gets too hot, causing the cocoa solids to clump, or if even a tiny drop of water gets into the chocolate. Always melt at a lower power (like 50% in the microwave) and ensure your bowls and utensils are completely dry.
How far in advance can I make this?
This Christmas Chex Mix can be made up to 3 days in advance if stored at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer freshness, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead holiday treat.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 280-320 per serving (60g), Protein: 4g, Fat: 15-18g, Carbs: 35-40g. (Estimates vary based on specific ingredients and brands.)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (white chocolate, M&M's) and gluten (pretzels, some cereals). May contain soy. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free cereals and pretzels. Always check ingredient labels for specific allergen information.
No comment