It’s snackable, crave-able, and oh-so-colorful. This Christmas trash recipe will be your number one requested treat.
In my opinion, the perfect snack is both sweet and salty.
When it comes to the holidays, there are always so many popular desserts.
This one is full of white chocolate, candy, crunchy nuts, and crispy cereal.
This recipe can be added to any dessert table. It can also be packaged up neatly to give to the neighbors.
It’s perfect for snacking, ideal for gifting, and a blast at parties.
Christmas trash will make a reappearance at all your holiday gatherings.
White Chocolate Christmas Trash
Now, let’s really get into it. Why would I be raving about a recipe that’s called “trash?”
Despite its ironic name, this sweet treat is anything but garbage.
It gets its name from the thought that it’s made up of leftover pantry items.
Pretzels, cereal, nuts, and candy come together to make one scrumptious snack.
Instead of throwing all of these ingredients in the trash, combine them with white chocolate.
The white chocolate firms up, and you get little clusters that will satisfy any craving.
Call it Christmas trash but keep in mind, this can (and should) be made any time of year!
Ingredients
Chex Cereal – This recipe calls for both rice and corn Chex. Rice Chex are light and crispy and corn Chex has a bit more crunch.
Cheerios – For even more crunch and a little bit of flavor, use Honey Nut. However, you can also use frosted or plain if you prefer.
Pretzels – Salty pretzels are the perfect match for all of the sweet ingredients in this recipe.
Salted Peanuts – Peanuts provide a nutty crunch and a little more salt for contrast.
M&M’s – Using plain and peanut M&M’s will give you lots of variety. You can always stick to one or the other if you like. Try to find whatever holiday colors suit your needs.
White Chocolate Chips – White chocolate is what holds all of the ingredients together. I like to use good-quality Ghirardelli melting wafers for the best flavor.
Variations
This Christmas trash has all of the basic ingredients.
Add more of your favorites or swap out what you already have in your pantry.
Here are a few of my favorite substitutions and additions.
- Marshmallows
- Pretzel Sticks
- Almonds
- Popcorn
- Kix cereal
- Frosted Flakes
- Walnuts
- Potato Chips
- Graham Cracker pieces
- Milk or dark chocolate drizzle
How to Store Christmas Trash
The best part about this no-bake treat is that it’s low maintenance from start to finish.
Once the white chocolate is firm, this can be left at room temperature for quite a while.
At the end of the night, place it in an air-tight container so that it doesn’t get stale.
Alternatively, divide it into cellophane bags for gifting.
This snack can be safely stored in a cool, dry location for up to a month.
Christmas Trash Recipe (Best Snack Mix)
3
servings15
minutes5326
kcalTry this Christmas trash recipe for a holiday snack everyone will love! Made with Chex, Cheerios, pretzels, peanuts, and M&Ms, it’s a must for every season!
Ingredients
3 cups 3 Rice Chex
3 cups 3 Corn Chex
3 cups 3 honey nut Cheerios toasted oat cereal
2 cups 2 small pretzels
2 cups 2 salted peanuts
1 1 bag holiday M&M’s plain chocolate candy (red & green)
1 1 bag holiday M&M’s peanut chocolate candies
2 2 bags white chocolate chips or melting wafers
Directions
- Combine the Chex, Cheerios, pretzels, peanuts, and all of the M&M’s in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, melt the white chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler. If using a microwave, start with 1 minute, then stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds and stir again. Repeat until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture. Toss all of the ingredients together until everything is coated in chocolate.
- Prepare a space on your countertop with enough waxed paper to hold all of the mixture.
- Spread the mixture onto waxed paper. It should be a thin layer rather than a mound of ingredients. Let it sit until the white chocolate hardens.
- Store your Christmas Trash in an airtight container or divide it into individual bags. If you’re serving right away, just toss it into a serving bowl or your preferred presentation.
- Enjoy!
