Ah, Christmas Chex mix! It’s the ultimate festive snack that always brings a smile to my face during the holidays. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; the kitchen was filled with the delightful aroma of melting butter and sweet vanilla. As soon as it came out of the oven, my family couldn’t resist diving in! This crunchy, sweet, and salty mix is not just a treat—it’s a tradition. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just snacking by the fire, it effortlessly brings everyone together. Trust me, once you whip up a batch, it’ll quickly become a staple at your holiday celebrations. So let’s get cooking and spread that holiday cheer with this easy, delicious recipe!
Ingredients for Christmas Chex Mix
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Christmas Chex mix! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal – this is the perfect base for that crunchy goodness!
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal – adds a delightful sweetness and texture.
- 2 cups pretzel sticks – for that salty crunch that balances everything out.
- 2 cups peanuts – I love the added protein and nutty flavor!
- 1 cup M&M’s – because who can resist a pop of chocolate color?
- 1 cup white chocolate chips – these melt into a sweet drizzle that’s just divine!
- 1/2 cup butter – the magic ingredient that binds it all together.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – to add that sweet finishing touch.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – just a hint for that warm, inviting flavor.
Make sure to have all these on hand before you start, and you’re ready for some holiday magic!
How to Prepare Christmas Chex Mix
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the exciting part—making this festive treat! Don’t worry; it’s super simple and so satisfying!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
First things first, you’ll need to melt the butter. I usually do this in a large microwave-safe bowl for convenience. Just pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds at a time until it’s fully melted—be careful not to burn it! If you prefer the stovetop, you can melt it in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, let it cool for a minute. This helps prevent the chocolate from seizing later on.
Step 2: Mix in Ingredients
Next up, add the vanilla extract to your melted butter and give it a good stir. Now for the fun part—mixing in the cereals, pretzels, and peanuts! Gently fold in the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzel sticks, and peanuts. I like to use a spatula to make sure everything gets coated evenly. You want to see that buttery goodness hugging every piece!
Step 3: Baking the Mixture
Once everything is nicely combined, it’s time to spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet. Make sure it’s in an even layer for the best crunch! Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and pop it in. Now, here’s a little secret: set a timer to stir every 15 minutes. This helps the mix bake evenly and prevents any burning—trust me, it’s worth the effort!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
After an hour of baking, your kitchen will smell heavenly! Take it out and let it cool for a bit. Meanwhile, melt your white chocolate chips in the microwave (30 seconds at a time works best). Drizzle that luscious chocolate over the cooled mix, then sprinkle on the powdered sugar and toss in the M&M’s. Give everything a good mix to ensure that every bite is loaded with sweetness and color. And that’s it! You’ve just made the most delightful Christmas Chex mix!
Nutritional Information
Let’s chat about the nutritional side of this festive delight! Each serving of Christmas Chex mix (about 1 cup) packs a punch with around 250 calories. You’ll find about 12g of fat, with 6g of that being saturated fat—perfect for a treat! It also brings in 4g of protein, and while it has 35g of carbohydrates, you’ll enjoy 2g of fiber. With 10g of sugar, it definitely satisfies that sweet tooth! Just remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredient choices or portion sizes. Enjoy your holiday snacking guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Customizable to your taste—add your favorite nuts or candies!
- A delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors that everyone loves.
- Great for sharing—this recipe yields plenty for a crowd.
- Perfect for any holiday occasion, from Christmas parties to cozy movie nights.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Chex mix turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar to suit your taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some dried fruit or different types of nuts for extra flavor and texture! I love tossing in some mini marshmallows for a fun twist. Also, make sure to stir the mix thoroughly after drizzling the white chocolate to get that beautiful coating everywhere. Lastly, don’t be shy about experimenting with seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra holiday flair!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas Chex mix properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious! I recommend keeping it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to a week, but let’s be real, it probably won’t stick around that long! If you want to make it ahead, it holds up beautifully for a few days in advance. There’s no need to reheat—just grab a handful and enjoy that crunchy goodness straight from the container!
FAQ About Christmas Chex Mix
Can I substitute ingredients in the Chex mix?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of peanuts, try using almonds or cashews instead. You can even swap out the M&M’s for holiday-themed chocolate candies or dried fruit for a twist.
How long does Christmas Chex mix last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your Chex mix will stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure it’s kept in a cool, dry place!
What can I serve with Christmas Chex mix?
It’s perfect on its own, but if you want to make it extra special, serve it alongside some festive hot chocolate or eggnog. It’s also a great addition to a holiday snack table!
Can I make this Chex mix gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free pretzel sticks and check that your Chex cereals are certified gluten-free.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare this delightful treat a few days in advance, making it a stress-free snack for your holiday gatherings.
Christmas Chex Mix: 4 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive snack mix perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 2 cups peanuts
- 1 cup M&M’s
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large bowl.
- Add vanilla extract and stir.
- Mix in Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and peanuts.
- Spread mixture onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the mix.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and add M&M’s.
- Mix well and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Can be made a few days in advance.
- Adjust ingredients to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Christmas Chex mix, holiday snack, festive treat