Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix)

If you’re looking for a snack that’s festive, easy to make, and utterly delicious, then you’ve come to the right place! Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix) is one of my go-to recipes during the holiday season. It’s perfect for family gatherings, cozy movie nights, or even just a sweet treat after a long day. The combination of crunchy Chex cereals, salty peanuts, and sweet M&Ms coated in creamy white chocolate creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone loves.

What makes this recipe special is not just how yummy it is, but also how simple it is to whip up. You can throw it together in about 45 minutes! Plus, it’s a fantastic treat to share with friends or package up as gifts. Trust me, once you start munching on this mix, it’ll be hard to stop!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this delicious snack ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet and salty combination—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time for parties or keep it on hand for after-school snacks.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite treats or adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home.
• Festive Treat: The colorful M&Ms give it a cheerful look that’s sure to brighten any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix). You probably have most of these items already in your pantry!

For the Mix

• 36 ounces white chocolate chips (3 bags)
• 11.4 ounce bag M&Ms
• 4 cups pretzels (gluten-free pretzels work, too)
• 2 cups salted peanuts
• 7 cups rice or corn Chex (a mix of both works great!)
• 4 cups regular Cheerios

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to use what you have on hand, here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Some Spice: Toss in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.
• Try Different Nuts: Substitute peanuts with almonds or cashews for a different crunch.
• Include Dried Fruit: Add some dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast.
• Change the Chocolate: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer taste.

How to Make Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix)

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will keep your mix from sticking and make clean-up a breeze!

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a very large bowl, combine all your dry ingredients except for the M&Ms and white chocolate. It’s important to use a big bowl so everything has room to mix well without spilling over.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

Melt your white chocolate using either the microwave or a double boiler. If using the microwave, melt it starting from one minute, then continue in 20-second intervals while stirring in between. This helps prevent clumping.

Step 4: Coat the Mixture

Once your chocolate is smooth and melted, pour it over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or your hands (I prefer hands!) to gently toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the M&Ms

Carefully add in the M&Ms and give it another gentle stir. Timing is key here; adding them too early might cause them to melt, but adding them too late means they won’t stick.

Step 6: Cool Down and Serve

Spread the mixture out on your lined baking sheets. Let it cool completely—about 30 minutes to an hour—before breaking it into clumps. Then transfer it into a bowl and enjoy!

Now you have your own delightful batch of Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix)! Perfect for snacking anytime or sharing with loved ones during the festive season. Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix)

Making Christmas Crack is all about the joy of crafting a festive treat, and these pro tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Choose Quality White Chocolate: Using high-quality white chocolate chips will enhance the flavor and texture of your mix. They melt more smoothly and provide a richer taste that elevates your snack.

• Mix Gently: When combining the melted white chocolate with your dry ingredients, stir gently to ensure an even coating without breaking the Chex or pretzels. This keeps each piece crunchy and intact, making for a more delightful snacking experience!

• Cool Completely Before Serving: Allowing your mix to cool completely ensures that it sets properly and doesn’t stick together in clumps. This makes it easier to break into pieces and serve, plus it helps maintain that perfect crunch!

• Store in an Airtight Container: To keep your Christmas Crack fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents it from becoming stale while maintaining its delicious taste.

• Get Creative with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your mix by adding dried fruit, mini marshmallows, or different types of nuts. Experimenting with flavors can make this treat uniquely yours!

How to Serve Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix)

Serving Christmas Crack can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this delightful snack during your holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful holiday-themed sprinkles can add a festive touch and make your Christmas Crack visually stunning.
• Cocoa Powder Dusting: Lightly dusting with cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate flavor and enhances the overall presentation.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Platter: A vibrant assortment of seasonal fruits like strawberries, apples, and grapes adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet and salty flavors of the Chex mix.
• Cheese Board: Pairing with a selection of cheeses such as cream cheese or cheddar provides a savory balance that complements the sweet elements of your snack.
• Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers served with hummus offer a crunchy counterpart that invites guests to munch alongside the sweetness.
• Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a cozy hot cocoa station with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks for an inviting beverage option that matches perfectly with your Christmas Crack.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your deliciously festive Christmas Crack! Enjoy every moment of this joyful snacking experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix) is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, ensuring you have a delightful snack on hand for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• It can be kept at room temperature for up to a week.
• For longer storage, consider refrigerating it to extend its shelf life.

Freezing

• While not commonly frozen, you can store the mix in the freezer if needed.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• It can last up to 2 months in the freezer; just let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this snack! Simply serve it at room temperature.
• If desired, you can briefly warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate slightly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix) that might help you!

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for Christmas Crack?

Absolutely! While this recipe features white chocolate, dark chocolate can add a rich flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Just melt it the same way as instructed.

How long does homemade Christmas Crack last?

Homemade Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix) can last up to a week if stored properly in an airtight container. For best freshness, enjoy it within the first few days!

Can I add other ingredients to my Christmas Crack?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your mix by adding dried fruits, different nuts, or even a sprinkle of festive spices. Just keep the balance of sweet and salty in mind!

Is Christmas Crack easy to make?

Yes! This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for beginners and makes a fun activity to do with family or friends during the holidays.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Christmas Crack (AKA White Chocolate Chex Mix) as much as I do! It’s such a special treat that brings together sweet and salty flavors in a fun way. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or keeping it all for yourself (no judgment here!), this snack is sure to bring holiday cheer. Happy snacking!