Why You’ll Love this Christmas Trash Recipe
If you’re looking for a festive snack that’s both easy to make and delicious, you’ll love this Christmas Trash recipe. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty, making it an irresistible treat for holiday gatherings.
I adore how quickly it comes together—just mix the ingredients, melt some chocolate, and you’re done! Plus, it’s customizable; you can swap out your favorite snacks or add extra goodies.
What really gets me is the vibrant colors from the holiday M&M’s; they add a cheerful touch to any party spread.
Whether you’re snacking while watching holiday movies or sharing with friends, this mix brings joy and a little crunch to your festivities. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every year!
Ingredients of Christmas Trash
When it comes to whipping up a festive snack for the holidays, you can’t go wrong with Christmas Trash. The name might sound a little silly, but trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. This mix is a delightful combination of crunchy cereals, salty pretzels, and sweet M&M’s, all coated in creamy white chocolate. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone will be clamoring for the recipe.
So, let’s get to the good stuff—what do you need to make this scrumptious mix?
Here’s your shopping list:
- 3 cups Rice Chex
- 3 cups Corn Chex
- 3 cups honey nut Cheerios toasted oat cereal
- 2 cups small pretzels
- 2 cups salted peanuts
- 1 (12 ounce) bag holiday M&M’s plain chocolate candy (red & green)
- 1 (12 ounce) bag holiday M&M’s peanut chocolate candies
- 2 (12 ounce) bags white chocolate chips
Now, on to some important considerations. First off, feel free to get creative with the ingredients. If you have a favorite snack that you can’t live without, toss it in. Maybe some popcorn or dried fruit?
Just keep in mind that the balance of sweet and salty is key. Also, if you’re making this for a crowd, double the recipe. It has a way of disappearing faster than you can say “Merry Christmas.”
Finally, don’t forget to let that melted white chocolate cool a bit before you pour it over the mix; nobody likes a molten chocolate disaster, right? Enjoy the process and get ready for some serious holiday cheer!
How to Make Christmas Trash
Making Christmas Trash is as easy as pie—well, maybe easier, because no baking is involved. To start, grab a gigantic bowl (the kind that makes you feel like you’re preparing a feast for an army) and toss in 3 cups of Rice Chex, 3 cups of Corn Chex, and 3 cups of honey nut Cheerios.
Now, don’t just dump them in haphazardly; give them a little love as you mix. You want those crunchy cereals to mingle nicely. Next, add 2 cups of small pretzels and 2 cups of salted peanuts. The pretzels bring that delightful salty crunch, while the peanuts add a bit of heartiness to the mix. Toss everything together until it looks like a festive party in your bowl.
Now, for the pièce de résistance, let’s talk about the white chocolate. Grab 2 (12 ounce) bags of white chocolate chips and melt them according to the instructions on the package. I recommend microwaving them in short bursts—30 seconds at a time—because nothing’s worse than burnt chocolate. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s a tragedy that should be avoided.
Once those chocolate chips have melted into a smooth, dreamy consistency, pour them over the cereal mixture. This is the moment where the magic happens, so make sure to toss everything together well. You want to coat all those delightful ingredients evenly.
After you’ve mixed it up like a pro, spread the mixture out on some waxed paper to cool. Let it sit for a bit while you resist the temptation to indulge right away—seriously, patience is key here.
Once the white chocolate hardens, you can break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container. And there you have it—your very own Christmas Trash, ready to be devoured by family, friends, or possibly just yourself while binge-watching holiday movies. It’s the perfect sweet and salty treat that’s destined to become a holiday favorite.
Christmas Trash Substitutions & Variations
While Christmas Trash is a delightful treat as it is, there’s always room for creativity and personalization.
I love swapping out the cereals for whatever’s in my pantry—Cheerios can be replaced with Cocoa Puffs for a chocolatey twist, or you could use Corn Pops for extra sweetness.
Sometimes, I add dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of tartness. Instead of pretzels, try using cheese puffs for a savory kick. For a nut-free version, sunflower seeds work great!
You can even switch the white chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer.
Experimenting with flavors and textures not only makes the mix unique but also adds a personal touch that friends and family will appreciate.
Enjoy your festive creation!
What to Serve with Christmas Trash
If you’re wondering what to serve with Christmas Trash, you’re in for a treat! This festive snack mix pairs wonderfully with a variety of holiday drinks.
I love serving it alongside hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a splash of peppermint schnapps for an adult twist. You can also offer it with eggnog or spiced apple cider to keep the festive spirit alive.
For a savory contrast, consider a cheese platter with an assortment of crackers and cured meats. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is irresistible!
Don’t forget to have some fresh fruit on hand, like apples or pears, to cleanse the palate between bites. Trust me; your guests will appreciate the delightful mix of flavors!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Christmas Trash turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I’ve found helpful.
First, make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially the white chocolate chips, as they can lose their quality over time.
When melting the chocolate, do it slowly to avoid burning; I recommend using a microwave in short intervals.
For an extra crunch, try adding some crushed pretzels or nuts.
If you want to customize your mix, feel free to swap out cereals or candies based on your preferences.
Once you spread the mixture on waxed paper, let it cool completely before breaking it apart.
Finally, store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for your holiday gatherings.
Enjoy!