Santa's Trash Snack Mix
A no-bake, sweet-and-salty Christmas snack mix loaded with pretzels, chips, cereal, nuts, candies, and a silky coat of white chocolate, finished with festive sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mini pretzels twists or snaps; sticks also work but may break more
- 3 cups ridged potato chips lightly crushed; ridged chips hold white chocolate better
- 3 cups crispy cereal such as Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix
- 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts or mixed nuts use unsalted if preferred
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips semi-sweet recommended
- 1 1/2 cups red and green M&M's or similar chocolate candies
- 24 oz white chocolate chips, vanilla almond bark, or white candy melts use a variety that melts smoothly; if using chips, a teaspoon or two of neutral oil can help thinning
- 2-3 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles or nonpareils red, green, gold, or any festive mix
- 1 cup broken sandwich cookies such as Oreos; optional
- flaky sea salt pinch, optional, for extra sweet-salty contrast
Instructions
- Line 1–2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- In a very large mixing bowl, add the mini pretzels, lightly crushed ridged potato chips, crispy cereal, nuts, mini chocolate chips, M&M's, and broken sandwich cookies (if using). Gently toss with clean hands or a large spatula, trying not to crush the chips too much.4 cups mini pretzels, 3 cups ridged potato chips, 3 cups crispy cereal, 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts or mixed nuts, 1 cup mini chocolate chips, 1 1/2 cups red and green M&M's or similar chocolate candies, 1 cup broken sandwich cookies
- Place the white chocolate chips, almond bark, or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until completely smooth and pourable. If the mixture is too thick, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of neutral oil until it loosens.24 oz white chocolate chips, vanilla almond bark, or white candy melts
- Quickly pour the melted white chocolate over the snack mix in the large bowl. Using two spatulas or large wooden spoons, gently toss and fold until all pieces are evenly coated, scraping the bottom of the bowl so no dry bits remain.24 oz white chocolate chips, vanilla almond bark, or white candy melts
- Transfer the coated mixture to the prepared baking sheets and spread into an even layer. It does not need to be perfectly flat—clumps are welcome for extra crunchy clusters.
- While the white chocolate is still wet, immediately shower the top with Christmas sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if using.2-3 tablespoons Christmas sprinkles or nonpareils, flaky sea salt
- Allow the snack mix to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or until the white chocolate is completely firm. If your kitchen is very warm, place the trays in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to help it set, but do not leave them too long to avoid condensation.
- Once fully set, break the slab of snack mix into bite-sized chunks. Serve in a large bowl or portion into treat bags, jars, or tins for gifting.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers, then thaw at room temperature in the sealed container so condensation stays outside.
Tips: Use a very large bowl or divide the mixture between two bowls for easier tossing. Do not overheat the white chocolate—microwave at 50% power and stir often to prevent seizing. Adjust the level of sea salt based on how salty your chips and nuts are. Leave some pretzels and chips in larger pieces for more interesting texture. Great for gifting in cellophane bags or jars with ribbons and tags.
Tips: Use a very large bowl or divide the mixture between two bowls for easier tossing. Do not overheat the white chocolate—microwave at 50% power and stir often to prevent seizing. Adjust the level of sea salt based on how salty your chips and nuts are. Leave some pretzels and chips in larger pieces for more interesting texture. Great for gifting in cellophane bags or jars with ribbons and tags.
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