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Leprechaun Chow Recipe
This crunchy, colorful Leprechaun Chow Recipe is a no-bake, kid-approved St. Patrick’s Day snack mix packed with sweet cereal, white chocolate, and plenty of green candy magic.
Full Recipe Introduction
If you’ve never heard of Leprechaun Chow before, think of it as the St. Patrick’s Day cousin of classic puppy chow or muddy buddies—only brighter, greener, and just begging to be the star of your holiday snack table.
This Leprechaun Chow Recipe is a festive snack mix made with Chex cereal, pretzels, white chocolate, and green candies. It’s tossed in a sweet vanilla coating and finished with powdered sugar, so you get that perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet in every handful. It’s a fun St. Patrick’s Day party mix that looks like it came straight out of a leprechaun’s treasure chest.
As a 50-year-old mom and now a very happy grandma, I’ve made a lot of holiday snack mixes over the years. This one started as a “throw it all in the bowl” project with my kids when they were little and obsessed with anything green. Now my grandkids help me stir, sprinkle, and “taste-test” (translation: eat half the candy before it hits the bowl), and it’s become our go-to St. Patrick’s Day snack.
What I love about this sweet snack mix is how low-stress it is. No oven. No fancy decorating tools. Just a bowl, a microwave, and a few simple ingredients you can grab at any grocery store or even Target on a busy weeknight. It’s a no-bake snack mix that you can pull together in about 20 minutes, which is my kind of holiday cooking these days.
And while I won’t call this a health food—it’s a treat, after all—you can make little tweaks: add more nuts, use whole grain cereal, or lean into portion control with cute little snack cups for kids.
Whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, sending treats to school, or just want a colorful movie-night bowl, this festive snack mix checks all the boxes: easy, pretty, and completely addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Leprechaun Chow Recipe
- No baking required—everything happens in one big bowl and the microwave.
- Ready in about 20 minutes, plus a short cooling time.
- Perfect St. Patrick’s Day snack for kids, coworkers, or classroom parties.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients like Chex cereal and white chocolate chips.
- Super customizable: swap candies, colors, cereals, or add nuts and sprinkles.
- Great for gift bags or party favors—pack it into clear bags with a little tag.
- Crowd-pleasing sweet and salty combo thanks to pretzels and cereal.
- Easy to make gluten-free with a few smart swaps.
- A colorful snack mix that looks beautiful on a dessert table or charcuterie-style snack board.
- Stores well, so you can make it ahead for parties or busy holiday weeks.
Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy for this St. Patrick’s Day party mix—just your favorite cereal, some candy, and a little white chocolate to hold it all together.
Dry Mix
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
(Corn Chex or a mix of both works too—Rice Chex tends to be a bit lighter and very crunchy.) - 2 cups mini pretzels
(Twists or sticks both work; use gluten-free pretzels if needed.) - 2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows or rainbow marshmallows
(Optional, but they add such a fun “magical” look.) - 1 cup vanilla or birthday cake flavor popcorn (optional)
(Store-bought bagged popcorn works best since it’s dry and coated.)
White Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (about 12 oz)
(You can also use white candy melts; Ghirardelli or Guittard melt very smoothly.) - 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening
(Helps the white chocolate melt thin and smooth—don’t skip this.) - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
(Adds a soft vanilla ice-cream note to the whole mix.) - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
(Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.)
Sweet Finish & Green Goodies
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
(Sift it if it’s lumpy so it coats evenly.) - 1 cup green M&M’s or seasonal “St. Patrick’s Day” M&M mix
- 1 cup green Sixlets, chocolate candies, or chocolate-coated peanuts
- 1/2 cup green candy-coated sunflower seeds (optional but gorgeous)
- 1/4 cup green and gold sprinkles or sanding sugar
You can absolutely play around with the candy here—any green candy mix, shamrock-shaped sprinkles, or even mini gold-wrapped chocolates fit right into the “pot of gold” theme.
Directions
We’re keeping this Leprechaun Chow Recipe as easy and fuss-free as possible. If you can stir, you can make this.
1. Prep your space.
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. This gives you a place to spread the mix to cool and keeps cleanup easy. Set them aside.
2. Build the dry base.
In a large mixing bowl (bigger than you think you need—this stuff grows), add the Rice Chex, pretzels, marshmallows, and popcorn if using. Gently toss once or twice with your hands or a big spoon. This helps everything distribute before the coating goes on.
3. Melt the white chocolate.
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring well each time, until the chocolate is mostly melted. Add the vanilla and salt, then stir until completely smooth.
Tip: If you see a few small lumps that won’t melt, keep stirring; the residual heat usually finishes the job. If it looks thick or grainy, add an extra teaspoon of coconut oil and stir again.
4. Coat the cereal mix.
Pour the warm white chocolate mixture over your cereal and pretzel mix. Use a big rubber spatula to gently fold everything together, scooping from the bottom of the bowl and turning it over the top. Try not to crush the cereal. You want everything lightly but fully coated—no dry patches hiding at the bottom.
5. Powder sugar “snowfall.”
Sprinkle about half the powdered sugar over the still-warm mix. Toss gently, then add the rest and toss again. You can also transfer the mix to a large 2-gallon zip-top bag, add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake like crazy. Kids love helping with this part—just make sure the bag is truly sealed unless you want your kitchen looking like a bakery exploded.
6. Spread and cool.
Transfer the coated mix onto your prepared baking sheets in an even layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but avoid big clumps so it cools quickly and doesn’t glue into one giant snack slab. Let it cool completely at room temperature, about 15–20 minutes.
7. Add the green magic.
Once the mix is cool and the coating is set, sprinkle the M&M’s, green candies, sunflower seeds, and sprinkles over the top. Gently toss right on the baking sheet or scoop everything back into the big bowl and toss there. I like to reserve a few candies to sprinkle on top again when I transfer it to the serving bowl—it makes it look extra full and festive.
8. Serve or pack.
Pour your Leprechaun Chow into a big serving bowl or divide it into treat bags or little paper cups. If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, it looks adorable on a snack board alongside fruit, cheese, and some salty nuts.
That’s it—no oven, no long chilling time, no stress. Just one happy bowl of crunchy sweet treat ready to go.
Servings & Timing
- Yield: About 14–16 servings (roughly 8–9 cups of snack mix)
- Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: About 35–40 minutes
If you’re making this for a classroom or big party, I’d plan on one batch for every 12–15 people, especially if there are other snacks on the table.
Variations
Sometimes the fun of a sweet snack mix is changing it up a little each year. Here are some easy twists:
- Gluten-Free Leprechaun Chow – Use gluten-free Chex cereal, gluten-free pretzels, and double-check your candies for gluten-free labeling.
- Salty-Sweet Lover’s Mix – Add 1 cup of roasted, lightly salted peanuts or cashews for more crunch and a deeper flavor.
- Less Sweet Version – Reduce the powdered sugar to 1 cup and add more pretzels or nuts instead of extra candy.
- Extra Green Mix – Use only green cereal marshmallows, all-green M&M’s, and a few drops of green gel food coloring stirred into the white chocolate.
- Rainbow Pot of Gold Mix – Add rainbow candy pieces and a handful of mini gold-wrapped chocolate coins for a “gold at the end of the rainbow” look.
- White Chocolate Mint Version – Stir 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate and use mint M&M’s or Andes baking chips.
You know what? Once you’ve made this once, you’ll probably start seeing the pattern and creating your own holiday snack mixes—just change the color theme and candies.
Storage & Reheating
“Reheating” isn’t really needed for a Chex party mix like this, but storage does matter if you want to keep it crunchy.
Short-Term Storage
- Store the cooled Leprechaun Chow in an airtight container or large zip-top bags.
- Keep at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Stays fresh for about 4–5 days; after that, it’s still safe, but the cereal and pretzels lose some crunch.
Longer Storage / Make-Ahead
- You can make this festive snack mix up to 5 days before serving. I like to make the cereal-and-chocolate base early, then stir in the candies and sprinkles closer to serving time so the colors stay bright.
- For best texture beyond 5 days, store in the fridge in an airtight container. The mix will keep for about 1–2 weeks, but let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving so the chocolate doesn’t feel too firm.
Freezing
- Yes, you can freeze it; spread it in a thin layer in a freezer bag, remove as much air as you can, and freeze up to 1 month.
- Thaw at room temperature on a baking sheet for 20–30 minutes. Give it a gentle stir to break up any clumps.
Honestly, around my house, the “storage” question is more theoretical—this holiday snack mix tends to disappear in a day or two.
Notes
A few things I’ve learned after making this Leprechaun Chow Recipe more times than I can count:
- Use a big enough bowl. I know this sounds silly, but using a too-small bowl is how you end up chasing cereal across the counter. A large mixing bowl or even a clean stockpot works great.
- Gentle stirring is key. If you’re too rough when you fold in the white chocolate, the cereal will break and you’ll lose that pretty shape and crunch. Slow and steady wins here.
- Don’t overheat the white chocolate. White chocolate scorches fast. Using 50% microwave power and stirring often keeps it smooth and prevents seizing.
- Candy goes in last. If you add M&M’s and other candies while the coating is still warm, the colors can bleed, especially red and dark green. Waiting until it’s cool gives you that pretty, clear color pop.
- Taste and adjust. If you like your St. Patrick’s Day snack extra salty, sprinkle a pinch or two of flaky salt over the top of the finished mix. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, add a few more marshmallows or candies.
- Think about portion size. For kids’ parties, little paper cups or muffin liners work beautifully. It keeps little hands out of the big bowl and makes it easy to control how much everyone gets.
When I tested this recipe a few years back for a neighborhood party, I made one batch with more candy and one with more cereal and pretzels. The “extra cereal” batch actually disappeared first—turns out, people love the crunch as much as the color.
FAQs
Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate chips?
Yes, almond bark or vanilla candy coating works very well and is often easier to melt. Just skip the coconut oil if it’s already quite thin.
My white chocolate seized and got thick. What happened?
It was likely overheated or came into contact with even a tiny bit of water. Try adding 1–2 teaspoons of coconut oil and stirring hard; sometimes you can bring it back. If not, you may need to start the coating over.
Can I make this Leprechaun Chow Recipe without nuts?
Absolutely. This version as written doesn’t include nuts, but always double-check your candies for “may contain nuts” if allergies are a concern.
Is this snack mix gluten-free?
It can be. Use gluten-free Chex or a similar cereal, gluten-free pretzels, and confirm that your candies and sprinkles are labeled gluten-free. That’s it.
Can I halve or double the recipe?
Yes. Halving works great if you’re making it just for family movie night; doubling works well for parties, as long as you use a very large mixing bowl or split the batch between two bowls.
Does this travel well for school or office parties?
Yes, it’s actually a perfect st patricks day snack for potlucks, classrooms, and offices. Pack it in an airtight container or large freezer bag, then pour into a pretty bowl when you arrive.
Can I use different cereals?
Sure. Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Cheerios, or a mix of them all can work. Just keep the total cereal amount about the same so the white chocolate coating still covers everything.
My mix looks a little dusty from the powdered sugar. Did I use too much?
Probably not. This is normal for white chocolate snack mix. If you don’t like the “dusty” look, you can reduce the powdered sugar next time, or add a little extra candy and sprinkles to visually brighten it up.
Conclusion
This Leprechaun Chow Recipe brings together everything I love about a holiday snack: it’s colorful, crunchy, easy to make, and always the first bowl to empty at the party. With its mix of Chex cereal, pretzels, white chocolate, and green candies, it’s the kind of festive snack mix that makes St. Patrick’s Day feel fun without adding stress to your schedule.
Give it a try this year—whip up a batch, snap a picture, and let me know in the comments how your family liked it or what fun twists you added. And if you’re planning a full St. Patrick’s Day menu, pair this with a hearty stew or some shamrock-shaped sugar cookies for a celebration that feels as cozy and joyful as a kitchen full of laughing kids.
Leprechaun Chow
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal Corn Chex or a mix of both works too
- 2 cups mini pretzels twists or sticks; use gluten-free if needed
- 2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows or rainbow marshmallows optional but adds a fun magical look
- 1 cup vanilla or birthday cake flavor popcorn optional; use dry, coated store‑bought popcorn
- 2 cups white chocolate chips about 12 oz; or use white candy melts
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps the white chocolate melt smooth
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sift if lumpy
- 1 cup green M&M’s or seasonal St. Patrick’s Day M&M mix
- 1 cup green chocolate candies, Sixlets, or chocolate-coated peanuts
- 1/2 cup green candy-coated sunflower seeds optional but very pretty
- 1/4 cup green and gold sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside for spreading and cooling the mix later.
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzels, marshmallows, and popcorn (if using). Gently toss once or twice to distribute everything evenly.6 cups Rice Chex cereal, 2 cups mini pretzels, 2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows or rainbow marshmallows, 1 cup vanilla or birthday cake flavor popcorn
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20–30 second bursts at 50% power, stirring after each interval, until mostly melted. Add the vanilla extract and fine sea salt, then stir until completely smooth.2 cups white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pour the warm white chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzel mixture. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold to coat, scooping from the bottom and turning over the top until everything is lightly and evenly covered.
- Sprinkle about half of the powdered sugar over the still-warm mix and toss gently. Add the remaining powdered sugar and toss again until everything is well coated. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a large 2‑gallon zip-top bag, add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until coated.1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheets in an even layer, breaking up large clumps so it cools quickly and doesn’t stick together. Let cool completely at room temperature, about 15–20 minutes, until the coating is set.
- Once the mix is completely cool, sprinkle the green M&M’s, green chocolate candies or Sixlets, candy-coated sunflower seeds, and green and gold sprinkles over the top. Gently toss on the baking sheet or return everything to the large bowl and toss to distribute the candies evenly.1 cup green M&M’s or seasonal St. Patrick’s Day M&M mix, 1 cup green chocolate candies, Sixlets, or chocolate-coated peanuts, 1/2 cup green candy-coated sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup green and gold sprinkles or sanding sugar
- Transfer the Leprechaun Chow to a large serving bowl or divide into treat bags or small cups for parties. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
