White Trash Recipe (Sweet & Salty White Chocolate Party Mix)
A no-bake, sweet-and-salty white chocolate snack mix loaded with Chex cereal, pretzels, peanuts, candy, and optional marshmallows. Perfect for holidays, parties, gifts, and movie nights.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal can mix with Corn or Wheat Chex if desired
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal or use all Rice Chex if preferred
- 2 cups small pretzels mini twists or sticks; gluten-free if needed
- 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts or mixed nuts, cashews, or almonds
- 1 cup plain M&M's or seasonal candy-coated chocolates use holiday colors if desired
- 1 cup mini marshmallows optional, for a soft, chewy texture
- 2 cups white chocolate chips about 12 oz; use good quality for best melting
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps white chocolate melt and coat evenly
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt adjust to taste, especially if nuts/pretzels are very salty
- festive sprinkles optional, to taste; use seasonal or themed colors
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet (or two smaller ones) with parchment paper or wax paper. Clear some counter space so you have room to spread the mix out to cool.
- In a very large mixing bowl or clean roasting pan, add the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, salted peanuts, M&M's, and mini marshmallows (if using). Gently toss with clean hands or a large spatula until evenly combined.4 cups Rice Chex cereal, 3 cups Corn Chex cereal, 2 cups small pretzels, 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts, 1 cup plain M&M's or seasonal candy-coated chocolates, 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Place the white chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20–30 second bursts at 50% power, stirring after each interval, until almost fully melted. Remove and stir until completely smooth to finish melting without scorching.2 cups white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- Stir the fine sea salt into the smooth, melted white chocolate until fully dissolved and evenly distributed.1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Working fairly quickly, pour the melted white chocolate mixture evenly over the cereal mixture in the large bowl. Use a large spatula or spoon to gently fold and toss, scraping from the bottom, until all of the cereal, pretzels, nuts, and mix-ins are evenly coated. Keep folding; it will look like not enough chocolate at first, but it will spread.
- While the white chocolate is still wet, scatter festive sprinkles over the top, if using. Give the mix one more gentle toss to distribute, taking care not to crush the cereal.festive sprinkles
- Transfer the coated mix to the prepared baking sheet(s), spreading it out into an even layer without large mounds so it sets evenly. Let cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or until the white chocolate has fully hardened.
- Once the mix is set and firm, break it apart into clusters or bite-sized pieces. Serve in a large bowl, jar, or individual cups, or portion into treat bags or tins for gifting.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days, away from direct heat. For warm kitchens, refrigerate and let sit at room temperature 10–15 minutes before serving. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw 20–30 minutes before serving.
Tips: Use good-quality white chocolate chips or coating wafers for smooth melting. Melt slowly at reduced power and stir often to prevent scorching or seizing. Use the largest bowl you have to make mixing easier and ensure even coating. Adjust sweetness by increasing nuts and pretzels and reducing candy, and don’t skip the pinch of salt for the best sweet-and-salty balance.
Variations: Try Christmas mix (red and green candy, holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes), peanut butter lover’s (replace some white chips with peanut butter chips, add mini peanut butter cups), trail mix style (add dried fruit), gluten-free (GF Chex and pretzels), or add extra crunchy mix-ins like Bugles or goldfish crackers.
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