Easy and Delicious Trash Snack Mix For Christmas is the kind of recipe you pull together when guests are on the way and you want something sweet, crunchy, and festive without breaking a sweat. If you’re craving an Easy Trash Snack Mix for a Delicious Christmas that tastes like holiday magic in a bowl, you’re in the right place. This is my go-to for family movie nights, last minute parties, and school treat bags. It’s no bake, the cleanup is simple, and it always disappears faster than I expect. I’ll show you what it is, how to make it, and how to store it so it stays fresh and crisp. Let’s dive in and make your holiday snack table the easiest win of the season.
What is White Trash?
If you’ve never heard of it, White Trash is an easy, sweet-and-salty snack mix usually made with cereal, pretzels, nuts, and colorful candies, all coated in melted white chocolate. Some folks call it Christmas Trash, White Chocolate Snack Mix, or Reindeer Munch. Whatever the name, it’s festive, crunchy, and perfect for gifting or munching while you wrap presents.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Hey, I’m Cuts Food! This Easy Trash Snack Mix for a Delicious Christmas was built for real kitchens: simple steps, reliable results, and flavor that makes people ask for seconds. Easy and Delicious Trash Snack Mix For Christmas is the kind of recipe you pull together when guests are on the way and you want something…
What I love most is the simplicity. You can customize it with what you have on hand, swap in safe options for allergies, and make a big batch in one go. Kids can help pour, stir, and sprinkle, which makes it a fun little memory in the middle of a busy season. It also hits that sweet spot between salt and sugar that keeps you going back for a handful.
My family has a tradition of setting out a big bowl of this mix on Christmas Eve. I add red and green candies for the pop of color, then a pinch of flaky salt to make the white chocolate shine. It’s cheerful, ridiculously easy, and checks every holiday snack box you can think of.
Good to know: This recipe works beautifully as an Easy Trash Snack Mix for a Delicious Christmas because you can prep it ahead, package it up for neighbors, and it still tastes great several days later.
How to Make White Trash
Below is my foolproof method for creating your own Easy Trash Snack Mix for a Delicious Christmas. The key is choosing a mix of salty, sweet, crunchy, and colorful, then coating it with smooth melted white chocolate so it clusters lightly without turning into one big slab.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex cereal or a mix of rice and corn Chex
- 3 cups Cheerios
- 3 cups small pretzels or pretzel sticks
- 2 cups salted peanuts or mixed nuts (use extra cereal if nut-free)
- 2 cups holiday M&M’s or similar candy
- 24 ounces white almond bark or high quality white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or neutral oil to help with smooth melting
- Optional: holiday sprinkles and a pinch of flaky sea salt
Step-by-step
- Line two baking sheets with parchment. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, gently toss Chex, Cheerios, pretzels, peanuts, and M&M’s.
- Melt the white chocolate and oil in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring in between until smooth, or use a double boiler on low heat.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry mix. Toss carefully with a big spatula until everything is coated. Add sprinkles if you like.
- Spread mix onto the lined sheets in an even layer. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of flaky salt to brighten the sweetness.
- Let it set at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, or pop the sheets into the fridge for 15 minutes to set faster.
- Once firm, break into snackable clusters. Store in airtight containers.
“I made this for a cookie exchange and it was the first thing gone. People kept asking for the recipe because it was sweet but not too sweet, and the crunch was perfect.”
Want another festive tray idea to serve with your mix? Add a plate of holiday chocolate bark alongside and watch everyone hover around the snack table with big smiles.
Pro tip: If your white chocolate seizes up or looks thick, stir in an extra 1 teaspoon oil at a time until it loosens. Work quickly to coat the mix so it sets in little clusters instead of big clumps. This is the kind of flexible recipe that makes an Easy Trash Snack Mix for a Delicious Christmas feel effortless.
How to Store White Trash
White Trash keeps beautifully, which is another reason it shines during the holidays. The coating helps lock in crunch and gives you a longer window to gift, pack, and nibble your way through the season.
Freezing tips and shelf life
- Room temperature: Store in airtight containers at cool room temp for up to 2 weeks.
- Refrigerator: Not essential, but can extend freshness to about 3 weeks. Keep tightly sealed to prevent moisture.
- Freezer: Freeze in zip-top bags for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp with the bag sealed to avoid condensation.
- Gift-ready: Pack in mason jars or tins with wax paper layers to keep pieces from sticking.
- Nut-free: Swap nuts with extra cereal or mini pretzels. It stays crisp and kid friendly.
Need a bite-sized chocolate treat that travels well in treat boxes with your mix? Try these easy Christmas Oreo balls. They’re rich, cute, and a great companion to your crunchy mix.
When gifting, I like to tuck a little card that lists what’s inside. It’s thoughtful, especially for folks with allergies. If you’re making a big batch for a party, keep a backup container hidden away. You’ll thank yourself when the bowl is mysteriously empty after the first round.
Popular Recipes
Flavor twists to try
Here are a few variations we’ve loved over the years. Keep the base method the same, then tweak the mix-ins and chocolate to keep things fun.
Peanut butter lovers can stir a scoop of peanut butter chips into the melted white chocolate for a swirl of flavor. Add mini peanut butter cups for a candy-aisle moment. If you crave minty vibes, use crushed candy canes and a few drops of peppermint extract. For chocolate-on-chocolate, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the set mix so you get those bakery-style stripes.
For a salty push, use salted cashews and pretzel snaps, then add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning right before the chocolate sets. Sounds odd, tastes incredible. Want a fruity pop? Toss in freeze dried strawberries or raspberries after coating. They keep the crunch while adding a bright, tangy bite.
If you’re hosting a crowd, a big batch of this mix plus a pitcher of Christmas punch will make you feel like party planning was easy. It really does set the mood. And if you love buttery, old fashioned treats, a tray of classic Christmas toffee looks beautiful next to the colorful snack mix.
However you spin it, the method stays the same, which is why the Easy Trash Snack Mix for a Delicious Christmas is such a reliable winner. Tweak, stir, set, and enjoy. That’s it.
You’ll Also Love
If you’re building out a full dessert table or snack spread, this mix plays along nicely. It’s easy to eat, not messy, and packs well. Pair it with something cute like Christmas cake pops for the kids, and bring in a soft cookie for balance. You can never go wrong with a buttery cookie that melts in your mouth, and your crunchy mix will make the plate feel complete.
Here’s my easy hosting routine: make the mix a day ahead, bake or prep one other dessert the morning of, then assemble trays an hour before guests arrive. Keep extra portions sealed so the second round tastes just as crisp as the first. Honestly, this mix does the heavy lifting for you and looks festive with zero stress built in.
Common Questions
Can I make it without nuts?
Yes. Replace nuts with extra cereal, pretzels, or even mini marshmallows. It stays crunchy and crowd friendly.
What white chocolate melts best?
Almond bark melts smooth and sets fast. White baking chips work too with a spoonful of oil. Use low heat and stir often.
How much salt should I add?
A small pinch of flaky salt over the spread mix is enough. It balances the sweet without tasting salty.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Make it up to 2 weeks ahead and store airtight at room temp. It’s great for gifting because it keeps its crunch.
What if my mix clumps too much?
Spread it thinner on the sheet and break it sooner, right after it sets. If it clumped before setting, use two spatulas to separate while still soft.
A Sweet Little Wrap Up
There you have it. A festive bowl of crunch that takes hardly any time and makes everyone happy. The Easy Trash Snack Mix for a Delicious Christmas is the kind of treat you can count on when life gets busy and you still want that homemade touch. For more ideas and inspiration, check out this take on Christmas Trash Snack Mix and, if you like a savory kick too, a classic Texas Trash Spicy Chex Mix is a fun counterpoint on the snack table. Now go grab a big bowl, melt some white chocolate, and make your own Easy Trash Snack Mix for a Delicious Christmas.
Easy Trash Snack Mix
Ingredients
Method
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the Chex, Cheerios, pretzels, peanuts, and M&M’s.
- Melt the white chocolate and oil in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring in between until smooth, or use a double boiler on low heat.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry mix and toss carefully with a spatula until everything is coated.
- Add sprinkles if desired.
- Spread the mix onto the lined sheets in an even layer and sprinkle with a tiny pinch of flaky salt.
- Let it set at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, or place in the fridge for 15 minutes to set faster.
- Once firm, break into snackable clusters and store in airtight containers.
