Not just for Santa’s reindeer! Get ready to spread holiday cheer with our Reindeer Chow! This irresistible combo of cereal, pretzels, peanuts, and M&Ms is the perfect sweet and salty snack for festive gatherings.
My whole family is obsessed with this reindeer chow recipe. I cannot show up to family gatherings without a giant bowl of deliciousness! This recipe is so fun and versatile and makes a great snack and also a great option as gifts around the holidays.
This easy, kid-friendly recipe is perfect for little helping hands. They can do just about everything with the exception of heating the chocolate. And trust me when I say they love the result. It’s so delicious and perfect for Christmas time. If you enjoy this recipe, try our Peppermint Snack Mix or Thanksgiving Snack Mix.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Snack Mix
- The delightful balance of sweet chocolate, salty pretzels, and crunchy peanuts.
- The colorful mix of ingredients brings holiday cheer to any gathering.
- With simple ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a hassle-free snack anyone can whip up as quickly as 15 minutes.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chex Cereal: Crunchy and mildly flavored.
- M&M (red and green): These colorful candies add a sweet, chocolatey taste and a festive look.
- Dry Roasted Peanuts: They contribute a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Cereal Alternatives: Swap out Cheerios for Kix for a different texture and flavor. Alternatively, use Rice Chex cereal or Crispix cereal to add a unique crispiness and shape to the mix.
- Nut Variations: Replace peanuts with cashews for a creamier, richer taste. You can also incorporate creamy peanut butter into the melted chocolate for a rich, nutty flavor. For a more peanut buttery twist and extra indulgence, add mini peanut butter cups to the mix.
- Savory Additions: Add Popcorn or Kettle corn for a delightful crunch and a balance of savory and sweet. You can also include Bugles chips for a unique, cone-shaped crunch and a salty kick.
- Chocolate Variations: Use multiple kinds of melted chocolate (like dark, milk, or white chocolate) for a more complex flavor profile. You can also sprinkle in chocolate chips for extra bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the mix. For a richer, deeper chocolate note, add cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
How to Make Reindeer Chow
Step 1: Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper, parchment, or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cereal, M&Ms, pretzels, and peanuts. Set aside.
Step 3: In a double boiler or in the microwave, melt the white chocolate and shortening until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Pour the chocolate over the cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and add sprinkles over the top.
Step 5: Place in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes before breaking apart into chunks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can use any variety of Chex mix like cereal, such as rice, corn Chex, or Wheat Chex, to add varying textures and subtle flavor differences to the mix.
After letting it solidify in the fridge, break it apart and place it in cellophane bags. You can make it extra cute by tying it closed with some seasonal ribbon!
Yes, you can melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even melting and to prevent burning. This is a convenient alternative to using a double boiler.
Storage Info
You might want to consider STORING this in the fridge so that the chocolate doesn’t melt everywhere. If your kitchen isn’t overly warm, you can store it at room temperature on the counter.
You can store it in an airtight container or just on a tray. It really depends on what you prefer. It should last 1-2 weeks if it is kept in an airtight container.
More Christmas Treats to Try
Reindeer Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cup chex cereal
- 3 cup cheerio cereal
- 2 cup M&Ms - red and green 11.40 oz bag
- 1 cup pretzels - halved sticks or mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 20 oz white chocolate
- 2 tbsp vegetable shortening
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp festive sprinkles - optional
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax paper, parchment, or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, M&Ms, pretzels, and peanuts. Set aside.
- In a double boiler or in the microwave, melt the white chocolate and shortening until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate over the cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and add sprinkles over the top.
- Place in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes before breaking apart into chunks.
I went to buy Chex and saw they now have peanut butter Chex. Then I added peanut butter M&Ms (red and green, of course), broken pretzel pieces from the bag of Christmas shape pretzels, and for a nut, I chose pistachios. So yummy!!! I love how flexible this recipe is-so many combinations