This is the original Southern Living White Chocolate Party Mix (from 2003!). It's sweet and salty making it the best appetizer for any Christmas party get together. While I can't locate their recipe online anymore, I still have the printout my sister sent me via snail mail 22 years ago.
What makes this one unique is that it uses Chex Mix Snack Mix instead of Chex cereal giving it a big flavor boost. I had to make a few tweaks to the recipe because of container size changes, and I melt the white chocolate in the microwave instead of a double boiler.
If you're interested in a savory snack, try my Savory Crack Pretzels!
And don't forget to find more appetizer recipes on Southern Living's website. Here's a similar recipe called Reindeer Food.
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What is Almond Bark
My White Chocolate Chex Mix is made with almond barK. It's a smooth, vanilla candy coating that melts easy and sets up nice and firm. It doesn't actually have almonds in it; it's just a classic coating folks use for candies and snack mixes. It gives this party mix that sweet, creamy "white chocolate" flavor we all love.
Serve this sweet, crunchy party mix alongside this Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball. It's creamy and zesty and makes a great addition to your appetizer table!
Why You'll Love It
- Flavor: Every bite has that crunchy mix of pretzels, cereal, and chocolate that keeps folks grabbing "just one more.
- Feeds a crowd: Makes a big ol' batch that's perfect for parties, gifting, or holiday snacking.
- Easy, foolproof recipe: Just melt, mix, and spread. No baking, no fancy steps, just an easy treat that always turns out right.
Ingredient Photo with Notes
White Chocolate Chex Mix has simple ingredients for that savory, sweet, crunchy, salty appetizer you just can't stop eating!
Peanut M&Ms: Add pops of color, crunch, and that chocolate-peanut combo everybody loves.
Butter Snap Pretzels: Their buttery flavor and little waffle shape hold the almond bark beautifully and add the best salty bite.
Plain Cheerios: Mild, toasty flavor that balances the sweetness and adds a light, crispy texture.
Corn or Rice Chex: Those airy squares soak up just enough coating to stay crunchy without getting heavy.
Almond Bark (melted): The creamy, vanilla coating that ties everything together - it sticks to every piece and creates that sweet, glossy finish.
Recipe Variations
White Chocolate Chex Mix is incredibly customizable with a few ingredients swaps or additions.
Sweet & Salty
- Swap plain Cheerios with honey nut flavor or use Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
- You could mix half the butter snaps with pretzel sticks for a fun change.
Candy and Nut Ideas
- Swap the M&Ms with Reese's Pieces or mini peanut butter cups.
- Substitute M&Ms with chocolate covered almonds or yogurt covered raisins for variety.
Christmas Add-ins
- Toss in some toasted pecans;
- Dried cranberries or cherries;
- Crushed peppermint candy; or
- Christmas sprinkles
How to Make White Chocolate Chex Mix
With easy step by step instructions and delicious flavor, it's the best holiday appetizer!
Step 1. Stir together peanut M&Ms, pretzels, Cheerios, and Chex Mix in a bowl.
Step 2. Slowly melt the almond bark in the microwave. Don't overheat!
Step 3. Pour the melted white chocolate over the snack mix and stir well.
Step 4. Spread the snack mix onto a sheet pan or on the counter to cool.
How to Keep it Fresh
Room temperature is best: Store the mix in an airtight container for 7-10 days. It stays crisp and the coating keeps its smooth texture.
Avoid the fridge: Chilling can make the almond bark sweat or turn chalky, and the cereal may soften.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but keep in mind white chocolate chips don't melt as smoothly and can scorch easily. If you use them, add a teaspoon of coconut oil and melt low and slow for the silkiest coating.
Absolutely. You can swap the Cheerios for Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Crispix, or even Honey Nut Cheerios for a touch more sweetness.
It overheated. After the initial 1 minute, continue to melt in short bursts (15 seconds), stirring well after each one. Once almond bark seizes, it's hard to fix.
Use clear cellophane treat bags, mason jars, or small holiday tins lined with parchment. Add a little ribbon and a gift tag and it'll look store-bought cute!
More Christmas Dips and Appetizers
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Recipe
White Chocolate Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 oz peanut M&M's may have to use a 10.05 oz bag plus a 3.27 oz pack. I don't think they make a 14 oz bag anymore.
- 9 oz Snyder's of Hanover Butter Snaps Pretzels
- 5 cups plain Cheerios cereal
- 13.5 oz traditional original recipe Chex Mix snack mix
- 24 oz almond bark, vanilla candy coating
Instructions
- Combine the peanut M&Ms, pretzels, Cheerios, and Chex Mix in a large bowl.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the almond bark. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir and then heat again for another 15 seconds. If more time is needed add another 15-minutes until the almond bark is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overheat the almond bark or it will get dry and hard.
- Pour the melted almond bark over the pretzel mixture and stir it until everything is coated.
- Spread the pretzel mixture in a single layer onto wax paper on your counter, and let it cool for 30 minutes.
- Break apart and enjoy. Store in an airtight container. Makes 3 pounds.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.
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