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Homemade Christmas Reindeer Chow recipe photo

Christmas Reindeer Chow

This Christmas Reindeer Chow is a festive, sweet, and salty snack mix coated in white chocolate—easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 3 cups Cheerios cereal
  • 3 cups peanuts roasted, unsalted
  • 3 cups pretzel pieces
  • 3 cups red & green M&Ms plain variety
  • 20 ounces white chocolate high-quality
  • 3 tablespoons solid vegetable shortening

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Double boiler
  • Spatula
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Storage container or resealable bags

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by measuring out all your cereals, peanuts, pretzel pieces, and M&Ms. Place them in a large mixing bowl and gently toss to combine.
Melting Chocolate
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate and vegetable shortening. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler on the stove, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Coating and Setting
  1. Pour the melted white chocolate mixture over the cereal and nut mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until every piece is thoroughly coated, being careful not to crush the cereal or pretzels.
  2. Transfer the coated mixture to a prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Let it cool completely at room temperature or place it in the refrigerator to speed up setting. Once set, break apart any large clumps.
  3. After the white chocolate has set, gently fold in the red and green M&Ms to keep the candies from melting and add festive color.

Notes

  • Use high-quality white chocolate and melt it slowly to prevent burning or seizing.
  • Fold in M&Ms only after the chocolate has set to avoid melting the candy coating.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.
  • Customize by substituting nuts or cereals, or adding other mix-ins to suit your taste.