White Trash Snack Mix

This White Trash Cereal Mix is a delightfully sweet and salty snack that's perfect for gatherings or an everyday treat. With a crunchy cereal base combined with pretzels, peanuts, and colorful M&M's all coated in creamy vanilla almond bark, it hits the right notes of flavor and texture every time. The mix is simple and quick to prepare, making it a favorite for busy days when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.

I first made this for a last-minute party and everyone loved it so much that it became my go-to snack mix for holidays and casual get-togethers. It's always a crowd pleaser and so easy to customize with your favorite candies.

Ingredients

• Two cups Corn Chex cereal: providing a light crunch and great texture
• Two cups Cheerios cereal: adding a mild nutty flavor and shape contrast
• Two cups mini pretzel twists: for that essential salty crunch
• One cup dry roasted salted peanuts: giving a savory depth and protein boost
• Two and a half cups M&M's candies: split into two parts to mix in and top for color and sweet bursts
• Twenty-four ounces vanilla almond bark candy coating: which melts smoothly and hardens with a sweet creamy finish look for high-quality almond bark for the best flavor and easier melting without graininess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Scoop and line:

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking

Mix the dry ingredients:

Combine the Corn Chex, Cheerios, pretzels, peanuts, and two cups of the M&M's candies in a large bowl making sure everything is evenly distributed

Melt the coating:

Melt the vanilla almond bark in the microwave at 30-second intervals stirring between each until completely smooth and pourable to avoid any lumps or burning

Coat the mix:

Pour the melted almond bark gently over the cereal mixture and carefully fold with a spatula or wooden spoon making sure every piece is lightly coated without crushing the cereal

Spread and garnish:

Transfer the coated mix onto your lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer then sprinkle the remaining M&M's candies over the top for a colorful finish

Set and break:

Allow the mixture to set at room temperature for at least one hour until the coating hardens then break into bite-sized clusters for serving or packaging

My favorite ingredient has to be the pretzels because their saltiness perfectly balances the sweetness of the almond bark and M&M's. One winter, I made a big batch for a potluck and watched the mix disappear within minutes. It's one of those recipes that brings back warm memories with every bite.

Storage Tips

Store the mix in a sealed airtight container away from heat or humidity to keep the coating crisp and prevent the candy from melting or sticking together. It also keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap if you do not have airtight containers.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Cheerios for another type of round cereal like Kix or Golden Grahams for a different flavor profile. Peanuts can be replaced with almonds or cashews if you prefer a different nut. For those avoiding nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds offer a tasty alternative. If vanilla almond bark is unavailable, white chocolate chips melted with a little shortening or coconut oil make a good substitute.

Serving Suggestions

This cereal mix is perfect served in small bowls for snacking during movie nights or parties. It also works wonderfully as a topping for ice cream or yogurt bowls adding a crunchy, sweet, and salty layer. Package it in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon for easy gifting at holidays or birthdays.

Cultural Context

White Trash Cereal Mix, sometimes known by different regional names, is a nostalgic American snack reminiscent of homemade party mixes that rose in popularity in the mid-twentieth century. It combines accessible pantry ingredients transformed by a sweet coating into a communal snack that often brings back memories of childhood or family gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute different cereals in the mix?

Yes, you can swap Corn Chex or Cheerios for similar cereals like Rice Chex or Wheat Chex to adjust texture and taste.

→ How should I melt the vanilla almond bark to avoid burning?

Melt the almond bark in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals until smooth to prevent overheating.

→ What is the best way to store the snack mix?

Keep the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness and prevent moisture absorption.

→ Can I use other candy coatings besides vanilla almond bark?

Yes, white chocolate or other candy melts can be used, though vanilla almond bark offers a nice flavor and sturdy finish.

→ How long does the coating take to set properly?

Allow the coated mix to set for at least 1 hour at room temperature until firm and no longer sticky to the touch.

→ Is it possible to add extra ingredients for texture?

Sure! Adding items like dried cranberries or chocolate chips can enhance texture and flavor, just fold them in with the dry mix.