Christmas White Trash Recipe With Almond Bark (Sweet and Salty Snack Mix)
This Christmas white trash recipe with almond bark is the sweet and salty snack mix that disappears off every holiday table, and it takes 7 minutes of prep with zero oven time.
Every December I make a giant tray of this and pretend it’s for guests. Christmas white trash is a no-bake snack mix made by coating Rice Chex, Golden Grahams, pretzels, peanuts and red and green M&M’s in melted almond bark, then breaking it into clusters once it sets. Sweet, salty and crunchy in every handful.
I use Golden Grahams AND Rice Chex, because those honey-graham squares make the whole mix taste like a cookie. One batch makes 12 servings, and it sets in about 30 minutes in the fridge.
If you love salty-sweet Christmas candy, my Christmas Crack is the saltine cracker version of this same obsession.
Ingredients for Christmas White Trash
The exact amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Rice Chex cereal: The light, crispy base. Corn Chex or Crispix work too.
- Golden Grahams cereal: Honey-graham sweetness and big crunchy squares.
- Pretzel sticks: The salty snap in every handful.
- Salted peanuts: More salt, more crunch.
- Holiday M&M’s: Red and green for the Christmas look.
- Vanilla almond bark: The white coating that glues everything into clusters.
- Festive sprinkles: Optional, but soooo cute on a cookie tray.
How to Make Christmas White Trash
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the Rice Chex, Golden Grahams, pretzels, peanuts and M&M’s in a large bowl until evenly mixed.
3. Melt the almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
4. Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal mix.
5. Fold with a spatula until everything is coated.
6. Spread the mix in an even layer on the baking sheet.
7. Top with sprinkles while the coating is still wet.
8. Let it set until the almond bark is completely hard.
9. Break it into bite-size clusters.
Tips for the Best White Trash
- Melt it in 30-second bursts. Stir between every round. Almond bark scorches fast, and burnt bark turns thick and grainy.
- Fold, don’t stir hard. Gentle folds keep the pretzels and Golden Grahams whole so you get big clusters instead of crumbs.
- Use the fridge to speed it up. It takes 1 to 2 hours to set on the counter, or about 30 minutes in the fridge.
Christmas White Trash Variations
- Swap the cereal: Corn Chex, Crispix or more Rice Chex in place of the Golden Grahams.
- Switch the nuts: Almonds, cashews or a mix of whatever’s in your pantry.
- Change the holiday: Pink and red M&M’s for Valentine’s Day, pastels for Easter.
How to Store Christmas White Trash
- Room temperature: Up to 1 week in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. Put parchment between layers so the clusters don’t stick together.
- Fridge: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container if your house runs warm.
- Freezer: Skip it. Freezing softens the cereal and pretzels and kills the crunch.
Christmas White Trash FAQ
Can I use white chocolate chips instead of almond bark?
Yes. White chocolate chips work, but they melt thicker and set softer. Almond bark melts smoother and sets firm at room temperature, which is why the clusters hold together so well.
Is Christmas white trash gluten-free?
Not as written. Golden Grahams and regular pretzels both contain gluten. Swap in gluten-free pretzels, replace the Golden Grahams with more Rice Chex, and check your M&M’s and sprinkle labels.
Can I make white trash ahead of time?
Yes. Make it a day or two before your party and keep it sealed at room temperature. It’s also a go-to for teacher and neighbor gifts packed in cellophane bags or mason jars.
Christmas White Trash Recipe With Almond Bark (Sweet and Salty Snack Mix)
Ingredients
- 2 cups chex rice cereal
- 2 cups golden grahams cereal
- 1.5 cups pretzels
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1.5 cups holiday M&M's
- 12 oz almond bark
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the rice chex cereal, golden grahams, pretzels, salty peanuts, and holiday-colored M&M's. Toss the mix until evenly distributed.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the almond bark or white chocolate in 30-second intervals or according to the package instructions. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold and coat the mix thoroughly.
- Spread the coated mix evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing it to set and harden.
- If desired, sprinkle festive-colored sprinkles over the top of the coated mix while it's still wet for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
- Let the Christmas White Trash set at room temperature until the almond bark hardens completely. This usually takes about 1-2 hours. Or can add to the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Once set, break the mixture into bite-sized pieces, creating a crunchy and festive snack mix.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
More Christmas Candy and Treats
- Peanut Butter Saltine Toffee
- Christmas Bark (Chocolate Crack)
- Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
- Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
- Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge
- Peppermint Mocha Cake Pops
If you make this, leave a star rating and a comment below, it helps other people find the recipe. Snap a pic and tag @basicswithbails or #basicswithbails on Instagram, or pin it to your Christmas board on Pinterest.
About Bailey
I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…
