A festive and colorful snack mix perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations—featuring crunchy cereals, pretzels, popcorn, Lucky Charms, chocolate, and sprinkles tossed with a sweet green glaze. It’s easy to make, fun to munch on, and ideal for party crowds or cozy movie nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festively themed: green accents and a pot-of-gold vibe make it ideal for St. Paddy’s gatherings
- Super customizable: swap in your favorite cereals, candies, nuts, and pretzels
- Quick & effortless: ready in under 15 minutes—great for last-minute party prep
- Kid-approved & sharable: sweet and salty, colorful, and easy to serve
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rice Chex or corn Chex cereal
- Mini pretzel twists or sticks
- Popcorn (lightly salted)
- Lucky Charms marshmallows (or whole pieces)
- Green M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates
- White chocolate chips or candy melts
- Green food coloring
- Green sanding sugar or sprinkles
- Optional mix-ins: gold-coated chocolate coins, green gumdrops, peanuts or almonds
Directions
- Prepare the dry mix: In a large bowl, combine cereal, pretzels, popcorn, Lucky Charms marshmallows, and any optional mix-ins.
- Make the glaze: Melt white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl (30-second intervals, stirring between). Stir in a few drops of green food coloring until you reach a festive shade of green.
- Coat the mix: Drizzle the green glaze over the dry mix, tossing gently to coat most pieces.
- Add sparkle: Immediately sprinkle sanding sugar or sprinkles over the mix before the glaze sets.
- Set the mix: Spread the coated mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let cool completely until the glaze firms up.
- Break apart & serve: Once set, break any clumps apart and transfer to a serving bowl or snack bags.
Servings and timing
- Servings: Makes about 8–10 cups (serves 8–10 as snack portions)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Setting time: 10–15 minutes
- Total time: ~20–25 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate lovers: use milk or dark chocolate instead of white; add cocoa powder to make mint-chocolate mix
- Healthy twist: swap pretzels and candy for dried fruit, nuts, and whole-grain cereal; glaze with yogurt coating
- Leprechaun gold: add gold M&M’s, gold pearl dragees, or butterscotch chips
- Spicy hint: stir in a pinch of cayenne to the glaze for a sweet-heat contrast
Storage/Reheating
- To store: Keep snack mix in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To refresh: If glaze softens, let it sit on the countertop to firm up or spread on a baking sheet and chill for a few minutes.
- Serve tip: Toss gently before serving to redistribute any separated ingredients or sprinkles.
FAQs
What cereals work best?
Chex, Cheerios, or puffed rice cereals all work well—choose sturdy, neutral-flavored ones.
Can I skip green coloring?
Yes—use white chocolate only. Alternatively, use natural colorings like matcha powder or spinach powder for a subtle green tone.
Is this safe for kids?
Absolutely—just be cautious if adding nuts for nut-free settings. Avoid allergens as needed.
Can I make it nut-free or gluten-free?
Yes—choose gluten-free cereal, pretzels, and candy; omit nuts; verify labels on candies.
Will the glaze stick evenly?
It coats best when cereal and mix-ins are at room temperature. Stir gently but thoroughly.
Can I double the batch?
Yes—just double the ingredients and use a larger bowl and sheet pan for coating and setting.
What if it becomes too clumpy?
Gently break clumps by hand or pulse briefly in a sealed bag—don’t overdo it or you’ll crush ingredients.
Can I add salty nuts?
Yes—roasted peanuts, almonds, or cashews balance the sweetness nicely.
How far in advance can I make it?
You can prep it 2–3 days ahead—store airtight at room temperature to keep it crisp.
How should I serve it?
Offer it in a big bowl at a party or portion into treat bags or cups for individual servings. It also makes a great party favor!
Conclusion
This St. Patrick’s Day Snack Mix is a quick, festive, and crowd-pleasing treat that blends sweet, salty, crunchy, and fun into every bite. Customizable, colorful, and perfect for sharing, it’s an easy way to celebrate the luck—and flavor—of the Irish. Happy snacking!
Print
St. Patrick’s Day Snack Mix
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake/No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive St. Patrick’s Day Snack Mix is the perfect blend of salty and sweet. It’s packed with crunchy cereal, pretzels, green candies, and a creamy white chocolate coating. Great for parties, gifts, or just a fun treat to celebrate the holiday!
Ingredients
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3 cups Rice Chex cereal
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2 cups mini pretzels
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1 1/2 cups green M&M’s (mint or peanut optional)
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1 cup mini marshmallows
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1 cup white chocolate chips
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1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening
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1/2 cup green candy-coated chocolate pieces
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1/4 cup green sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
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Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal, pretzels, M&M’s, marshmallows, and candy-coated chocolate pieces.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, add white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
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Pour the melted white chocolate over the snack mix and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
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Spread the mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet. Add green sprinkles on top if using.
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Allow to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate is set.
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Break into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
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You can use popcorn or chocolate-covered pretzels for extra flavor and texture.
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Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
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Adjust candies to match other holidays for a seasonal twist.