Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining crunchy Rice Chex with creamy white chocolate and flavorful pistachio pudding mix. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for parties, snacking, or gifting during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Measure 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal and add it to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 box of instant pistachio pudding mix and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until fully blended.
4. Step 4: Pour the pistachio chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold with a spatula to coat all pieces evenly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon-size zip-top bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake well until the cereal is thoroughly coated.
6. Step 6: If desired, open the bag and sprinkle in 1/4 cup crushed pistachios. Seal and gently shake or stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Pour the finished Pistachio Puppy Chow into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store for later.

Tips & Variations

• Melt white chocolate slowly over low heat or in short bursts to avoid seizing.
• Make sure the chocolate mixture is slightly cooled before adding powdered sugar to maintain the classic powdered look.
• Try swapping white chocolate for almond bark or vanilla chips for a different flavor.
• Add mini marshmallows, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or M&Ms for added color and texture.
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a richer nutty flavor.
• Skip the crushed pistachios if you prefer a smoother texture without nut pieces.

Storage

Store Pistachio Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For best texture, allow the coated cereal to cool completely before storing to keep it crispy. Reheat is not required and not recommended, as it may soften the coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other pudding flavors?

Yes! Vanilla, white chocolate, or banana pudding mix all make great alternatives to pistachio for a unique twist.

Can I use a different cereal?

Absolutely. Crispix or Corn Chex work just as well and will hold the coating nicely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free Chex cereal and an instant pudding mix labeled gluten-free.

Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful and festive snack mix featuring crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a creamy blend of melted white chocolate, butter, and instant pistachio pudding mix. Finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and optional crushed pistachios for added texture and flavor, this easy-to-make treat combines sweet, nutty, and crunchy elements for a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime sweet cravings hit.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Measure Cereal: Add 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside, ensuring you have the perfect base for the coating.
2. Melt White Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between intervals until the mixture is fully melted and smooth to avoid overheating or seizing.
3. Mix in Pudding and Vanilla: Stir in 1 (3.4 oz) box of instant pistachio pudding mix along with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until the blend is smooth and uniform.
4. Combine with Cereal: Pour the pistachio chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat all pieces evenly without breaking the cereal.
5. Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon-size zip-top bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake vigorously until every piece is thoroughly coated with a white, powdered sugar finish.
6. Add Crushed Pistachios (Optional): Open the bag and sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed pistachios over the coated cereal. Give the bag a gentle shake or stir to incorporate the nuts for added texture and flavor.
7. Serve or Store: Pour the Pistachio Puppy Chow into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness for up to one week.

Notes

• Overheating white chocolate can cause it to seize; melt it slowly and stir often.
• Let the chocolate-pudding mixture cool slightly before adding powdered sugar to prevent melting and clumping.
• Stick to one box of pudding mix to avoid a grainy texture.
• Use gluten-free Rice Chex and pudding mix for a gluten-free version.
• Crushed pistachios are optional but add a nice crunch and enhance the nutty flavor.
• Store in an airtight container to retain freshness and crunchiness for up to one week.

Keywords: Pistachio Puppy Chow, puppy chow recipe, Chex mix snack, white chocolate snack, pistachio dessert, easy snack recipes, holiday snacks, no bake snack