Sandra This crunchy, creamy Alton Brown White Trash is made with Chex, pretzels, and roasted nuts, and ready in just 20 minutes. It brings together a massive bowl of salty snacks coated in smooth white chocolate for the ultimate holiday treat. I love making this because it requires zero baking and always disappears first at parties.
The Secret To Getting It Right
I learned quickly that the most critical part of this recipe is how you treat the white chocolate. Unlike dark chocolate, white chocolate scorches easily and can seize up into a grainy mess if it gets too hot or touches even a drop of water. Alton Brown emphasizes patience here, and he is absolutely right.
My first attempt failed because I tried to rush the melting process in the microwave. Now, I always use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds without fail. This gentle heat ensures the coating stays glossy and smooth, allowing it to cover every piece of cereal and pretzel evenly without becoming thick or clumpy.
Alton Brown White Trash Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups Cheerios (toasted oat cereal)
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups small pretzels (twists or snaps)
- 2 1/2 cups roasted salted mixed nuts
- 16 oz plain M&Ms
- 2 (11 oz) packages white chocolate chips (Ghirardelli preferred)
How To Make Alton Brown White Trash
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Get your largest mixing bowl—seriously, the biggest one you own. Dump in the Cheerios, Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, mixed nuts, and M&Ms. Toss everything together with your hands so the heavy nuts and candies don’t just sit at the bottom.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, then remove and stir. Repeat this process, stirring well each time, until the chocolate is completely smooth and liquid. Do not rush this step.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry ingredient mixture. Use a large rubber spatula to fold the mixture over and over. Keep folding until every single piece of cereal and pretzel is coated in chocolate and you see clusters forming.
- Set and Break: Spread the mixture out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes until the chocolate hardens completely. Once set, break the large sheet into bite-sized hunks and chunks.
Recipe Tips
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Because white chocolate is the main flavor, cheap brands can taste waxy. Alton recommends using quality chips like Ghirardelli that contain real cocoa butter for the best melt and mouthfeel.
- The Big Bowl Rule: This recipe makes a massive amount of snack mix. If you don’t have a bowl big enough to hold 14+ cups of ingredients, split the dry mix into two separate bowls and divide the melted chocolate between them.
- Cool Completely: Don’t try to pack this away while it’s still slightly warm or tacky. The chocolate needs to be fully set and hard to the touch, otherwise the pieces will fuse together into a solid brick in your storage container.
What To Serve With White Trash
This sweet and salty mix is a staple for holiday parties and movie nights. It pairs perfectly with hot cocoa or coffee to balance the sugar rush with something warm and bitter. For a party spread, serve it alongside savory appetizers like pigs in a blanket to offer a break from the sweetness.
How To Store
Store the broken pieces in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store it in the fridge, but it tastes best when served at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate chips?
Yes, almond bark melts very easily and is often used for this type of candy. However, it lacks the rich flavor of real white chocolate, so the taste will be sweeter and less creamy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, stick to Rice Chex and Corn Chex (double check the boxes), use gluten-free pretzels, and omit the Cheerios or swap them for a certified gluten-free oat cereal.
Can I add dried fruit?
Absolutely. Dried cranberries or cherries add a nice chewy texture and tart flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the white chocolate.
Why did my white chocolate seize?
White chocolate seizes if it gets too hot or if a tiny amount of water gets into the bowl. Always dry your bowl thoroughly and melt gently.
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 38g
- Protein: 4g
Try More Recipes:
- Alton Brown Pork Adobo Recipe
- Alton Brown Peanut Butter Cookies No Flour Recipe
- Alton Brown Scallops Recipe
Alton Brown White Trash Recipe
Description
A highly addictive, sweet-and-salty no-bake snack mix loaded with cereals, pretzels, nuts, and M&Ms, all clustered together with melted white chocolate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In your largest mixing bowl, toss together the Cheerios, Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, nuts, and M&Ms.
- Microwave white chocolate chips in a bowl at 50% power for 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the dry mixture.
- Fold with a large rubber spatula until completely coated and clusters form.
- Spread evenly onto a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet.
- Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to harden completely.
- Break into bite-sized hunks and serve.
Notes
- White chocolate is notorious for scorching and seizing; using 50% power in the microwave and stirring frequently is absolutely essential to get a smooth, pourable consistency.
- You truly need an oversized mixing bowl for this recipe to successfully fold the heavy chocolate from the bottom without crushing the delicate cereal pieces.
- To keep the M&Ms from melting and bleeding their colors, make sure you don’t over-heat the white chocolate; it should be just warm enough to be fluid when you pour it over the mix.
