Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, featuring a creamy pistachio pudding coating and white chocolate. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for snacking, parties, or satisfying a sweet tooth with a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.

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 them to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals until fully melted.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the melted butter. Microwave in 15–20 second intervals, stirring well between each until smooth and fully melted.
4. Step 4: Stir in the entire 3.4 oz box of instant pistachio pudding mix until fully blended with the chocolate mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour the pistachio-coated mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all pieces are coated evenly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal to a large gallon-size zip-top bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake well until all the cereal is evenly coated.
7. Step 7: If desired, open the bag and sprinkle in 1/4 cup crushed pistachios. Give it one last gentle shake or stir to combine.
8. Step 8: Pour the finished Pistachio Puppy Chow into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Melt the white chocolate slowly at low power to avoid seizing.
• Use only one box of pudding mix to prevent a grainy texture.
• Substitute white chocolate with almond bark or vanilla chips for different flavors.
• Add mini marshmallows, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or M&Ms for extra texture and color.
• Use almond extract in place of vanilla extract for a nuttier flavor.
• Skip the crushed pistachios if you prefer a nut-free texture.

Storage

Store Pistachio Puppy Chow in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the cereal to become soggy. For longer storage, freeze in freezer bags for up to one month and thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other pudding flavors?

Yes, you can experiment with vanilla, white chocolate, or banana pudding mixes for a different twist on this recipe.

How long does this keep?

It will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy snack mix featuring crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious pistachio-flavored white chocolate and pudding mixture, then dusted with powdered sugar and optionally topped with crushed pistachios for an extra nutty crunch. Perfect for a quick sweet treat or party snack, this 15-minute recipe combines smooth melted white chocolate, instant pistachio pudding mix for flavor and texture, and the ideal cereal base to maintain crispiness.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Microwaving and Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cereal

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal

Coating

• 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

Optional Topping

• 1/4 cup crushed pistachios

Instructions

1. Measure 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal: Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside to prepare for coating.
2. Melt the Butter: Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter to a microwave-safe bowl and melt it in 30-second increments until completely melted, stirring as needed.
3. Melt the White Chocolate: To the melted butter, add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Microwave in short 15–20 second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted without clumps.
4. Stir in pudding mix and vanilla: Incorporate 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix into the warm chocolate mixture, stirring well to blend everything evenly into a smooth coating.
5. Pour over cereal and mix: Pour the pistachio chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Using a spatula, gently fold and stir until all pieces of cereal are thoroughly coated with the pistachio mixture.
6. Shake with powdered sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large gallon-size zip-top bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag securely, and shake vigorously until the cereal is evenly dusted with the powdered sugar, creating the classic puppy chow look.
7. Add crushed pistachios (optional): Open the bag and sprinkle in 1/4 cup crushed pistachios if desired. Give the mix one last gentle shake or stir to distribute the nuts throughout the snack.
8. Serve and enjoy: Pour the Pistachio Puppy Chow into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container for later snacking.

Notes

• Do not overheat the white chocolate; melt slowly to prevent seizing.
• Allow the coating to cool slightly before adding powdered sugar to keep the powdered look intact.
• Stick to one box of pudding mix to avoid grainy texture.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and crispiness.
• Freeze in airtight bags up to 1 month if desired, thawing at room temperature before serving.
• Use gluten-free Chex and pudding mix for a gluten-free version.

Keywords: Pistachio Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow Snack Mix, Sweet Snack, Pistachio Dessert, White Chocolate Puppy Chow, Holiday Snack Mix