Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, featuring a creamy pistachio coating that adds a unique nutty flavor. It’s an easy, sweet treat perfect for parties or anytime you want a crunchy, festive snack.

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 place them in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl by 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 the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
4. Step 4: Stir in the box of instant pistachio pudding mix until the mixture is fully blended.
5. Step 5: Pour the pistachio-coated chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal to a large zip-top bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake well until every piece is evenly covered.
7. Step 7: If desired, open the bag and add 1/4 cup crushed pistachios. Shake or stir gently to mix.
8. Step 8: Pour the finished snack into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store for later.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, toast the crushed pistachios lightly before adding.
• Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different nutty aroma.
• Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free by ensuring your Rice Chex cereal is certified gluten-free.

Storage

Store the Pistachio Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. It maintains its crunch well but can soften if exposed to humidity. To refresh, simply spread the snack on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 5–7 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pistachio pudding instead of instant mix?

Instant pudding mix helps the coating set quickly and evenly, but you can experiment with homemade pudding. Just be aware the coating may not firm up as firmly, and the mixing step might be messier.

Is it necessary to use powdered sugar?

Yes, powdered sugar evenly coats the cereal, giving Puppy Chow its signature sweet and powdery finish. Regular granulated sugar won’t stick properly and can make the snack gritty.

Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 131 reviews

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the traditional snack mix, featuring crisp Rice Chex cereal coated in a creamy blend of white chocolate, pistachio pudding, and buttery goodness, then dusted with powdered sugar and topped with crushed pistachios for an extra nutty crunch. This sweet, addictive treat is perfect for parties, snacking, or gifting during the holidays.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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. Measure the Cereal: Add 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside to prepare for coating.
2. Melt the Butter: Place 1/4 cup of unsalted butter into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted.
3. Melt White Chocolate: Add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the melted butter. Microwave in short 15–20 second bursts, stirring well between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
4. Combine with Pudding Mix: Stir in the entire 3.4 oz box of instant pistachio pudding mix thoroughly until well blended into the white chocolate mixture.
5. Coat the Cereal: Pour this pistachio-flavored chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex in the bowl. Gently fold with a spatula until every piece of cereal is evenly coated.
6. Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top plastic bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag tightly, and shake vigorously until all cereal pieces look uniformly dusted.
7. Mix in Crushed Pistachios (Optional): Open the bag, sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed pistachios, then gently shake or stir to incorporate these nuts evenly throughout the coated cereal.
8. Serve and Store: Pour the Pistachio Puppy Chow into a serving bowl to enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container to keep fresh for snacking later.

Notes

• Ensure to microwave the white chocolate and butter mixture slowly and stir often to prevent overheating and burning.
• For added flavor and texture, crushed pistachios are optional but highly recommended.
• Store the puppy chow in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and crispness.
• This recipe can be doubled easily for larger batches or parties.

Keywords: Pistachio Puppy Chow, Puppy Chow, Chex Mix, Snack Mix, Sweet Snack, White Chocolate, Pistachio Pudding, Party Snack, Holiday Treat