Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on a classic snack mix, combining crunchy Rice Chex cereal with a creamy pistachio and white chocolate coating. It’s easy to make, irresistibly sweet, and perfect for sharing or snacking anytime.

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
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals until fully melted.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter. Microwave in 15–20 second intervals, stirring well between each until smooth and fully melted.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully blended.
5. Step 5: Pour the pistachio-coated mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all 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 all the cereal is evenly coated with powdered sugar.
7. Step 7: Open the bag and sprinkle in 1/4 cup crushed pistachios if using. Give it one last gentle shake or stir to distribute.
8. Step 8: Pour into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately, or store for later.

Tips & Variations

• Melt the white chocolate and butter slowly to prevent seizing; use short microwave intervals.
• Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before adding powdered sugar to maintain the classic powdery coating.
• Swap white chocolate for almond bark or vanilla chips for different flavors.
• Add mini marshmallows or crushed freeze-dried raspberries for extra texture and taste.
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a deeper nutty flavor.
• Mix in M&Ms for added color and crunch.
• Skip the crushed pistachios if you prefer no nut pieces.

Storage

Store Pistachio Puppy Chow in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating as it may cause the cereal to become soggy. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe 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 even banana pudding mix for a different twist on the flavor.

Can I use a different cereal?

Absolutely! Crispix or Corn Chex cereals work well and offer a similar texture to Rice Chex.

Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 70 reviews

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a sweet, crunchy snack mix made with Rice Chex cereal coated in a smooth blend of melted white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, instant pistachio pudding mix, and butter. Topped with powdered sugar and optional crushed pistachios, this treat offers a delightful pistachio flavor combined with a crisp texture, perfect for snacking or sharing.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Snack Mix

• 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
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Optional Topping

• 1/4 cup crushed pistachios

Instructions

1. Measure cereal: Add 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl and set aside for coating.
2. Melt the butter: Place 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until fully melted.
3. Melt white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk: Add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk to the melted butter; microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
4. Mix in pudding and vanilla: Stir in one 3.4 oz box of instant pistachio pudding mix and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended.
5. Coat cereal: Pour the pistachio chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal, and gently fold with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated.
6. Add powdered sugar: Transfer the coated cereal to a large gallon-size zip-top bag, add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal tightly, and shake well to coat each piece evenly.
7. Add crushed pistachios (optional): Open the bag, sprinkle in 1/4 cup crushed pistachios, then gently shake or stir to mix.
8. Serve and store: Pour the finished mix into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

• Overheating the white chocolate may cause it to seize; melt it slowly and gently.
• Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly before adding powdered sugar to preserve the classic powdered coating.
• Use exactly one box of instant pistachio pudding mix to avoid a grainy texture.
• This recipe keeps up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container; do not refrigerate.
• Freeze in sealed freezer bags for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Use gluten-free Rice Chex and pudding mix if you require a gluten-free version.

Keywords: Pistachio Puppy Chow, snack mix, sweet snack, rice chex, white chocolate, pistachio pudding, easy snack, party snack