Monster Munch is the perfect sweet and salty snack! Just coat cereal and pretzels in white chocolate, then mix in candy and peanuts for a fun treat.
Monster Munch (Halloween Snack Mix)
Halloween holds a special place in my heart. As soon as September hits (okay, even August), I’m in full Halloween mode and this year, I’m excited to share my new favorite Halloween-themed snack mix!
The Halloween-colored M&M’s and sprinkles add a spooky flair, but serving it in a ghost-shaped bowl? That’s the finishing touch.
It’s not just about looks though—Monster Munch tastes incredible, making it a guaranteed hit.
Monster Munch Ingredients
- Honey Nut Chex cereal: Regular or Rice Chex work too, but Honey Nut Chex adds extra flavor and sweetness to Monster Munch.
- Mini pretzel twists or rods: Any shape works—just break them up a bit.
- Peanut Butter Captain Crunch: Regular Captain Crunch (without berries) works as well.
- Cheerios: Honey Nut Cheerios are my favorite, but if three cereals seem too much, just use more of the other two.
- M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces: Use Halloween-themed M&M’s. If you can’t find them, use regular M&M’s and pick out the colors.
- Honey roasted peanuts (optional): If you can’t find them, dry roasted peanuts work too.
- White chocolate chips: Better quality chips melt smoother and taste better.
- Vegetable oil or shortening: Helps make the chocolate melt smooth and silky.
- Halloween sprinkles (optional): Add festive sprinkles like pumpkins or bats for a fun Halloween touch!
How To Make Monster Munch
- Prep the Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together cereals, pretzels, and candy. Add honey-roasted peanuts if you like.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt white chocolate chips until smooth.
- Combine and Coat: Pour melted chocolate over the mix and stir until coated. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: While chocolate is still melted, press extra candy and sprinkles on top.
- Chill: Put the pan in the fridge until the mix is hard. Then break it into pieces.
Tips For Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your cereals aren’t stale.
- Choose Quality White Chocolate: Pick brands like Ghirardelli for smooth melting and good flavor.
- Mix Gently: Stir carefully to avoid breaking the cereals.
- Temperature Matters: Let the mix set in a cool room or fridge to harden faster.
- Work Quickly: White chocolate hardens fast, so mix and add sprinkles quickly.
- Melt Carefully: Use short bursts in the microwave or a double boiler to prevent burning.
- Presentation: For gifts, use clear bags tied with orange and black ribbons.
Storage
Monster Munch Storing Tips
Store Monster Munch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container or bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or enjoy directly from the freezer!
More Halloween Fun:
- Halloween Treat Bag Toppers with FREE bag toppers
- Halloween Rice Krispie Treats Decorated eight different ways
- Four-Ingredient Halloween Treats Monsters, witches hats, witches brooms, and bats
- Halloween Donuts Using store-bought donuts and decorating them
- Four Easy Halloween Cookies With store-bought or homemade cookies
Monster Munch
Monster Munch is the ultimate Halloween treat! Crunchy cereal and pretzels coated in white chocolate, mixed with candy and peanuts—sweet, salty, and spooky fun!
Equipment
- large sheet pan,
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat
Ingredients
- 2 cups honey nut Chex cereal
- 1 cup miniature pretzel twists or pretzel sticks, broken in half
- 2 cups peanut butter Captain Crunch see note 1
- 2 cups honey nut Cheerios
- 1 cup M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces, see note 2
- 1 cup honey roasted peanuts optional
- 3 cups white chocolate chips 1-1/2 bags
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- Halloween sprinkles optional, see note 3
Instructions
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment, a liner, or foil and set aside.
- In a very large bowl, combine the first six ingredients.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring every 20 seconds until melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mix, using a spatula to scrape it all out. Mix gently until well-coated, then spread evenly on the prepared sheet pan.
- Quickly, while the white chocolate is still wet, press extra M&M’s on top for added color. If desired, add Halloween sprinkles. Work fast before the chocolate hardens!
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes until hardened, then break into bite-sized pieces.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: I love Peanut Butter Captain Crunch in Monster Munch, but if peanut butter isn’t your thing, the original Captain Crunch (no berries) works well. If buying three cereals is too much, just use more of the other two.
Note 2: Halloween-themed M&M’s were used here, but regular M&M’s can work by picking out the festive colors. For extra peanut flavor, Reese’s Pieces are a great choice and already come in Halloween colors.
Note 3: A regular mix of sprinkles works well—just use the orange, green, and purple ones for this snack mix.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Best enjoyed within 3–4 days. Freeze leftovers in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 57.8g | Protein: 10.6g | Fat: 25.5g | Cholesterol: 8.9mg | Sodium: 173.2mg | Fiber: 3.6g | Sugar: 36g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
