Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, combining crunchy Rice Chex with a creamy pistachio-flavored coating. Sweet, nutty, and irresistibly crunchy, it’s perfect for parties or an easy treat at home.

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 it to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Place 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave 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 1 box (3.4 oz) of instant pistachio pudding mix until thoroughly blended.
5. Step 5: Pour the pistachio-coated 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 the cereal is evenly coated.
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 combine.
8. Step 8: Pour the finished Puppy Chow into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store for later.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the crushed pistachios lightly before adding them to enhance their nuttiness.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and butter substitutes.
• Mix in some dried cranberries or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the Pistachio Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. It remains crunchy longer if kept away from humidity. If it softens, you can gently re-crisp it by spreading it on a baking sheet and warming in a low oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant pistachio pudding mix?

Instant pudding mix works best as it blends easily without cooking, giving the coating a smooth texture. Regular pudding mix may require cooking and won’t coat the cereal properly.

Is this recipe safe for kids?

Yes, this recipe contains no raw eggs or alcohol and uses common snack ingredients, making it safe and enjoyable for children. Just watch for allergies related to nuts and dairy.

Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 134 reviews

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix, featuring crunchy Rice Chex cereal coated in a creamy blend of white chocolate, buttery pistachio pudding, and powdered sugar, then sprinkled with crushed pistachios for extra texture and flavor. This sweet and nutty treat is perfect for parties, snacking, or dessert lovers looking for a quick and easy recipe.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 cups of Pistachio Puppy Chow 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Snack Base

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal

Chocolate Pistachio 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

Finishing Touches

• 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 the coating mixture.
2. Melt the Butter: Place 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted to ensure even melting without burning.
3. Melt the White Chocolate: To the melted butter, add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Microwave this mixture in 15 to 20 second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each until smooth and fully melted.
4. Mix in Pistachio Pudding Mix: Stir 1 (3.4 oz) box of instant pistachio pudding mix into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until well combined, creating a creamy pistachio coating.
5. Coat the Cereal: Pour the pistachio chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal in the large bowl. Gently fold and stir with a spatula to evenly coat every piece of cereal with the pistachio mixture.
6. Shake with 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 the cereal is completely and evenly coated in powdered sugar.
7. Add Crushed Pistachios (Optional): Open the bag and sprinkle in 1/4 cup crushed pistachios for added crunch and flavor. Give the bag one last gentle shake or stir to distribute the nuts evenly.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the pistachio puppy chow into a serving bowl immediately or store in an airtight container to keep fresh for snacking later.

Notes

• Microwave times may vary; be careful not to overheat the chocolate to prevent burning or seizing.
• For extra flavor, toast the crushed pistachios lightly before adding.
• This snack can be stored for up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Optional crushed pistachios add texture but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
• Use gluten-free cereal if you need this recipe to be gluten-free.

Keywords: Pistachio Puppy Chow, snack mix, Rice Chex, white chocolate, pistachio pudding, sweet snack, easy recipe, party snack