What the heck is this?
Monster Munch is that over-the-top, ridiculously addictive snack mix that lives at the intersection of salty, sweet, and spooky (or just indulgent—no Halloween required). Think popcorn, pretzels, candy-coated chocolate pieces, and cereal all drenched in a white chocolate coating and tossed together into a crunchy, colorful mess. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or when you’re just in the mood for something outrageously good and easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– No baking, no fuss—just melt, mix, and munch
– Makes a huge batch for sharing (or not)
– Totally customizable with your favorite add-ins
– Kid-approved and party-perfect
– A texture lover’s dream: crunchy, chewy, creamy, sweet, salty
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
– 5 cups popped popcorn (plain or lightly salted)
– 2 cups mini pretzels
– 2 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex, go wild)
– 1 1/2 cups candy-coated chocolate (like M&Ms)
– 1 cup candy corn (optional but festive)
– 12 oz white chocolate chips or white almond bark
– 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (helps the chocolate melt smoothly)
– Optional: Halloween sprinkles, chopped mini peanut butter cups, or crushed cookies
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Line a baking sheet
Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This is where your Monster Munch will cool and set.
Step 2: Mix your dry ingredients
In a gigantic bowl (seriously, go big), combine the popcorn, pretzels, Chex cereal, candy-coated chocolates, and candy corn. If you’re adding extras like chopped candy or sprinkles, hold off until after the chocolate coating step.
Step 3: Melt the chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Don’t overheat—it’ll seize up on you.
Step 4: Coat and toss
Pour the melted white chocolate all over your mix and gently toss with a large spoon or spatula until everything is coated. Work quickly—white chocolate sets fast!
Step 5: Spread and set
Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. If you’re adding sprinkles or extra toppings, now’s the time. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or pop it in the fridge to speed things up.
Step 6: Break and devour
Once the chocolate is set, break the mix into chunks and store in an airtight container—or dive in headfirst.
Serving Suggestions
– Pack into treat bags for party favors or movie night snacks
– Serve in a big bowl for gatherings or game days
– Layer into mason jars for a cute, edible gift
– Sneak a handful every time you walk by the kitchen—no judgment
Switch It Up
– Try dark or milk chocolate instead of white
– Use caramel popcorn or kettle corn for extra flavor
– Swap in Cheerios, mini marshmallows, or chocolate-covered raisins
– Make it holiday-themed: red & green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, etc.
Make-Ahead Tips
– Monster Munch stays fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container
– Don’t refrigerate it long-term—it can make the popcorn chewy
– Want to freeze it? You can, but the texture may soften after thawing. Still delicious though.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use microwave popcorn?
A: Absolutely—just avoid buttery or overly flavored varieties. Go for lightly salted or plain.
Q: Can I make it nut-free?
A: Totally. Just skip nut-based candies or peanut butter add-ins.
Q: Is this just for Halloween?
A: Nope. Change the candy and colors, and this becomes the ultimate snack for any holiday or no holiday at all.
Monster Munch: The Sweet & Salty Snack Mix That’ll Disappear in Seconds
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 10 cups
Description
Monster Munch is that over-the-top, ridiculously addictive snack mix that lives at the intersection of salty, sweet, and spooky (or just indulgent—no Halloween required). Think popcorn, pretzels, candy-coated chocolate pieces, and cereal all drenched in a white chocolate coating and tossed together into a crunchy, colorful mess. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or when you’re just in the mood for something outrageously good and easy.
Ingredients
– 5 cups popped popcorn (plain or lightly salted)
– 2 cups mini pretzels
– 2 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex, go wild)
– 1 1/2 cups candy-coated chocolate (like M&Ms)
– 1 cup candy corn (optional but festive)
– 12 oz white chocolate chips or white almond bark
– 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (helps the chocolate melt smoothly)
– Optional: Halloween sprinkles, chopped mini peanut butter cups, or crushed cookies
Instructions
Step 1: Line a baking sheet
Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This is where your Monster Munch will cool and set.
Step 2: Mix your dry ingredients
In a gigantic bowl (seriously, go big), combine the popcorn, pretzels, Chex cereal, candy-coated chocolates, and candy corn. If you’re adding extras like chopped candy or sprinkles, hold off until after the chocolate coating step.
Step 3: Melt the chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Don’t overheat—it’ll seize up on you.
Step 4: Coat and toss
Pour the melted white chocolate all over your mix and gently toss with a large spoon or spatula until everything is coated. Work quickly—white chocolate sets fast!
Step 5: Spread and set
Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. If you’re adding sprinkles or extra toppings, now’s the time. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or pop it in the fridge to speed things up.
Step 6: Break and devour
Once the chocolate is set, break the mix into chunks and store in an airtight container—or dive in headfirst.
Notes
– Pack into treat bags for party favors or movie night snacks
– Serve in a big bowl for gatherings or game days
– Layer into mason jars for a cute, edible gift
– Sneak a handful every time you walk by the kitchen—no judgment
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~210 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~27g
- Protein: ~2g