This Christmas crunch holiday popcorn has the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors that not only will the kids love but adults too. It goes without saying that nothing says movie night snacks like popcorn. This Christmas snack mix is so easy to make the kids will love getting involved and ready in under 30 minutes.
We have always loved white chocolate popcorn and wanted to put a holiday twist on it by adding fun candy and sprinkles.
This chocolate crunch recipe is also known as holiday popcorn, grinch popcorn, or Christmas snack mix. It's a great addition to a kid's holiday party table, served as a delicious Christmas movie night treat paired with a creamy Nutella milkshake or bagged up with a red ribbon and given as a food gift or hamper basket.
I am always on the lookout for delicious desserts and treats that the kids will love during the holidays, and this ambrosia salad recipe is a firm favorite not just during the holidays but all year round!
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Why we love this recipe
There are so many reasons to love this holiday popcorn recipe. I have listed a few below.
- Only 6 ingredients - This Christmas popcorn recipe only uses a few ingredients and is easily adaptable to suit the tastes or dietary needs of your family.
- Made in less than 15 minutes - Very little time is required which is always a win. Great for Christmas movie night.
- Gluten free - So easy to make gluten-free as that's exactly what I did when making this!
- Fun Christmas snack mix - Serve for a fun treat or fill individual food gift bags with a pretty ribbon for a homemade food gift.
Ingredients notes
- Popcorn - Use your preferred popcorn just be sure to remove any unpopped kernels before adding the melted chocolate.
- White Chocolate - White chocolate and popcorn just seem to be the perfect match and melting the chocolate helps bind all the Christmas snack mix together. Always check that the chocolate used is gluten free.
- Mini Pretzels - The slightly salty flavor from the pretzels combined with the sweet chocolate is just such an addictive combination. I used gluten free pretzels made by Schar.
- Mini Marshmallows - Adds little pockets of chewy goodness.
- M&M's - I used the green and red chocolate M and M's but you can use your preferred holiday candy. M&M's are not gluten-free in Australia, but you can use your preferred gluten free candy.
- Holiday Sprinkles - Use colorful sprinkles that fit with the holiday theme. Always check the sprinkles used do not contain any ingredients containing gluten as some sprinkles can contain wheat.
See the recipe card below for ingredients measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy free - Use dairy free chocolate and candy.
- Grinch popcorn - Add a couple of drops of green food coloring to the white chocolate to complete the grinch theme.
- Additional ingredients - this recipe is so adaptable keeping the popcorn and chocolate you can swap out any other ingredients with your preferred candy.
Step by Step Instructions
Below is a brief step-by-step process with photos of how to make Christmas crunch popcorn. See the recipe card below for more detailed recipe instructions.
Step 1: Place the popcorn, pretzels, candy, and marshmallows into a large bowl.
Step 2: Mix until roughly combined.
Step 3: Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in short bursts. Then pour half the melted white chocolate into the bowl.
Step 4: Fold gently and then add in the remaining white chocolate. Gently combine until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the white chocolate.
Step 5: Pour the chocolate popcorn mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Spread the mixture out to an even layer.
Step 6: While the chocolate is still melted top it with the Christmas sprinkles. Leave to set until the chocolate has firmed. Break up and serve.
Christmas gift idea: Place the chocolate-covered popcorn into food bags and tie them with a ribbon for a cute homemade food gift.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, use your preferred dairy free chocolate and candy for dairy-free chocolate covered popcorn.
Yes, Popcorn kernels are naturally gluten free. Always check the ingredients label for flavored popcorn as it may contain gluten in the added flavors or have the risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process.
Yes, Although I feel that popcorn is best when it is freshly made. If you want to make it in advance once it is set store the popcorn mix in an airtight container or food bag for up to 3 days.
More Holiday Recipes
📖 Recipe
Christmas Crunch Holiday Popcorn
Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and all information is approximate.
Ingredients
How to make christmas snack mix
- 100 grams Popcorn
- 200 grams White Chocolate
- 60 grams Mini Pretzels I used gluten free pretzels
- 50 grams mini Marshmallows
- 126 grams M&M's or Holiday candy M&M's are not gluten free in Australia, but you can use your preferred gluten free candy.
- Holiday sprinkles Check that the sprinkles are gluten free as some may contain wheat.
Instructions
- Line a large cookie baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove any unpopped kernels from the popcorn before starting the recipe.
- Place the popcorn, pretzels, candy, and marshmallows into a large bowl. Mix until roughly combined.
- Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in short bursts to ensure the chocolate doesn't burn. Then pour half the melted white chocolate into the bowl.
- Fold gently and then add in the remaining white chocolate. Gently combine until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the white chocolate.
- Pour the chocolate popcorn mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Spread the mixture out to an even layer.
- While the chocolate is still melted top it with the Christmas sprinkles. Leave to set until the chocolate has firmed.
- Break up and serve or place in food bags and seal for homemade food gifts.
Notes
- Dairy free - Use dairy free chocolate and candy.
- Grinch popcorn - Add a couple of drops of green food coloring to the white chocolate to complete the grinch theme.
- Additional ingredients - this recipe is so adaptable keeping the popcorn and chocolate you can swap out any other ingredients with your preferred candy.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and is always an approximate calculation. Recipes may include information of various products used. It is your responsibility to check that ingredients you use when making a recipe are gluten free.
I hope you enjoyed this Christmas popcorn recipe.
I would love your feedback. Please rate this recipe and leave a comment below. You can also tag me in any photos taken when trying this recipe over on my Instagram.
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