Name: Pistachio Puppy Chow Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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Introduction

Pistachio Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic sweet snack, combining the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with a crunchy, sweet coating. It’s easy to make in just 15 minutes and perfect for holiday treats, movie nights, or gifting.

A white bowl is filled with small square snacks that have a light green waffle texture. Some pieces are half-covered with smooth, shiny pale green coating, topped with small crushed pistachio pieces. Other pieces are dusted with white powdered sugar. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface, with a few scattered snacks and pistachio nuts around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Measure 6 cups of Rice Chex cereal and place in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until fully melted.
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.
Step 4: Stir in 1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until well blended.
Step 5: Pour the pistachio-coated mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 6: Transfer the coated cereal to a large gallon-size zip-top bag. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake well until the cereal is evenly coated.
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.
Step 8: Pour into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or store for later.

Tips & Variations

Melt white chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid seizing—use short microwave bursts and stir often.
For a richer nutty flavor, substitute almond extract for vanilla extract.
Add mini marshmallows, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or M&Ms for extra texture and color.
Use almond bark or vanilla chips in place of white chocolate for a different twist.
Skip the crushed pistachios if you prefer a smoother texture without 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 to keep it from becoming soggy. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to one month—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with small square wafer pieces, some plain and some half-coated with a smooth pale green coating, sprinkled generously with white powdered sugar and small chopped pale green and brown pistachio nuts. The wafer pieces have a grid-like texture and light beige color, layered casually in the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a few wafer pieces and pistachio nuts scattered around it, creating a light, fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other pudding flavors?

Yes! Vanilla, white chocolate, or banana pudding mixes make delicious alternatives for different flavor variations.

Can I use a different cereal?

Absolutely. Crispix or Corn Chex cereals work well as substitutes for Rice Chex without affecting the texture too much.