If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and ridiculously easy St. Patrick’s Day treat, this Leprechaun Bait is it! This is the kind of snack mix that disappears fast – perfect for class parties, movie nights, or just leaving out for a mischievous leprechaun to “steal” a few bites!
Why this recipe works
- Ridiculously easy – Just mix, melt, coat, and let it set! No baking, no fuss.
- Sweet & salty perfection – Crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, and creamy white chocolate? Yes, please!
- Perfect for kids – Fun to make, fun to eat, and totally magical for St. Patrick’s Day!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Chex cereal – Rice or corn Chex both work, or do a mix for variation!
- White chocolate – White chocolate chips, candy melts, or vanilla almond bark all work well. If using white chocolate chips, add a little vegetable oil to help them melt smoothly.
- M&Ms – Mint dark chocolate M&Ms give a fun green touch, but you can also use green and gold for extra St. Patrick’s Day vibes.
- Sprinkles – Use a festive mix with shamrocks, gold, and green sprinkles for the perfect finishing touch!
Step by step overview
1. Mix dry ingredients:
2. Melt white chocolate:
3. Coat mix:
4. Let set:
To speed up the chilling, place the tray in the fridge for 10 minutes for faster setting!
6. Add the extras: Once set, toss in 1 cup green M&Ms and ¾ cup mini marshmallows. Break into clusters if needed, then enjoy!
Tips for success
- Melt chocolate slowly – White chocolate scorches easily, so microwave in short intervals and stir well between each.
- Work quickly – Once the chocolate is melted, mix fast before it starts setting!
- Use parchment paper – Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Let it cool completely – If the chocolate is still warm when you add M&Ms and marshmallows, they might melt.
Helpful recipe hints
Troubleshooting & storage questions
White chocolate can seize or burn if overheated, which keeps it from setting right. Melt it slowly, stirring frequently, and avoid introducing any moisture.
Also, once mixed, spread the coated ingredients in a single layer and allow them to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly to harden.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. If it’s warm in your house, keep it in the fridge to prevent melting.
Scoop into treat bags and tie with green or gold ribbon for a festive St. Patrick’s Day snack bag!
Serving tips
Serve this Leprechaun Bait at room temp for the best texture – crispy, crunchy, and perfectly coated in chocolate. It’s a great addition to St. Patrick’s Day snack boards, party tables, or lunchbox treats.
This is the easiest, most fun St. Patrick’s Day snack – just don’t be surprised if it mysteriously disappears overnight! 🍀✨
More St. Patrick’s Day treats
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Leprechaun Bait
Ingredients
- 2 cups Chex cereal rice, corn or a mix!
- 2 cups Lucky Charms cereal including marshmallows
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 16 oz white chocolate chips about 2.5 cups; OR white candy melts OR vanilla almond bark
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles a mix that includes shamrock shapes and green/gold/white sprinkles looks great
- 1 cup green M&M's dark chocolate mint; or green and gold if available
- ¾ cup mini marshmallows picked out from remaining Lucky Charms cereal in box
Instructions
- Prep: Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a spacious bowl, gently mix together 2 cups Chex cereal, 2 cups Lucky Charms cereal and 2 cups mini pretzel twists.
- Melt chocolate: Place 16 oz white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Combine mixtures: Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry mix. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Set the mix: Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Evenly top with 2 tablespoons St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles.Allow it to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, approximately 20-30 minutes. For quicker setting, place the tray in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
- Serve: Once set, add 1 cup green M&M's and ¾ cup mini marshmallows. If needed, break the mixture into bite-sized clusters. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ingredient notes: Chex cereal – Use rice or corn, or mix both. White chocolate – Chips, candy melts, or almond bark work; add oil if using chips for smooth melting. M&Ms – Mint dark chocolate or green/gold for a festive look. Sprinkles – Shamrock, gold, and green sprinkles add the perfect touch!
- Tips: Melt chocolate in short bursts, stirring often to avoid scorching. Mix quickly before it sets. Use parchment for easy cleanup and no sticking. Let cool fully before adding M&Ms and marshmallows to prevent melting.
- Storage: Store airtight at room temp for up to 5 days. If warm, refrigerate to keep chocolate from melting.
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