This Leprechaun Bait recipe is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day snack – sweet, salty and magically delicious! Packed with popcorn, pretzels and Lucky Charms all tossed together with creamy white chocolate, it’s an irresistible treat for kids and adults alike. Whip up a batch in minutes and watch it disappear faster than a pot of gold!
Looking for more tasty treats for St. Patrick’s Day? Make sure to try these favorites: Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats, Mint Brownies and these St. Patrick’s Day Jello Cups!
Leprechaun Bait Recipe
Catch a leprechaun (or just some snack lovers) with this irresistible Leprechaun Bait! A mix of crunchy popcorn, salty pretzels, Lucky Charms and sweet white chocolate makes this the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day treat. Finished with festive sprinkles and M&Ms, this sweet and salty treat is perfect for parties, gifting, or celebrating the holiday at home!
This recipe is a St. Patrick’s Day spin on my super popular Bunny Bait and Snow Day Snack Mix recipes. This no-bake recipe comes together in minutes and is completely customizable with your favorite mix-ins. Whether you’re making a big batch for a crowd or packaging it up as cute holiday gifts, this snack mix is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy St. Patrick’s Day snack mix is super simple, sweet, salty and great for parties, movie nights, gifts or anytime you need a little extra luck!
- Quick & Easy – This no-bake recipe comes together in just minutes and calls for minimal ingredients. I love to check out the holiday section at my local store and see what catches my eyes. I’m on the hunt for anything green, gold or rainbow!
- Perfect for Parties – This easy snack mix is fun and festive and great for gatherings. Whether you’re hosting or sending in treats for the classroom, this Leprechaun Bait recipe is sure to be a hit!
- Totally Customizable – You are going to love how customizable this recipe is. Swap out ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences.
How To Make Leprechaun Bait
You’re going to love how quickly this comes together. We’re talking less than 10 minutes to make up and then you just have to let it set up for a bit, break apart, and you’re ready to go!
You can find the full, printable recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Let’s take a look at how to make it:
- Combine the popcorn, pretzels, and Lucky Charms cereal.
- Melt chocolate.
- If using candy melts, follow the package instructions to melt.
- If using white chocolate chips, place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the vegetable or coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn mixture.
- Gently toss and coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle in the marshmallows, M&M’s, and sprinkles.
- Toss again with tongs to distribute evenly. Allow to sit until chocolate hardens.
Ingredient Substitutions
- You can swap in Chex cereal for the popcorn if you prefer a more cereal based snack mix.
- Add chopped almonds, peanuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Swap out the M&Ms for Skittles for a fruity twist.
- Use colored or white miniature marshmallows instead of the additional marshmallows from the Lucky Charms cereal.
- Try yogurt pretzels or pretzel sticks instead of the mini pretzel twists.
- Use any sprinkles you like or leave them out! These are the sprinkles I used.
Storage Information
- Room Temperature – Leftover Leprechaun Bait should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Make Ahead – This recipe can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I use microwave popcorn?
Yes! Just make sure it’s plain (without butter or extra salt) for the best results. I have used lightly salted and it works fine but plain is best.
What’s the best way to melt white chocolate?
Use candy melts for the easiest melting, or microwave white chocolate chips with a little oil in 15-second intervals at 50% power, stirring in between.
How do I package this for gifts?
Portion the snack mix into festive treat bags or mason jars and tie them with a ribbon for a cute and easy gift idea! I snagged these adorable treat bags for this year’s batch of Leprechaun Bait – so cute!
Trish’s Tips
- Freshly popped popcorn works great in this recipe, just let it cool slightly before mixing together. Use either a stovetop popcorn popper or microwave popcorn popper .You can use microwave popcorn but make sure it’s either plain or lightly salted – no butter!
- Make sure to work quickly when adding the melted white chocolate. Toss quickly to evenly coat the popcorn, pretzels and cereal.
- Once the chocolate has set, gently break apart any large clusters before serving.
- Use either melting wafers (candy melts) or white chocolate chips in this recipe – I’ve included instructions for both in the recipe card. If using white chocolate chips, melt with a little coconut oil or vegetable oil.
Complete Your St. Patrick’s Day Menu With These Recipes
- Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Irish Soda Bread
- Mint Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
- Fried Cabbage
- Beer Bread
Leprechaun Bait
Ingredients
- 5 cups popped popcorn plain
- 3 cups miniature pretzels
- 3 cups Lucky Charms
- 11 ounces white candy melts such as Ghirardelli, Candiquik, etc. OR 11 ounces white chocolate chips plus 1.5 teaspoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 cup marshmallows picked out of Lucky Charms cereal or use colored mini marshmallows
- 1 cup M&M'S or other candy (I used green and yellow but green and orange would be a great choice too)
- ½ cup sprinkles St. Patrick's Day themed if you can find them
Instructions
- Add popcorn, pretzels and Lucky Charms cereal to a very large bowl. (If you don't have a bowl big enough, simply use a large baking sheet or casserole dish.)5 cups popped popcorn, 3 cups miniature pretzels, 3 cups Lucky Charms
- Melt candy melts according to package directions and pour over the top of the snack mix. Use tongs to toss to evenly coat popcorn and pretzels. If using white chocolate chips, combine with vegetable oil (or coconut oil) in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 15 second intervals at 50% power, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Pour over the snack mix and toss to combine.11 ounces white candy melts
- Add the marshmallows, M&M'S and sprinkles and toss with tongs to coat again.1 cup marshmallows, 1 cup M&M'S, ½ cup sprinkles
- Let the snack mix set for 30 minutes before breaking apart and serving.
Video
Notes
- Room Temperature – Leftover Leprechaun Bait should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Make Ahead – This recipe can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tools and Equipment (affiliate links): Popcorn Popper (Stovetop or Microwave) | Glass Mixing Bowls | Tongs | Treat Bags
Please see post above for more information, recipe tips and frequently asked questions.
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