
Ingredients
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms (roughly chopped): They make it look festive and colorful on top.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: You'll melt these for a smooth, chocolaty finish.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): When you heat this up with butter, it turns gooey and caramel-like.
- 1 cup salted butter: Mixes with sugar to make that rich caramel layer.
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 40): These crispy crackers are the base.
Instructions
- Step 10:
- When it's all set, take it out of the fridge or freezer and snap it into chunks. Share and dig in!
- Step 9:
- Pop the tray into the fridge for three hours, or hit the freezer for half an hour if you're in a rush. Wait until everything's nice and firm.
- Step 8:
- Once you've spread the chocolate, sprinkle those chopped M&Ms across the top before things set.
- Step 7:
- Grab a spatula and swipe the melty chocolate over the crackers so everything's covered.
- Step 6:
- As soon as the crackers are out, dump the chocolate chips on top and let 'em soften for a few minutes till they turn gooey.
- Step 5:
- Slide the pan into your oven and bake five to six minutes, just until everything bubbles up.
- Step 4:
- Gently pour that caramel mix over the saltines, spreading it out as you go.
- Step 3:
- In a saucepan over medium, mix butter with sugar. Stir until it starts to bubble, then let it simmer a few minutes till it's thick and bubbly.
- Step 2:
- Line up the crackers in a single row on your prepped pan.
- Step 1:
- Fire up your oven to 400°F. Grab a baking sheet, cover it with parchment or foil, and spritz some nonstick spray on top.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Keep your Christmas Crack cold in an airtight container in your fridge—it's good for a week.
- Want to stash it longer? Freeze for up to three months, then let it warm up on your counter when you're ready.
- This makes a fun gift—just drop pieces into holiday tins or festive bags to hand out to folks you like.
Helpful Notes
- Keep an eye on your caramel as it cooks—don't let it get too dark or burnt.
- If you want extra chocolate, toss on more chips before you spread.
- Change it up by sprinkling crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles on top before it sets for extra holiday vibes.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Martha Stewart thinks the best chocolate gives you a silkier and richer finish on top.
- Ina Garten likes tossing a touch of sea salt over the melted chocolate for more salty-sweet action.
- Jamie Oliver prefers using a silicone spatula to get that chocolate layer spread out just right.
Why You'll Love This
- You only need a handful of things and a few minutes—perfect for packed holiday days.
- It's that crazy-good sweet and salty bite everyone goes for.
- Make it ahead and stash it in your fridge or freezer until you're ready to share or snack.
Variations
- Crush up some candy canes and sprinkle them on for a pop of peppermint.
- Swap the semi-sweet chips for white chocolate if you're feeling like a switch-up.
- Not into M&Ms? Try chopped nuts or dried fruit for new flavors and crunch.