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Patriotic Puppy Chow

Patriotic puppy chow (muddy buddies) is a no-bake Chex mix dessert where every crispy piece is glossy with white chocolate, then dusted in powdered sugar. Tossed with red and blue M&Ms and star sprinkles, it’s a bold red-white-blue 4th of July puppy chow party snack that sets with a quick 30-minute cool.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Patriotic puppy chow base
  • 9 cups Chex cereal Use rice or corn Chex cereal.
  • 12 oz white chocolate chips or white melting wafers Melting wafers or chips both work.
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Use room-temperature butter if possible for smoother melting.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For coating and powdered-sugar “mud” look.
  • 1 cup red M&Ms Fold in after the coated cereal cools.
  • 1 cup blue M&Ms Fold in after the coated cereal cools.
  • Red and blue star sprinkles Add at the same time as the M&Ms.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

Coat Chex with white chocolate
  1. Measure 9 cups Chex cereal into a very large bowl and set aside for coating.
  2. Melt 12 oz white chocolate chips or white melting wafers and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until completely smooth and glossy.
  3. Pour the melted white chocolate over the Chex and stir gently until every piece is evenly coated.
Powdered sugar shake coating
  1. Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-lock bag, add 2 cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until all pieces look evenly dusted.
Cool and finish with mix-ins
  1. Spread the powdered cereal onto a parchment-lined sheet pan in an even layer and let cool for 30 minutes until set.
  2. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with 1 cup red M&Ms, 1 cup blue M&Ms, and red and blue star sprinkles, then serve in a big bowl or individual bags.

Notes

Pro tip: stir the cereal slowly right after the chocolate goes on so it stays crisp instead of breaking. Store airtight at room temperature up to 3 days; it’s best the same day or next day for maximum crunch. Freezing is not recommended because the sugar coating can soften. Dietary swap: use dairy-free white chocolate chips to make it dairy-free (check that your melting wafers are dairy-free).