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Patriotic Puppy Chow

Patriotic puppy chow (muddy buddies) is a no-bake Chex mix dessert where white chocolate coats every crispy piece, then it’s dusted with powdered sugar and mixed with red and blue M&Ms and star sprinkles. It cools to a set, powdery crunch in about 30 minutes—great for a 4th of July party snack or easy red white blue treat.
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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
  

Base and coating
  • 9 cups Chex cereal Use rice or corn Chex.
  • 12 oz white chocolate chips or white melting wafers Use either chips or melting wafers.
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Salted butter will change the flavor.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For the signature powdered coating.
Patriotic mix-ins
  • 1 cup red M&Ms Add after the cereal cools.
  • 1 cup blue M&Ms Add after the cereal cools.
  • 1 red and blue star sprinkles Add along with the M&Ms.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep the Chex
  1. Measure the Chex cereal into a very large bowl and set aside.
Melt the white chocolate coating
  1. Place the white chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until completely smooth.
Coat the cereal
  1. Pour the melted white chocolate over the Chex and stir gently until every piece is evenly coated.
Dust with powdered sugar
  1. Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-lock bag, add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until all pieces are well coated.
Cool until set
  1. Spread the coated cereal onto a parchment-lined sheet pan and let cool for 30 minutes, until set.
Mix in toppings and serve
  1. Transfer the cooled puppy chow to a large bowl and toss with the red M&Ms, blue M&Ms, and star sprinkles.
  2. Serve immediately in a big bowl or portion into individual bags.

Notes

Pro tip: If your white chocolate looks thick or starts to seize, keep microwaving in short 30-second bursts while stirring until smooth again. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; it’s not ideal to freeze because the sugar dust and candy toppings can soften. For a gluten-free swap, choose certified gluten-free Chex cereal.