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Patriotic Puppy Chow

Patriotic puppy chow (aka muddy buddies) is a no-bake Chex mix dessert with white chocolate coating and a snowy powdered sugar finish. It’s tossed with red and blue M&Ms and star sprinkles for a 4th of July puppy chow look that’s crisp, glossy, and party-ready.
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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 Choose either chips or melting wafers.
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Softened is fine for melting.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For the classic snowy coating.
  • 1 cup red M&Ms Fold in at the end so they stay bright.
  • 1 cup blue M&Ms Fold in at the end so they stay bright.
  • 1 red and blue star sprinkles Use a red/blue mix for the patriotic look.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

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

Notes

Pro tip: stir the white chocolate thoroughly in each 30-second microwave interval to avoid graininess, then coat and powder quickly so the sugar clings. Store airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days; it can be refrigerated up to 5 days (slightly softer). Freezing is not recommended because the M&Ms can lose texture. For a gluten-free swap, use gluten-free Chex cereal and keep all toppings the same.