4th of July Puppy Chow
This 4th of July puppy chow is an easy no-bake patriotic snack mix made with Chex cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and red, white, and blue candies.
It’s a fun and customizable treat, perfect for red, white and blue celebrations.
This red, white and blue recipe is one of the easiest Fourth of July snack ideas because it’s quick to make ahead and easy to customize with festive candies and sprinkles.
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, fireworks party, or picnic, this puppy chow travels well and disappears fast.
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What are the ingredients for Puppy Chow?
You’ll need the following ingredients:
- Rice Chex Cereal, divided
- Red & Blue Candy Melts
- Powdered Sugar
- Patriotic M&M’s
Optional variations can include adding vanilla extract for extra flavor or mixing in candy or nuts for a fun twist!
Making Fourth of July Puppy Chow is super easy.
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place Chex cereal in a bowl.
- Melt the red candy melts in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cereal and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Spread on one side of the sheet pan to dry.
- Repeat the same process with more Chex and the blue candy melts, placing on the other side of the pan.
- Let sit about 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a serving bowl and mix in the M&M’s.
Tips for the Best Puppy Chow Texture
- Add powdered sugar while warm. Tossing the cereal while the coating is still slightly warm helps the sugar stick evenly.
- Shake instead of stirring. Use a large zip-top bag or container with a lid to gently shake everything together without crushing the cereal.
- Let it set before storing. Spread the mixture on parchment paper for a few minutes so the coating firms up.
- Avoid overcrowding the bowl. Mixing in batches keeps pieces from breaking.
- Freeze for extra crunch. A quick chill in the freezer helps create that classic crisp puppy chow texture.
- Try using Blueberry Chex instead of Rice Chex for a fruity twist, or make a batch of blueberry puppy chow for another fun patriotic snack option.
Don’t Forget To…
- Scroll down to print the full recipe with step-by-step instructions and exact measurements.
- Check out my Kitchen Essentials for the pans, mixing bowls, and baking tools I use to make this recipe a breeze.
- Save or share this recipe on Pinterest!
Yes! They’re the same classic snack mix made with cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. The name just depends on where you grew up.
Rice Chex is the most popular option because it stays crisp and holds the coating well, but Corn Chex also works great.
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, making it a perfect make-ahead party snack.
Yes! Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can substitute cookie butter or sunflower butter for a peanut-free version that still tastes delicious.
Rice Chex Gluten Free Breakfast Cereal, Homemade Chex Mix Ingredient, Family Size, 18 oz
Blueberry Chex Cereal, Gluten Free Breakfast Cereal, Made with Whole Grain, 12 ozM&M’S WORLD Red, White, and Royal Blue Milk Chocolate Candy – 2lbs Bulk Resealable Bag for Celebrations, 4th of July Decorations, Red, White, Blue Decorations and MoreOXO Good Grips 3-Piece Stainless-Steel Mixing Bowl Set5 Pieces Silicone Spatula Set, Food Grade Rubber Spatula, Upgrade Strong Handle with Ergonomic Grip, Heat Resistant Up to 600°F for Nonstick Cookware, Cooking Candy SeriesSistema KLIP IT Food Storage Container, 5 L, Airtight & Stackable, BPA-Free, Clear with Blue Clips
If you’re planning a full patriotic dessert table, this 4th of July puppy chow goes great alongside my no bake 4th of July desserts, red white and blue cupcakes and easy 4th of July party snacks that are perfect for BBQs and fireworks night.
If you’re bringing dessert to a party, my Red White & Blue No Bake Desserts bundle gives you several quick options to choose from.
4th of July Puppy Chow Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- 1 cup red candy melts
- 1 cup blue candy melts
- 1 cup powdered sugar divided
- ⅔ cup patriotic m&m's
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place 2 cups of the Chex in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, place the red candy melts. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir the candy melts so they don’t burn.
- Once the candy melts are smooth when stirred, without lumps, drizzle them over the top of the Chex cereal and gently mix until the cereal is fully coated. Be patient or you’ll break all your cereal.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup powdered sugar over the chocolate coated cereal while it’s still wet, and using rubber gloves, gently toss the cereal before adding another ¼ cup powdered sugar and tossing again so they’re nice and coated.
- Place the muddy buddies on one side of the prepared baking sheet and roughly spread them to dry (this doesn’t have to be flat or perfect).
- Repeat steps 2-6 for the blue candy melts.
- Allow the muddy buddies to rest on the pan for 10 minutes.
- Place the muddy buddies in a serving bowl and toss in the M&M’s.
This is such a great idea for the Fourth of July, and I just love muddy buddies! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing! I will definitely be making some for my family to snack on while we watch fireworks.
I grew up making and loving the muddy buddy original recipe. I would love to make this with my kids and for my kids for the 4th of July. It has fun colors and I am sure tastes delicious. They like white chocolate and I also like that there is also milk chocolate and this mix. It would the be cool to get both milk and dark chocolate or even have pretzel or crisp m&ms red white blue.
I love these Muddy Buddy’s! This would be great for my grandchildren. Thank you!
This is an awesome snack for any occasion. I love this idea. Thank you so much for sharing
I love to make muddy buddies over the holidays, especially Christmas. I will have to make this for the 4th of July!
I love muddy buddies! What a fun idea. Happy 4th of July!!
Red White & Blue Muddie Buddies looks really good, but the recipe seems to be missing the M&Ms part. Going to try making this during the different holidays, just use whatever holiday M&Ms that are available. Thanks for sharing!
Red, White & Blue Muddy Buddies are a hit with the family. My 7 year old granddaughter tells everyone she made them! Thank you for sharing.
I love how easy this is! Despite being after the 4th, my girls would still enjoy this!
OK now I want some! These look really good. I like how the combination of all of it looks. I really like muddy buddies- although I dont make them! I know if I do , they would be gone in a flash. I let others make these to resist temptation. I am going to have to pass this recipe to my sister in law!
It looks easy to make, and tasty! Thanks!