Red White and Blue Puppy Chow

Red White and Blue Puppy Chow is a festive, no-bake snack perfect for patriotic holidays like the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day. This colorful twist on the classic muddy buddies recipe features crunchy cereal coated in red, white, and blue candy melts, tossed with powdered sugar and mixed with holiday-themed candies. It’s easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-catching patriotic colors, perfect for summer parties and BBQs
• Quick to make—ready in just 20 minutes
• No baking required
• Fun and easy to make with kids
• Easily customizable with your favorite candies or flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rice Chex cereal
• Red candy melts
• White candy melts
• Blue candy melts
• Powdered sugar
• Red, white, and blue M&M candies
• Optional: festive sprinkles or colored sugar

Directions

1. Divide the Rice Chex cereal into three equal parts, placing each in a separate mixing bowl.
2. Melt the red candy melts in the microwave according to package instructions.
3. Pour the red candy over one bowl of cereal and stir gently until fully coated.
4. Place the red-coated cereal into a zip-top bag with powdered sugar. Seal and shake until evenly coated.
5. Repeat steps 2–4 with the white and blue candy melts for the remaining cereal portions.
6. Spread each color of coated cereal on parchment paper to cool and set.
7. Once cooled, mix all three colors together in a large bowl.
8. Add M&Ms and optional sprinkles, then toss gently to combine.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Fruit-Flavored: Use flavored candy melts or add freeze-dried berries.
• Nutty Mix: Add peanuts, almonds, or cashews for crunch and protein.
• White Chocolate Version: Use only white chocolate and divide it into three parts with food coloring.
• Themed Options: Swap the colors and candies to fit any holiday or party theme.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Optional, but helps keep the candy coating firm in warm weather.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to a month in a sealed container. Let come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of candy melts?

Yes, but white chocolate chips may not melt as smoothly and don’t hold color as well as candy melts.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free Chex cereal and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.

How do I keep the candy melts from seizing?

Avoid getting water in the melts and melt slowly in short microwave intervals, stirring often.

Can I make this with other cereal types?

Yes, Crispix or Corn Chex also work well in place of Rice Chex.

What if I don’t have zip-top bags?

You can coat the cereal in powdered sugar using a large bowl and spoon—just stir gently to avoid breaking the cereal.

Can I add extra chocolate?

Yes, drizzle melted chocolate over the finished mix for a richer treat.

Are there nut-free versions?

Yes, this recipe is nut-free as written. Just ensure that your candies and melts are processed in a nut-free facility.

How can I make this less sweet?

Reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use unsweetened cereal as a base.

Is this safe for pets?

No, despite the name, puppy chow (also known as muddy buddies) is not safe for dogs. It contains chocolate and sugar.

Conclusion

Red White and Blue Puppy Chow is the perfect patriotic snack for your summer celebrations. It’s fast, festive, and a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or packing treats for a picnic, this colorful snack mix adds fun and flavor to any occasion.

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