Who wants a handful or three of this delicious & easy Red White & Blue Puppy Chow? This irresistible treat is perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to holiday celebrations. With its delightful combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and festive red, white, and blue M&Ms, this puppy chow stands out not only for its taste but also for its eye-catching appearance. Enjoy it as a snack or dessert that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this Red White & Blue Puppy Chow in just 12 minutes, making it a fantastic last-minute treat.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like marshmallows or peanut butter cups to make it your own.
- Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors make it perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is fun to make with kids and is always a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Deliciously Irresistible: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter with crunchy Chex cereal is simply mouthwatering.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making this delightful snack, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl
- Microwavable bowl
- Resealable plastic bag
- Baking sheet
- Waxed paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Large bowl: Provides ample space for mixing the cereal and chocolate mixture without spilling.
- Microwavable bowl: Ensures even melting of the chocolate chips and peanut butter.
- Resealable plastic bag: Perfect for shaking the mixture with powdered sugar for even coating.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal (use between 6 to 7 cups depending on how thick you want your chocolate-peanut butter mixture)
For Coating
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (use between 1 to 2 cups)
For Garnish
- Red White and Blue M&Ms
Optional Add-Ins
- Marshmallows (or other favorites like peanut butter cups)
How to Make Red White & Blue Puppy Chow
Step 1: Measure the Cereal
In a large bowl, measure out your Rice Chex cereal and set it aside.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter
In a microwavable bowl, combine the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave for one minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Use a spatula to gently stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 4: Shake with Powdered Sugar
Place powdered sugar in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the coated cereal mix, seal the bag tightly, and shake until everything is well-coated. Toss in your Red White and Blue M&Ms (and any optional add-ins if desired).
Step 5: Cool Down
Spread the mixture onto waxed paper on a large baking sheet or counter. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 6: Store
Once cooled, store your Red White & Blue Puppy Chow in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Red White & Blue Puppy Chow
Red White & Blue Puppy Chow is a fun and festive treat perfect for any gathering, especially during patriotic celebrations. It can be served in various creative ways that enhance its appeal and make sharing easy.
Party Bowls
- Use colorful bowls to serve the puppy chow at parties. This adds a festive touch and invites guests to grab a handful.
Individual Bags
- Fill small, clear bags with puppy chow for each guest. This makes for a great take-home treat and keeps portions controlled.
Dessert Table Display
- Arrange the puppy chow on a dessert table alongside other sweet treats. It complements cakes, cookies, and fruit platters beautifully.
Ice Cream Topping
- Sprinkle Red White & Blue Puppy Chow over ice cream or frozen yogurt for an exciting crunch and flavor contrast.
Picnic Treats
- Pack puppy chow in snack-sized containers for picnics. It’s an easy-to-eat option that will please both kids and adults.
How to Perfect Red White & Blue Puppy Chow
To ensure your Red White & Blue Puppy Chow turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. Dark chocolate can add depth while semi-sweet is classic.
- Adjust Cereal Amount: Depending on how thick you prefer your coating, use between 6 to 7 cups of Rice Chex cereal. More cereal means less chocolate per bite!
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to add different candies like peanut butter cups or marshmallows for extra sweetness and texture.
- Cool Completely: Let the mixture cool completely on wax paper before storing it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Red White & Blue Puppy Chow
Pairing side dishes with Red White & Blue Puppy Chow can create a well-rounded snack spread. Here are some delightful options:
- Fruit Skewers: Colorful skewers of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and bananas add a refreshing touch.
- Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables served with ranch dip balance out the sweetness of puppy chow.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses pairs well with the crunchy texture of puppy chow.
- Mini Hot Dogs: Bite-sized hot dogs are a fun finger food that complements sweet snacks.
- Caprese Salad Bites: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a savory contrast.
- Popcorn Bar: Set up a popcorn station with various toppings so guests can create their own unique flavors alongside the puppy chow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Red White & Blue Puppy Chow can be a fun and easy experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong type of chocolate: Always opt for semisweet or dark chocolate chips. Milk chocolate can make the mix overly sweet and lose its chocolate flavor.
- Not measuring cereal accurately: Use 6 to 7 cups of Rice Chex Cereal. Too much cereal will dilute the chocolate-peanut butter mixture, while too little will leave you with an uncoated snack.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allow your puppy chow to cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. This prevents moisture buildup that can make it soggy.
- Overloading on add-ins: While M&Ms and marshmallows are great, too many add-ins can overwhelm the balance of flavors. Stick to a couple of extras for best results.
- Rushing the mixing process: Gently stir the chocolate mixture over the cereal to ensure even coating. Rushing can lead to clumps rather than a uniform treat.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Red White & Blue Puppy Chow in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing Red White & Blue Puppy Chow
- You can freeze your puppy chow for up to 3 months.
- Use a freezer-safe bag or container for best results.
Reheating Red White & Blue Puppy Chow
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread puppy chow on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Place puppy chow in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add puppy chow and stir gently until warmed, being careful not to burn it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Red White & Blue Puppy Chow last?
Red White & Blue Puppy Chow can last up to 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I use different cereals for this recipe?
Yes! While Rice Chex is traditional, you can substitute other cereals like Corn Chex or even gluten-free options if needed.
What other add-ins work well in Red White & Blue Puppy Chow?
You can customize your puppy chow with various add-ins like crushed pretzels, nuts, or even sprinkles for more festive flair.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Red White & Blue Puppy Chow is fun and easy to make with kids. Just supervise them when melting chocolate in the microwave!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This treat stores well, making it perfect for parties or events. Prepare it a day or two ahead of time for convenience.
Final Thoughts
Red White & Blue Puppy Chow is not just a delightful snack; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite treats or adjusting the sweetness level. This festive mix is perfect for holidays, parties, or simply as an everyday treat. Give it a try—it’s bound to become a favorite!
Red White & Blue Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Looking for a festive and easy-to-make snack? Red White & Blue Puppy Chow is the perfect treat for any celebration, from summer barbecues to patriotic holidays. This delightful mix combines creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and colorful red, white, and blue M&Ms for a treat that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. In just 12 minutes, you can whip up this irresistible snack that’s sure to please kids and adults alike. Whether served in colorful bowls at parties or packaged individually for guests to take home, this puppy chow brings fun to every occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 7 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar (adjustable)
- Red White and Blue M&Ms
Instructions
- Measure Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a microwavable bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave for one minute; stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and gently stir until evenly coated.
- Place powdered sugar in a resealable bag, add cereal mix, seal tightly, and shake until coated. Add M&Ms if desired.
- Spread the mixture on wax paper to cool completely before storing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Customize your puppy chow by adding marshmallows or other favorite treats. Let the mixture cool completely to maintain its crunchiness. Adjust the amount of Rice Chex based on desired coating thickness.