Puppy Chow / Muddy Buddies

A beloved Midwestern party staple with murky origins but a dedicated following from Minnesota to Missouri, Puppy Chow (or Muddy Buddies as Chex cereal brands it) transforms a box of cereal into an irresistible chocolate-peanut butter snack mix. It appears at every church potluck, holiday cookie exchange, and Super Bowl party across the region.

Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 340g (12 oz / about 9 cups) Rice Chex cereal
• 170g (6 oz / 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 130g (1/2 cup) creamy peanut butter
• 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
• 300g (2 1/2 cups) powdered (icing) sugar

Instructions

1. Pour cereal into a very large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth, about 90 seconds total.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a rubber spatula until every piece is coated, working quickly before the chocolate sets.
5. Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-lock bag or airtight container. Add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake vigorously until every piece is evenly dusted white.
6. Spread in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets and let cool completely, about 15 minutes at room temperature.
7. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days, or refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Cook's Notes: For holiday variations, add festive M&Ms, crushed pretzels, or peppermint bark pieces along with the powdered sugar. A pinch of flaky sea salt over the finished batch cuts the sweetness beautifully. Corn Chex or a mix of Corn and Rice Chex works equally well.