A sweet and crunchy game-day snack mix, this Football Puppy Chow is the perfect blend of classic muddy buddies and festive football-themed touches. With chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and playful candy mix-ins, it’s an irresistible treat I always love to serve during tailgates, game nights, or Super Bowl parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup mini peanut butter cups
1/2 cup brown and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
Football-shaped sprinkles or candy decorations (optional)
Directions
In a microwave-safe bowl, I combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. I microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
I stir in the vanilla extract.
In a large mixing bowl, I pour the Rice Chex cereal and then drizzle the chocolate mixture over it. I gently fold everything to coat the cereal evenly.
Then I transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or lidded container, add the powdered sugar, seal it, and shake until the cereal is well coated.
I spread the puppy chow onto a baking sheet to cool and set.
Once it’s cooled, I mix in the mini peanut butter cups, chocolate candies, and football-themed sprinkles for that extra festive flair.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes
Total time: 12 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 420 kcal
Variations
I sometimes use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter flavor.
For a nut-free version, I swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and leave out the mini peanut butter cups.
I mix up the candy colors to match different team colors or holidays—red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
For added crunch, I occasionally toss in pretzel sticks or roasted peanuts.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, I place it in the fridge or freezer—just make sure it’s sealed well to avoid moisture. I don’t reheat this snack, as it’s meant to be enjoyed as-is, cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe allergy-friendly?
I replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter for a nut-free version. I also double-check candies and cereals for potential allergens.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it a day or two in advance. It stores well in an airtight container and saves me time on game day.
What’s the best way to coat the cereal evenly?
I make sure the chocolate mixture is fully melted and pour it slowly while gently folding the cereal. Shaking it in a zip-top bag with powdered sugar helps coat everything evenly.
Can I use a different cereal besides Rice Chex?
Yes, I sometimes use Corn Chex or Crispix cereal as alternatives. They work just as well and still provide that classic crunch.
Is this snack freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. I freeze puppy chow in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 1 month. I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Football Puppy Chow is my go-to game day snack—fun, fast, and full of flavor. It’s one of those treats that looks festive, tastes amazing, and gets everyone reaching for more. Whether I’m watching the big game or hosting a party, this no-bake snack mix always scores big.
📖 Recipe:
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Football Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet, crunchy, no-bake snack mix combining classic muddy buddies with football-themed candies—perfect for game day, tailgates, or parties.
Ingredients
9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup mini peanut butter cups
1/2 cup brown and green chocolate candies (like M&Ms)
Football-shaped sprinkles or candy decorations (optional)
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and melted.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a large mixing bowl, pour in the Rice Chex cereal. Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold to coat evenly.
- Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag or lidded container. Add the powdered sugar, seal it, and shake until the cereal is fully coated.
- Spread the coated cereal onto a baking sheet to cool and set.
- Once cooled, mix in the mini peanut butter cups, chocolate candies, and optional football-themed sprinkles.
Notes
Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter twist.
Change candy colors to match holidays or team themes.
Add pretzels or roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
