This Football Puppy Chow is so good—sweet, crunchy, chocolatey, peanut buttery, and super easy to make. It’s the perfect snack for game day or just for chilling on the couch. It’s got that fun football theme, too. You don’t need to bake anything.
Just melt, mix, shake, and boom—done. If you’ve never made puppy chow before (also called Muddy Buddies), this version is extra festive for football fans.
Why I Love This Recipe
I grew up bringing this to every football party—everyone from uncles to neighbors devoured it. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can prep it in 10 minutes, and it keeps well in the fridge or on the counter. No mess, no fuss, and it travels great in a big bowl or a few zip-top bags.
- Fast to make—no baking
- Crunchy, sweet, and salty combo
- Easy to double or triple for a big crowd
- Super fun football vibes with themed candy
What You’ll Need
- 9 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup mini chocolate football candies (or chocolate football shapes)
- ½ cup brown M&M’s
Servings + Time
Makes: About 12 servings
Total Time: 10 minutes
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate, Peanut Butter & Butter
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and ¼ cup unsalted butter (cubed). Stir until fully smooth and combined, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vanilla
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined.
Step 3: Pour Over the Cereal
Place 9 cups rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cereal.
Step 4: Gently Mix
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the mixture until all cereal is coated evenly in chocolate.
Step 5: Shake with Powdered Sugar
Add 1½ cups powdered sugar to a large gallon-size zip-top bag. Add the coated cereal, seal, and shake until every piece is covered in powdered sugar.
Step 6: Finish the Football Candies with White Icing
Pipe white icing onto the chocolate football candies to create the classic lace pattern. Let the icing set completely until it looks smooth, clean, and fully finished before using or decorating further.
Step 6: Add Football Candy and M&M’s
Pour the cereal into a big bowl. Add 1 cup mini chocolate football candies and ½ cup brown M&M’s. Stir to combine.
Tools You’ll Nee
- Small saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Gallon-size zip-top bag
- Measuring cups & spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter
- Swap in white chocolate or milk chocolate
- Use corn Chex or wheat Chex if rice isn’t available
- Try other candies like mini pretzels, Reese’s Pieces, or candy eyes for a Halloween twist
Make-Ahead Tips
You can make this 2–3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in a cool spot or in the fridge if your house is warm. Just give it a shake before serving.
Macros (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 260
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 22g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The combo of fat (butter + peanut butter) and sugar (chocolate + powdered sugar) coats each cereal square without making it soggy. The powdered sugar seals everything in and gives that addictive crunch. Using Chex gives lots of surface area to grab flavor.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the chocolate – This makes it clumpy. Keep heat low and stir constantly.
- Stirring too hard – You’ll crush the cereal. Be gentle when folding.
- Adding powdered sugar too early – Wait until everything is coated and slightly cooled before shaking.
- Skipping the candy at the end – That’s what makes it football-themed!
What to Serve With
- Game day sliders
- Buffalo chicken dip
- Veggie trays with ranch
- Iced tea or soda
FAQ
Is it safe for people with peanut allergies?
Use a peanut-free spread like sunflower seed butter.
How long does this last?
Up to a week in an airtight container!
Can I freeze it?
Yes, in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.
Do I have to use Chex?
Nope! Crispix or any square-shaped cereal with holes works.
Leftovers & Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days. Keep it in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. You can freeze it, too, just thaw it before serving. Re-shake if the sugar settles.
Final Thoughts
Football Puppy Chow is one of those recipes that always disappears fast. It’s the ultimate sweet snack that people grab by the handful. It’s easy, no stress, and fun to share. If you try this, drop a comment and let me know how it turned out—or tell me your own twist!
