Name: St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: white almond bark – 24 ounces (divided 18oz and 6oz); rice chex cereal – 11 cups (divided 8 cups and 3 cups); creamy peanut butter – 1/2 cup; green food coloring – 5-10 drops or gel equivalent; powdered sugar – 1 cup; gold sanding sugar – 1/4 cup

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St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow is a festive twist on the classic muddy buddies we all know and love. This delightful treat combines the irresistible crunch of Rice Chex cereal, enveloped in a creamy, peanut buttery coating, and sprinkled with enchanting green and gold hues. Perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, it brings together rich flavors and an eye-catching appearance that guarantees to add joy to your celebrations.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

When I first encountered Puppy Chow at a potluck, I was immediately drawn to its playful name and vibrant appeal. It quickly became a go-to recipe in my kitchen, especially during festive occasions. The combination of melted almond bark, creamy peanut butter, and just the right amount of sweetness not only satisfies cravings for snacks but also brings a sense of nostalgia. Trust me; once you try this St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite amongst friends and family alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have an irresistible treat ready to serve in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy peanut butter and rich almond bark create a silky coating that pairs perfectly with the crunchy cereal.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The green and gold colors capture the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, making it a fun addition to your snack table.
Flexible Serving: Whether for a gathering, party, or just a festive snack at home, this treat fits all occasions.
Diet-Friendly Options: Customize by using dairy-free almond bark for a vegan spin or gluten-free cereal for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

White almond bark – 24 ounces (divided 18oz and 6oz): This will coat the cereal with its sweet and creamy texture. Choose a high-quality bark for the best results.
Rice Chex cereal – 11 cups (divided 8 cups and 3 cups): The backbone of this treat, Rice Chex adds a delightful crunch. You can substitute with corn Chex if desired.
Creamy peanut butter – 1/2 cup: Adds an irresistible nutty flavor and richness. Natural peanut butter can work too, but it may alter the texture slightly.
Green food coloring – 5-10 drops or gel equivalent: This creates the festive green color. Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant hue, so keep it in mind!
Powdered sugar – 1 cup: This sweetens the mix and helps achieve that signature coating. Avoid substituting with granulated sugar as it won’t give the same effect.
Gold sanding sugar – 1/4 cup: For that sparkling finish! It’s optional, but it adds a fun textural element and festive flair.

How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Prepare Pans: Line two large half-sheet pans with parchment paper or wax paper. This ensures easy cleanup later when you’re ready to serve up your treats.

Prepare Green Cereal: Place 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl, making room for all the goodness you’re about to add.

Melt Green Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 18 ounces of chopped almond bark and 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 60 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second bursts until the mixture is fully smooth and creamy.

Color the Coating: Stir in the green food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve your desired “clover” green shade. Don’t be shy—make it vibrant!

Coat Green Pieces: Pour the melted green mixture gently over the 8 cups of cereal. Carefully fold the mixture in until every piece is coated, taking care not to break the cereal.

Add Sugar: Sprinkle in the 1 cup of powdered sugar. Fold it gently into the mix for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring the green shows through and the pieces are dry and separated. This step is key for that delightful texture! Spread the coated cereal onto the first sheet pan.

Prepare Gold Cereal: In another bowl, place 3 cups of Rice Chex. This will become the second colorful layer of your Puppy Chow.

Melt Gold Coating: Take the remaining 6 ounces of almond bark and melt it in the microwave until it’s smooth and creamy.

Coat Gold Pieces: Pour your warm almond bark over the remaining cereal and stir until all the pieces are evenly coated.

Add Gold Sparkle: Immediately after coating, sprinkle the 1/4 cup of gold sanding sugar over the wet white cereal, tossing gently to make sure all pieces are covered in a sparkly coating.

Cool and Mix: Allow both pans to sit for 30-60 minutes, or pop them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to speed up the setting process. Once set, break apart any clumps and mix the vibrant green and gold pieces in a large serving bowl.

Storing & Reheating

Store your St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer keeping it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it, although the texture might change slightly. For extended storage, freeze the Puppy Chow in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw it at room temperature, and if you notice it has lost some crunch, a quick 5-10 minute stint in the oven at 250°F should refresh the texture nicely.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overmixing the cereal when adding the coatings; gently folding will keep those delicate pieces intact.
Microwave times can vary based on wattage, so keep an eye on your almond bark to prevent burning.
If you have a little of the green coating left over, you can drizzle it over the gold pieces for an even more festive look.
If you find your chocolate or bark is too thick, simply add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out just right.
Feel free to mix in extras like mini marshmallows or festive sprinkles to customize your batch!

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow is not just a treat; it’s a way to bring a burst of joy and color to your celebrations. Its fun presentation and delightful flavor make it a hit among friends and family. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, so you’ve got all the reasons to give this recipe a try!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of cereals?

Absolutely! While Rice Chex is recommended for that signature crunch, you can substitute with other cereals like Corn Chex or even Cheerios if you prefer. Just be mindful of how the different flavors might interact with the peanut butter.

How long does it take for the Puppy Chow to set?

Typically, letting your Puppy Chow sit for about 30-60 minutes will allow it to set perfectly. If you’re in a hurry, refrigerating it for around 15 minutes can reduce that wait!

What if I don’t have sanding sugar?

No worries if you don’t have gold sanding sugar on hand; you can omit it or use regular granulated sugar for a less sparkly, but still delicious, treat. Alternatively, edible glitter can be a fun substitute!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow a couple of days in advance. Just ensure you store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy until you’re ready to serve.

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St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 11 servings
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Mixing and Melting
Cuisine: American

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Description

This St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow features a delightful mix of green and gold coated Rice Chex, perfect for celebrating with friends. Its simple preparation and irresistible flavor make it a favorite for any occasion that calls for a sweet snack.

Ingredients

white almond bark – 24 ounces (divided 18oz and 6oz)
rice chex cereal – 11 cups (divided 8 cups and 3 cups)
creamy peanut butter – 1/2 cup
green food coloring – 5-10 drops or gel equivalent
powdered sugar – 1 cup
gold sanding sugar – 1/4 cup

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Instructions

Line two large half-sheet pans with parchment or wax paper.
In a very large mixing bowl, place 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 18 ounces of chopped almond bark with 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter in 60-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
Stir in green food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
Pour the green mixture over the 8 cups of cereal and gently fold until coated.
Add powdered sugar and fold for 3-5 minutes until pieces are dry and separated, then spread on the first sheet pan.
In a separate bowl, place 3 cups of Rice Chex cereal.
Melt the remaining 6 ounces of almond bark until smooth for the gold coating.
Pour the melted bark over the cereal and stir until coated, spreading on the second sheet pan.
Immediately sprinkle gold sanding sugar over the wet cereal, tossing to coat.
Let both pans cool for 30-60 minutes or refrigerate for 15 minutes until set, then break apart clumps and combine in a serving bowl.