Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Coat the Chex
- Measure the Rice Chex cereal into a very large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth (about 90 seconds total).
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract into the melted white chocolate until combined.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the Rice Chex cereal and gently fold with a silicone spatula until every piece is evenly coated, working quickly before the chocolate starts to set.
Powder-sugar dusting
- Add the sifted powdered sugar to a gallon-size zip-lock bag.
- Transfer the coated cereal into the bag in batches, then seal and shake vigorously until all pieces are completely coated in powdered sugar with no clumps remaining.
- Spread the powdered sugar-coated cereal onto a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer.
- Let it cool and set at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or refrigerate for 5 minutes to speed up setting.
Finish and serve
- Once fully set, transfer the puppy chow to a large bowl.
- Fold in the red, white, and blue M&Ms, the star-shaped patriotic sprinkles, and the white nonpareils or pearl sprinkles if using.
- Serve immediately in a large festive bowl or individual cups, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
Pro tip: Work in batches and fold quickly right after coating so the chocolate stays glossy and grabs the powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days (best texture in the first 2). Freezer: no, it can get soft and lose crunch after thawing. For a dairy-free swap, use dairy-free white chocolate chips and check that the butter substitute is also dairy-free.