Is there anything more midwestern than puppy chow? Besides the dozens of midwestern salads, that contain not a single leaf, you’re sure to find a bowl of this chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness at just about every party or tailgate. While there is no definitive history of where and when this treat originated, it began to grace potluck tables around the 1960s.

The first time I made puppy chow, I followed the recipe on the box of the cereal to a T, minus the butter. Ope! You can’t live in chaos and not miss a few things now and then! We loved the final result but I worried the group we were taking it to would notice. No one mentioned it and I brought an empty bowl home. So the next time I decided to increase the chocolate and peanut butter and intentionally forget the butter. Rave reviews!

Allowing the coated cereal to cool down a few minutes actually helps the powdered sugar to stick to the chocolate mixture instead of soak into it. This quick step helps to keep the cereal crunchy for longer storage – if you have any left to store that is!

Skip the store-bought version with confidence the next time you’re bringing a dish to a party or potluck. This recipe is super simple and pretty much fool-proof. Enjoy!

Puppy Chow

My take on this classic midwestern staple omits butter in favor of more peanut butter and chocolate.

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Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 cups

Ingredients

  

• 1 12 oz box rice squares
• 1 12 oz bag semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

 

• Pour entire box of cereal into a large bowl.
  
• Combine chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 60 seconds. Stir. Microwave again for another 60 seconds. Stir until smooth. Power and times may vary depending on your microwave.

  -OR-

  Melt chocolate and peanut butter in a double boiler over medium heat.
  
• Pour melted chocolate and peanut butter on top of cereal, trying to avoid the sides of the bowl. Gently fold the chocolate into the cereal, being careful not to crush the cereal.
  
• Let sit for 15 minutes at room temperature.
• In a gallon size plastic bag (I use twist tie storage bags), add 3/4 cup of powdered sugar and half of the cereal mix. Add another 1/4 cup of powdered sugar to the top. Twist the bag (or seal it) and shake it to coat the cereal pieces in sugar. Gently break apart any clumps with your fingers from outside the bag.
  
• Dump contents of bag into a large storage container.
  
• Repeat the above steps for the remaining cereal mix and powdered sugar.
• Store in tightly sealed container. Will stay fresh for about a week.
  

Keyword chocolate, dessert, midwest, peanut butter, puppy chow