These Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies are a delightful and festive treat that will brighten up any gathering. Perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day, these crunchy snacks offer a sweet flavor that everyone will love. Their vibrant colors make them a standout addition to your dessert table, making celebrations extra special.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cereal Mix
- For Coating
- For Topping
- How to Make Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
- Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
- Step 2: Melt the Red Candy Melts
- Step 3: Coat with Red Candy Melt
- Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar
- Step 5: Spread on Cookie Sheet
- Step 6: Repeat with Other Colors
- Step 7: Add Toppings
- How to Serve Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
- Festive Snack Bowls
- Ice Cream Topping
- Party Favors
- Picnic Treats
- Movie Night Snack
- How to Perfect Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
- Best Side Dishes for Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
- Reheating Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies?
- Can I customize my Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies?
- How do I store leftover muddy buddies?
- Are these muddy buddies suitable for kids?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 12 minutes needed for prep and cooking, you can whip these up in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crunchy Chex cereal and colorful candy melts makes these treats irresistible.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make them your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These treats are not only great for patriotic holidays but also fun for birthday parties and picnics.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love helping out with this easy recipe—let them join in on the fun!
Tools and Preparation
To create your Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium bowls
- Small microwave-safe bowl
- Gallon-sized ziplock bag
- Cookie sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium bowls: Essential for separating the cereal into portions before coating it with candy melts.
- Small microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting the candy without making a mess.
- Gallon-sized ziplock bag: Ideal for shaking the cereal with powdered sugar to ensure even coating.
- Cookie sheet: Provides a flat surface for spreading out your coated cereal to cool down.
Ingredients
These red white and blue muddy buddies are such a fun and tasty patriotic treat. They are crunchy, sweet, and so delicious in the perfect red, white, and blue colors – perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day.
For the Cereal Mix
- 6 cups chex cereal (divided)
- 1 cup red candy melts
- 1 cup blue candy melts
- 1 cup white candy melts
For Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar (divided)
For Topping
- 1 cup red, white, and blue m&ms

How to Make Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
- Separate the Chex cereal into three medium bowls with 2 cups each.
Step 2: Melt the Red Candy Melts
- Add the red candy melts to a small microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave at half power in 30-second increments. Stir after each increment until smooth.
Step 3: Coat with Red Candy Melt
- Pour melted red candy over one bowl of cereal.
- Toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Powdered Sugar
- Transfer the coated cereal into a gallon-sized ziplock bag.
- Add 1/3 cup of powdered sugar.
- Shake well to coat fully.
Step 5: Spread on Cookie Sheet
- Pour the coated cereal onto a cookie sheet to cool.
Step 6: Repeat with Other Colors
- Repeat Steps 2-5 using blue candy melts followed by white candy melts.
Step 7: Add Toppings
- Mix in red, white, and blue m&ms along with any additional sprinkles you desire.
- Stir all ingredients together until evenly distributed.
Now you have delicious Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
Serving Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies is a delightful way to celebrate any patriotic occasion. These treats shine at gatherings and are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant colors and sweet flavor.
Festive Snack Bowls
- Create individual snack bowls filled with Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies for a fun presentation. This makes it easy for guests to grab a treat without mess.
Ice Cream Topping
- Sprinkle these crunchy goodies on top of vanilla ice cream for a festive twist. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate your dessert experience.
Party Favors
- Package the muddy buddies in clear bags tied with red, white, and blue ribbons. They make charming party favors that guests can take home.
Picnic Treats
- Bring along Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies for your next picnic. Their portability makes them perfect for outdoor fun while celebrating holidays.
Movie Night Snack
- Serve these delicious treats during a movie night at home. The colorful mix adds excitement and flavor to your viewing experience.
How to Perfect Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
Perfecting your Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies can take them from great to spectacular! Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that all candy melts are fresh for the best melting consistency and flavor.
- Microwave in short bursts: Melt candy melts in 30-second increments to prevent burning. Stir well between each increment for smoothness.
- Toss gently: When mixing the cereal with melted candy melts, toss gently to avoid crushing the cereal pieces.
- Cool completely: Let each color layer cool completely before adding the next layer to maintain distinct colors.
- Add extra toppings: Get creative by adding sprinkles or extra candies for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Store properly: Keep leftover muddy buddies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
Pairing side dishes with your Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies can enhance your gathering’s overall theme. These sides complement the sweetness perfectly!
- Patriotic Fruit Salad: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and bananas creates a colorful fruit salad that aligns wonderfully with the theme.
- BBQ Chicken Skewers: Grilled chicken skewers marinated in a tangy sauce add savory balance alongside the sweets.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled or boiled offers a classic summer taste that pairs well with any dessert.
- Potato Salad: This creamy dish is a hearty addition that contrasts nicely with sugary treats while maintaining a festive look.
- Deviled Eggs: These savory bites are easy to make ahead of time and are always a crowd pleaser at gatherings.
- Caprese Salad Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze present beautifully alongside your muddy buddies.
- Veggie Platter with Dip: An assortment of fresh veggies served with ranch or hummus provides a healthy contrast to the sweetness.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses paired with crackers adds sophistication while balancing out the dessert’s sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong cereal: Chex cereal is essential for the right texture. Using other cereals can lead to a soggy mix. Stick with Chex for the best results.
- Not melting the candy properly: Overheating candy melts can cause them to seize. Microwave at half power in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent this.
- Skipping the shaking step: Coating your cereal with powdered sugar is crucial for flavor and texture. Don’t skip shaking it well in the ziplock bag.
- Adding too many candies: While it’s tempting to load up on M&Ms, too many can make the mix overly sweet and difficult to enjoy. Stick to a cup for a balanced taste.
- Ignoring cooling time: Allowing the muddy buddies to cool completely ensures they stay crisp. Rushing this step may result in a sticky mess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
- Place the muddy buddies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months for longer storage.
Reheating Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread out the muddy buddies on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until slightly warm. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies?
Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies are a festive treat made with Chex cereal coated in colored candy melts and powdered sugar. They are perfect for celebrating patriotic holidays.
Can I customize my Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies?
Absolutely! You can add different types of candies or nuts based on your preference. Consider using chocolate candies or sprinkles that match your theme!
How do I store leftover muddy buddies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for freshness. Avoid moisture exposure to keep them crispy.
Are these muddy buddies suitable for kids?
Yes! These treats are kid-friendly and fun to make together as a family project. Just supervise when melting candy.
Final Thoughts
Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. They make an excellent treat for any celebration or casual snack time. Feel free to customize them with your favorite candies or toppings! Enjoy making this delightful recipe that everyone will love!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies are a festive and crunchy treat perfect for celebrating patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. This fun snack combines Chex cereal coated in vibrant red, white, and blue candy melts, making it visually appealing while delivering a delightful sweet flavor that both kids and adults will enjoy. Quick to prepare in just 12 minutes, these colorful snacks can be customized with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether served in individual bowls at a party or as a topping for ice cream, Red, White, and Blue Muddy Buddies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex cereal (divided)
- 1 cup red candy melts
- 1 cup blue candy melts
- 1 cup white candy melts
- 1 cup powdered sugar (divided)
- 1 cup red, white, and blue M&Ms
Instructions
- Separate Chex cereal into three bowls (2 cups each).
- Melt red candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl; coat one bowl of cereal and mix with 1/3 cup powdered sugar in a ziplock bag.
- Spread on a cookie sheet to cool.
- Repeat with blue and white candy melts.
- Mix all coated cereals together with M&Ms and additional toppings if desired.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg