Festive Football Puppy Chow

Featured in Tasty Appetizers.

Turn traditional Puppy Chow into a fun and festive game day treat with this Football Puppy Chow creation. Enjoy two tasty varieties: one using green candy melts, the other with chocolate chips, both finished with a powdered sugar coating. The standout element? Decorated almond footballs and cheerful M&M additions! It’s a sweet and crunchy mix that combines peanut butter and chocolate for a crowd-pleasing snack, ideal for Super Bowl gatherings, tailgates, or any sports event. Make it ahead to save time and ensure your party snacks are ready to impress!
punchofyummy
Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:18:00 GMT
A bowl of sweet, football-themed puppy chow covered in powdered sugar and chocolate. Pin it
A bowl of sweet, football-themed puppy chow covered in powdered sugar and chocolate. | pinchofyummy.com

Create the ultimate game day snack with this crowd-pleasing football puppy chow. This festive twist on the classic features two distinct colors representing team spirit, topped with chocolate-coated almond footballs. The irresistible combination of crunchy cereal, rich chocolate, and smooth peanut butter makes this snack a guaranteed winner at any sports gathering.

This recipe has become a cherished game day tradition in our home. The whole family gathers to help decorate the almond footballs, creating memorable kitchen moments alongside delicious snacking.

Essential Ingredients

  • Rice Chex Cereal: Provides the perfect crispy base that holds coatings well
  • Colored Candy Melts: Creates vibrant team colors that pop
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Adds rich flavor and smooth texture
  • Creamy Peanut Butter: Creates perfect coating consistency
  • Fresh Almonds: Serves as the base for decorative footballs
  • Prepared Royal Icing: Ideal for creating detailed football laces

Preparation Method

Football Preparation:
Arrange almonds for efficient decorating
Icing Setup:
Mix royal icing to proper piping consistency
Color Coating:
Prepare candy melts for team color portions
Chocolate Mixture:
Blend chocolate and peanut butter until smooth
Assembly:
Combine colored portions and add football decorations
Bowl of football-themed puppy chow, perfect for game day snacking. Pin it
Bowl of football-themed puppy chow, perfect for game day snacking. | pinchofyummy.com

Decorating the football almonds has evolved into a beloved family activity. Everyone takes turns creating the perfect laces, turning simple almonds into miniature edible footballs that add charm to this festive snack mix.

Serving Suggestions

Present in football-themed serving bowls or on green platters resembling a field. Place decorated almonds prominently on top and position multiple serving bowls within easy reach of game-watching areas.

Color Adaptations

Adjust candy melt colors to match specific team combinations. Add coordinating candies or chocolate-covered pretzels to enhance team spirit. Special occasions can feature seasonal colors and complementary decorations.

Storage Guidelines

Store in airtight containers at room temperature, keeping fresh for up to five days. Divide into smaller portions to preserve crispness. Avoid cold storage to prevent texture changes.

Quantity Planning

Plan for one cup per guest when preparing batches. Make additional football almonds as decorative elements. Consider individual serving cups in team colors for convenient portions.

Football-shaped puppy chow bites, a fun and tasty game day treat. Pin it
Football-shaped puppy chow bites, a fun and tasty game day treat. | pinchofyummy.com

This football-themed puppy chow has earned its place as a game day essential. The combination of team spirit colors and decorated almond footballs creates an unforgettable snack that brings everyone together during the big game.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will Football Puppy Chow stay good?
Keep it in a sealed container at room temperature, and it'll stay tasty for about 7 days.
→ Can I make the mix in advance?
Definitely! Prepare it 2-3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container until it's time to enjoy.
→ What if I can’t find green candy melts?
No problem! Use white candy melts with added green food dye, or just make the entire batch using chocolate chips.
→ Is it okay to skip the almond footballs?
Sure thing! It’ll still be fun and delicious even without them.
→ Why add vegetable oil to the chocolate?
It makes the chocolate smoother, so it’s easier to coat the cereal evenly.

Festive Football Puppy Chow

Put together this vibrant Football Puppy Chow, featuring a mix of chocolate-covered Chex and cute almond footballs, perfect for adding excitement to game day.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Tasty Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (8 cups of mix)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Green Puppy Chow

01 3/4 cup powdered sugar
02 4 cups Chex cereal
03 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
04 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
05 1 cup green-colored candy melts

→ Brown Puppy Chow

06 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
07 1 cup chocolate chips
08 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
09 4 cups Chex cereal
10 3/4 cup powdered sugar

→ Football Decorations

11 White, green, or brown M&Ms
12 1/2 teaspoon meringue powder
13 Whole almonds
14 1/2 cup powdered sugar for icing
15 1/2 tablespoon water

Instructions

Step 01

Stir powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water together until the mixture isn't shiny anymore. Pour it into a bottle with a tip for squeezing. Design a stripe down the middle of the almonds, let it set for 5–10 minutes, and then draw the stitches. Wait until they're fully dry and firm.

Step 02

Dump Chex into a big zip-top bag. Heat the green candy melts with oil and peanut butter until smooth. Pour it over the cereal, seal the bag, then shake until it's all coated. Add powdered sugar, close the bag again, and shake like crazy until everything's covered.

Step 03

Put the cereal in a large plastic bag. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and oil together until smooth. Pour the mixture over the cereal, zip the bag shut, and shake it up until the cereal's fully coated. Toss in powdered sugar and shake again until everything's covered evenly.

Step 04

Mix the green and brown puppy chow in a bowl big enough to hold it all. Toss in some decorated almond footballs and M&Ms. Serve it fresh and enjoy.

Notes

  1. It stays fresh for 2–3 days if you keep it sealed in a container.
  2. If it gets too sticky, just add more powdered sugar.

Tools You'll Need

  • Plastic bags (1 gallon size)
  • Decorative football toothpicks
  • A squeeze bottle
  • A large mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes peanuts and nuts like almonds.
  • Contains dairy from the chocolate.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 213
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 4 g