4th of July Muddy Buddies
If there is one thing I absolutely love creating, it’s holiday recipes. Every holiday gives me an excuse to make something fun, festive, and just a little over the top. Over the years I’ve shared everything from my No Bake Cherry Bomb Cookies to my Red, White & Blue Stained Glass Jello Shots, and these 4th of July Muddy Buddies fit right in with those family favorites.
4th of July Muddy Buddies
What I love most about this recipe is that it looks like you spent a lot of time making it, but it actually comes together in minutes. The bright red and blue candy coating instantly makes it feel patriotic, while the powdered sugar gives it that classic muddy buddy texture everyone loves. It’s one of those snacks that disappears almost as fast as you can set it on the table.
I’ve made plenty of holiday treats over the years, and one thing I’ve learned is that simple recipes are often the biggest crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to a family picnic, or looking for a fun snack to set out while waiting for the fireworks to start, this recipe is always a hit. It’s colorful, sweet, crunchy, and easy enough that kids can help make it too.
What Are 4th of July Muddy Buddies?
4th of July Muddy Buddies are a patriotic twist on the classic snack mix. Chex cereal is coated in red and blue candy melts, tossed with powdered sugar, and finished with festive M&M’s for an easy no-bake treat that’s perfect for Independence Day celebrations.
AI Summary: These 4th of July Muddy Buddies are a quick and festive no-bake snack made with Chex cereal, red and blue candy melts, powdered sugar, and patriotic M&M’s. Perfect for cookouts, parties, and holiday celebrations.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfect for 4th of July parties, cookouts, and picnics.
No baking required.
Easy enough for kids to help make.
Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
Bright red, white, and blue colors make it instantly festive.
Great for making ahead before a party.
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Rice Chex Cereal, divided
- 1 Cup Red Candy Melts
- 1 Cup Blue Candy Melts
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar, divided
- ⅔ Cup Patriotic M&M’s
- SHOP this recipe
Items Needed
- 9×13 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rubber Gloves
How to Make 4th of July Muddy Buddies
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place 2 cups of the Chex cereal into a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the red candy melts to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir so the candy melts don’t burn.
- Once smooth, drizzle the melted candy over the cereal and gently stir until all the cereal is coated. Take your time so the cereal doesn’t break apart.
- While the coating is still wet, sprinkle ¼ cup powdered sugar over the cereal. Wearing rubber gloves, gently toss to coat. Add another ¼ cup powdered sugar and toss again until evenly coated.
- Spread the red muddy buddies onto one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat the process using the remaining 2 cups of cereal, blue candy melts, and remaining powdered sugar.
- Spread the blue muddy buddies onto the other side of the baking sheet.
- Let everything rest for 10 minutes to set.
- Transfer the muddy buddies to a serving bowl and toss with the patriotic M&M’s before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Be patient when stirring the candy-coated cereal. Rushing can crush the Chex and leave you with crumbs instead of clusters.
- Stir your candy melts every 30 seconds while microwaving. Candy melts can scorch quickly if overheated.
- Dust your rubber gloves with a little powdered sugar before handling the cereal. It makes tossing much easier and less sticky.
- Wait until serving to add the M&M’s if you’re making this ahead. This helps keep the colors looking bright and fresh.
- Spread the muddy buddies out while they set so they don’t stick together in large clumps.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
Do not refrigerate or freeze this recipe. Moisture can affect the candy coating and make the cereal lose its crunch.
FAQs
My Favorite Ways To Serve Them
I usually set these out alongside some of our other favorite patriotic desserts during our July 4th celebrations. The bright colors make them stand out on the snack table, and they’re always one of the first things people reach for. They’re easy to grab by the handful, perfect for snacking while chatting outside, and they add a fun festive touch without requiring hours in the kitchen.
4th of July Muddy Buddies
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Rice Chex Cereal, divided
- 1 Cup Red Candy Melts
- 1 Cup Blue Candy Melts
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar, divided
- ⅔ Cup Patriotic M&M’s
- Items Needed:
- 9x13 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rubber Gloves
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place 2 cups of the Chex in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, place the red candy melts. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir the candy melts so they don’t burn.
- Once the candy melts are smooth when stirred, without lumps, drizzle them over the top of the Chex cereal and gently mix until the cereal is fully coated. Be patient or you’ll break all your cereal.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup powdered sugar over the chocolate coated cereal while it’s still wet, and using rubber gloves, gently toss the cereal before adding another ¼ cup powdered sugar and tossing again so they’re nice and coated.
- Place the muddy buddies on one side of the prepared baking sheet and roughly spread them to dry (this doesn’t have to be flat or perfect).
- Repeat steps 2-6 for the blue candy melts.
- Allow the muddy buddies to rest on the pan for 10 minutes.
- Place the muddy buddies in a serving bowl and toss in the M&M’s. Enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week. Do not freeze or store in the fridge as moisture will ruin them.
- If you would like to skip the rubber gloves, you can mix it all in a large ziplock bag, but I found this method more cumbersome.
- If using the rubber gloves, dusting them with a bit of powdered sugar before diving in will make it much easier.
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
