Muddy buddies for 12: rice cereal squares coated in melted chocolate and peanut butter, then shaken in powdered sugar. It makes about 12 cups in about 30 minutes. The only heat is melting the chocolate, and it rides to the lot in a sealed bag with no cooler.
Feeds: 12 (about 12 cups) · Hands-on: about 15 min · Total: about 30 min, including setting
Home gear: a very large bowl, a microwave-safe bowl, a 2-gallon zip-top bag (or 2 gallon bags), 2 rimmed sheet pans
Pack for the lot
- Muddy buddies, in sealed bags or a lidded tub
- Serving bowl or a stack of paper cups for single portions
- Scoop or a large spoon
- A "Contains peanuts" card for the table
- Napkins
Lot notes
- No ice needed: it's shelf-stable, so it rides in the truck, not the cooler.
- Heat: the chocolate softens in direct sun. On a hot day, keep the bag in the cab or the shade. If you put it in the cooler, seal it in a second bag and keep it on top, off the ice and out of the meltwater.
- Peanut allergy: the coating is made with peanut butter. Tell your crew, label the bowl "Contains peanuts," and give it its own scoop. For a peanut-free batch, swap in sunflower seed butter in the same amount and use clean bowls and tools. Label it too. If anyone has a severe allergy, ask them before you bring either version.
- Other allergens: it also has dairy, and many rice cereals contain malt or wheat. Check the box if gluten matters to your crew.
- Cleanup: it's powdered sugar and a bag. Shake out the bowl and take the trash with you.
Can you make muddy buddies ahead?
Yes. Make them up to 1 week ahead and keep them in an airtight bag or tub at room temperature. Shake the bag before you serve to loosen any clumps.
Do muddy buddies need to stay cold at a tailgate?
No. They're shelf-stable. Keep the bag sealed and out of direct sun so the chocolate doesn't soften.
How much muddy buddies for 20 people?
Plan on a little under 1 cup each. Make 1½ batches for about 18 cups: 18 cups cereal, 2 cups (one 12 oz bag) chocolate chips, 1 cup peanut butter, 7½ tbsp butter, 1½ tsp vanilla and 3 cups powdered sugar. Shake it in 2 or 3 rounds.
Can you make muddy buddies without peanut butter?
Yes. Sunflower seed butter works in the same amount and makes a peanut-free batch. Make it with clean tools and label it so nobody guesses.