Fourth Quarter Crunch – Game Day Puppy Chow Snack Recipe (Whip up this Fourth Quarter Crunch recipe from Crazy Busy Mama! A football-themed puppy chow treat with chocolate, peanut butter, and sweet crunch.)
Game Day, Mama Style
If there’s one thing this Crazy Busy Mama loves more than a good football game, it’s the snacks that come with it. And not just any snacks — I’m talking about crowd-pleasing, game-changing, “where did you get this recipe?!” kind of snacks.
This year, I wanted to make something that’s equal parts fun, delicious, and Instagram-worthy for our football watch party. Enter the Fourth Quarter Crunch — my twist on classic puppy chow (or “Muddy Buddies” if you call it that). This recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s a whole vibe. We’re talking chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a pop of team spirit green — topped with adorable chocolate footballs that are almost too cute to eat (almost).
Whether you’re hosting the Super Bowl, watching Friday night lights, or just using the game as an excuse to snack, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. And the best part? It’s so simple, the kids can help — and trust me, they’ll want to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Football Theme: Perfect for game day, tailgating, or sports-themed parties.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it hours before the game and keep it fresh in an airtight container.
- Kid-Friendly: Simple steps make it easy for little hands to help.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Chocolate + peanut butter + crunchy cereal = happiness.
- Customizable: Change up the colors to match your favorite team!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 cups Chex cereal total (4 cups for brown puppy chow, 4 cups for green puppy chow)
- 1 (10 oz) bag Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate with Creamy Peanut Butter
- 12 oz green candy melts
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter (1 cup for each batch)
- Powdered sugar (about 1–2 cups per batch)
- Chocolate-covered almonds (about 20–25)
- White icing (tube or piping bag for football laces)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown Puppy Chow (“Dirt”)
- Place 4 cups of Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 10 oz Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate with Creamy Peanut Butter with 1 cup peanut butter (heat in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth).
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex and stir until fully coated.
- Transfer to a large zip-top bag, add 1–2 cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until well coated.
- Spread on parchment paper to cool completely.
Step 2: Green Puppy Chow (“Field”)
- Place another 4 cups Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 12 oz green candy melts with 1 cup peanut butter (heat in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth).
- Pour over the cereal and stir until fully coated.
- Transfer to a large zip-top bag, add 1–2 cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until coated.
- Spread on parchment paper to cool completely.
Step 3: Chocolate Footballs
- Take chocolate-covered almonds and pipe white icing laces on top to create mini footballs.
- Let them set until the icing is firm to the touch.
Step 4: Assemble the Fourth Quarter Crunch
- Once both puppy chow batches have cooled, combine the brown and green pieces in a large serving bowl or platter.
- Gently mix in your chocolate football almonds.
- Serve in a football-themed dish for extra festive flair!
💡 CBM Tip
When you’re making puppy chow, don’t be afraid to double the batch — especially if you have teenagers, a big family, or you’re hosting a larger game day crowd. This recipe disappears fast, and nothing is worse than getting to halftime and realizing the snack table is empty.
Another CBM hack? Use two big mixing bowls at once so you can prep the brown and green batches side-by-side. This saves time and keeps the cleanup quick, which is a win for any crazy busy mama trying to juggle snacks, guests, and game day chaos.
Why This Works for Busy Mamas
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal Cleanup: Only a few bowls and zip-top bags needed.
- Kid Involvement: They love shaking the cereal in the bag with powdered sugar — like a built-in dance party for your recipe.
- Festive and Themed: Looks like you spent hours on it, but it’s done in minutes.
4th Quarter Crunch
Ingredients
- 8 cups Chex cereal total 4 cups for brown puppy chow, 4 cups for green puppy chow
- 1 10 oz bag Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate with Creamy Peanut Butter
- 12 oz green candy melts
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter 1 cup for each batch
- Powdered sugar enough to coat each batch — about 1–2 cups per batch
- Chocolate-covered almonds about 20–25
- White icing tube or piping bag for football laces
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown Puppy Chow (“Dirt”) 1. Place 4 cups Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 10 oz Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate with Creamy Peanut Butter with 1 cup peanut butter (heat in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth). 3. Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex and stir until fully coated. 4. Transfer to a large zip-top bag, add 1–2 cups powdered sugar, seal, and shake until well coated. 5. Spread on parchment paper to cool completely.
