Sourdough Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
Crispy toasted sourdough bread cubes coated in chocolate and peanut butter, then tossed in powdered sugar. This sourdough twist on classic puppy chow is like eating a crispy M&M without the candy shell.
Servings: 12
Calories: 245kcal
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Gallon-size ziplock bag
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Cubes:
- 300-350 g sourdough bread cut into 3/4 inch-ish cubes
- 14 g 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2.5 g 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 255 g 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 190 g 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 42 g 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 g 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Finishing:
- 200 to 240 g 1 2/3 to 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, toss the sourdough bread cubes with the melted butter and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the cubes are completely crispy and dried out all the way through. They should feel light and crunchy when you break one open. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- While the bread is toasting, make the chocolate coating. In a medium microwave safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
- Stir the vanilla extract and pinch of salt into the melted chocolate mixture.
- Place the toasted sourdough cubes in a large bowl. Pour the chocolate peanut butter mixture over the cubes and gently toss with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated with chocolate. Work gently to avoid breaking the bread cubes.
- Add the powdered sugar to a gallon-size ziplock bag. Transfer the chocolate-coated bread cubes to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until every piece is completely covered in powdered sugar. Make sure to use a sturdy ziplock bag, not a bread bag or thin plastic bag.
- Spread the coated puppy chow out on a parchment-lined baking sheet or clean surface and let cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate sets, about 15-30 minutes.
- Once set, transfer to a serving bowl or airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
Make sure your sourdough cubes are completely crispy and dried out before adding the chocolate mixture. If they’re not crispy all the way through, they’ll get soggy. Break one open to check that the inside is dry and crunchy.
Cut your bread cubes as uniformly as possible (around 3/4 inch) so they toast evenly. Inconsistent sizes will result in some pieces being over-toasted and others under-toasted.
Use good quality chocolate chips. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best. Milk chocolate makes this too sweet.
The bag shaking method is crucial for even powdered sugar coverage. Don’t try to toss it in a bowl or you’ll get clumps.
Let the chocolate coated pieces cool for a few minutes before adding to the powdered sugar. If they’re too hot, the sugar will melt and create a gummy coating.
If you end up with too much powdered sugar, simply dump the puppy chow into a colander and shake the excess out over the sink.
Don’t refrigerate this. Store at room temperature in an airtight container. The fridge will make the powdered sugar coating absorb moisture and get sticky.
You can use fresh or day-old sourdough bread. Either works perfectly since it all gets toasted crispy anyway.
VARIATIONS:
Espresso Puppy Chow: Add 1-2 teaspoons instant espresso powder to the chocolate-peanut butter mixture before coating the bread.
Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon into the powdered sugar before tossing.
Double Chocolate: Mix 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder into the powdered sugar for extra chocolate flavor.
Mix-Ins: After the chocolate sets, toss in M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, chopped pretzels, or crushed candy canes.
NUTRITION (per serving):
Calories: 245
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 85mg
