16 Delicious After-School Snacks

RX_1708_Delicious Snacks Perfect for After School_Boiled Peanut Hummus

Southern Living

We all know what it means when the kids finally get home from a long day at school: snack-time. Every day, like clockwork. It’s rather astonishing how much food our kids can scarf down after school, and it’s hard to find quick snacks that everyone will love. That’s why we set out to find some of the most downright delicious after-school snack recipes that fit all the criteria you’re looking for. This lineup of snacks is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, easy, fun, and healthy options that your kids (and you!) will go crazy for. Check out these perfect post-school snacks you can make at home.

Start Slideshow

1 of 17

Marshmallow Popcorn Treats with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Jason Varney

Recipe: Marshmallow Popcorn Treats with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

These yummy treats lie somewhere between classic popcorn balls and Rice Krispies treats, and they get a little extra something from the dark chocolate drizzle. Your kids will gobble these up and leave with sticky fingers.

2 of 17

Pigs in the Blanket

Nicole Franzen/Martha Stewart

Recipe: Pigs in the Blanket

Use puff pastry (lighter than crescent rolls) for these bite-sized snacks. You can use traditional hotdogs or switch it up with Andouille sausage, and we love to sprinkle some poppy seeds and flaky sea salt on top. This recipe calls for brushing the inside of the puff pastry with Honey Dijon mustard for extra flavor!

3 of 17

Fruit Sushi

Southern Living

Recipe: Fruit Sushi

Your kids will love helping to assemble this fun snack using sweetened rice, fresh fruit, and fruit leather. Grab some chopsticks for extra fun!

4 of 17

Cheddar Cheese Snack Crackers

Southern Living

Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Snack Crackers

Why go with the store-bought stuff when you can make your own, much tastier version? These snack crackers are perfectly cheesy and puffed.

5 of 17

Loaded Oatmeal Cookies

via Food Network

Recipe: Loaded Oatmeal Cookies

Make these super easy afternoon goodies by using a package of oatmeal cookie mix and adding a load of healthy ingredients to it, such as mixed nuts, dried fruit, wheat germ, and shredded coconut. Talk about sneaking some healthiness into a cookie—they won’t even notice!

6 of 17

Green Bean Fries

via Sunset

Recipe: Green Bean Fries

Super tasty, but healthier than French fries—these green beans fries make the perfect lightly-battered fried fix for your kids. It’s a good way to sneak those veggies in, too.

7 of 17

Healthy Banana Split Nachos

Southern Living

Recipe: Healthy Banana Split Nachos

Your kids are sure to love these fun “nachos” loaded with bananas, peanut butter, ground flaxseeds (for fiber), chopped pecans, and—of course—a little whipped cream on top!

8 of 17

Baked Popcorn Chicken

via Damn Delicious

Recipe: Baked Popcorn Chicken

If you’ve got growing boys (and girls), you know just how much they can eat! This healthier alternative to the fried stuff will satisfy everyone—the trick to these is the crispy potato chip crust.

9 of 17

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

via The Lemon Bowl

Recipe: Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

These aren’t just limited to fresh berries, store-bought granola, and yogurt. This recipe recommends throwing in fixings like walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds in lieu of granola. Add a little cinnamon or honey for sweetness, if using plain Greek yogurt.

10 of 17

Pimiento Cheese Rolls

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese Rolls

Down here in the South, pimiento cheese is appropriate for all times of day and at any meal, but these bite-sized snacks are one of our favorites. Use a package of frozen Southern-style biscuits to make these super easy.

11 of 17

Peanut Butter Dip

via Love Grows Wild

Recipe: Peanut Butter Dip

This quick four-ingredient dip is perfect for dipping fruit or pretzels. It’s light, but packed with protein.

12 of 17

Pizza Pie Pinwheels

Southern Living

Recipe: Pizza Pie Pinwheels

These cheesy pinwheels are easy to make and will hit the spot. Give a little extra sauce for dipping.

13 of 17

Caramel Bacon Popcorn

Southern Living

Recipe: Caramel Bacon Popcorn

Impress with this easy gourmet treat. Caramel and bacon give it that sweet-and-savory punch that you just can’t go wrong with.

14 of 17

Matzo Melts

via Food Network

Recipe: Matzo Melts

These are perfect if your kids are in the mood for a warm, savory snack. Brush matzo crackers with olive oil, sprinkle with some salt, and top with sliced turkey and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the cracker toasted!

15 of 17

Berry Swirl Frozen Yogurt Bark

via Celebrating Sweets

Recipe: Berry Swirl Frozen Yogurt Bark

Make these ahead for easy grabbing from the freezer at any time, especially after your kids have been outside in the heat. These are healthy, refreshing, and oh-so-cool.

16 of 17

Boiled Peanut Hummus

Southern Living

Recipe: Boiled Peanut Hummus

A creative twist on a favorite Southern snack food—make this delicious hummus easily in a food processor with old-fashioned boiled peanuts and serve with toasted pita or raw vegetables.

Replay gallery

16 Delicious After-School Snacks

1 of 17

Marshmallow Popcorn Treats with Dark Chocolate Drizzle