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.
Marshmallow Popcorn Treats with Dark Chocolate Drizzle
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.
Pigs in the Blanket
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!
Fruit Sushi
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!
Cheddar Cheese Snack Crackers
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.
Loaded Oatmeal Cookies
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!
Green Bean Fries
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.
Healthy Banana Split Nachos
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!
Baked Popcorn Chicken
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.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
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.
Pimiento Cheese Rolls
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.
Peanut Butter Dip
Recipe: Peanut Butter Dip
This quick four-ingredient dip is perfect for dipping fruit or pretzels. It’s light, but packed with protein.
Pizza Pie Pinwheels
Recipe: Pizza Pie Pinwheels
These cheesy pinwheels are easy to make and will hit the spot. Give a little extra sauce for dipping.
Caramel Bacon Popcorn
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.
Matzo Melts
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!
Berry Swirl Frozen Yogurt Bark
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.
Boiled Peanut Hummus
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.
