08.20.2020
Easy After-School Snack Recipes
Quick, kid-friendly snacks and spice-blend tips to upgrade hummus, popcorn, and avocado toast. Simple recipes parents can make after school.
- Fast, family-friendly snack ideas that mix sweet, savory, and healthy choices.
- Use spice blends to instantly upgrade store-bought hummus, popcorn, or avocado toast.
- Prep smart: many snacks are ready in 5 to 20 minutes, and components can be made ahead.
While heading back to school is normally a stressful time, this year feels like a whole new level. We compiled our simplest snack ideas to give parents an easy win, and bring a smile to their kids' faces. In addition to the recipes on our blog, you can always explore our collection of topping spice blends to transform store-bought hummus, microwave popcorn, or avocado toast into something a little more gourmet.
Cinnamon Toast Ants on a Log
Cheesy and Spicy Popcorn
Seasoned Oyster Crackers
Za'atar Pita Chips
Everything Bagel Snack Dip
Taylor Street Garlic & Herb Garlic Bread
Argyle Street Avocado Toast
Edamame with Spicy Peppercorn Salt
Seasoned & Baked Tortilla Chips
Moroccan Sweet Potato Fries
Caprese Pasta Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these snacks take to make?
Most snacks take 5 to 20 minutes. Simple items like ants on a log, popcorn, and seasoned crackers are ready in under 10 minutes. Baked items such as sweet potato fries or garlic bread usually take 15 to 30 minutes.
Which snacks are best for picky eaters?
Choose build-your-own or familiar flavors: ants on a log, plain or lightly seasoned popcorn, and avocado toast with mild toppings. Let kids add their own toppings so they feel in control.
How can I make these snacks healthier?
Swap to whole-grain breads or chips, air-pop popcorn, cut back on added sugar, and add a protein like edamame, hummus, Greek yogurt dip, or cheese. Load plates with a few raw veggies or fruit on the side.
How should I store leftovers and reheat them?
Store refrigerated items like pasta salad or dips in airtight containers for 2 to 4 days. Keep chips and pita crisps at room temperature in sealed bags to preserve crunch. Reheat fries or garlic bread in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
How can I adapt recipes for allergies and special diets?
Substitute gluten-free pita or tortillas, use dairy-free cheese or yogurt, and swap nut butter for sunflower seed butter if needed. Check labels for cross-contamination and keep toppings separate so everyone can pick safe options.
Can I make any of these snacks ahead or freeze them?
Yes. Cooked components like garlic bread, sweet potato fries, and cooked pasta can be cooled and frozen, though dips with dairy may change texture after thawing. For fastest afternoons, prep toppings, wash produce, and portion snacks in advance.
How can I add more protein to make snacks more filling?
Add edamame, beans, hummus, Greek yogurt dip, cheese cubes, hard-boiled eggs, shredded chicken, or a smear of nut or seed butter. Even a sprinkle of seeds or chopped nuts boosts protein and satiety.
How long do these snacks take to make?
Most snacks take 5 to 20 minutes. Simple items like ants on a log, popcorn, and seasoned crackers are ready in under 10 minutes. Baked items such as sweet potato fries or garlic bread usually take 15 to 30 minutes.
Which snacks are best for picky eaters?
Choose build-your-own or familiar flavors: ants on a log, plain or lightly seasoned popcorn, and avocado toast with mild toppings. Let kids add their own toppings so they feel in control.
How can I make these snacks healthier?
Swap to whole-grain breads or chips, air-pop popcorn, cut back on added sugar, and add a protein like edamame, hummus, Greek yogurt dip, or cheese. Load plates with a few raw veggies or fruit on the side.
How should I store leftovers and reheat them?
Store refrigerated items like pasta salad or dips in airtight containers for 2 to 4 days. Keep chips and pita crisps at room temperature in sealed bags to preserve crunch. Reheat fries or garlic bread in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
How can I adapt recipes for allergies and special diets?
Substitute gluten-free pita or tortillas, use dairy-free cheese or yogurt, and swap nut butter for sunflower seed butter if needed. Check labels for cross-contamination and keep toppings separate so everyone can pick safe options.
Can I make any of these snacks ahead or freeze them?
Yes. Cooked components like garlic bread, sweet potato fries, and cooked pasta can be cooled and frozen, though dips with dairy may change texture after thawing. For fastest afternoons, prep toppings, wash produce, and portion snacks in advance.
How can I add more protein to make snacks more filling?
Add edamame, beans, hummus, Greek yogurt dip, cheese cubes, hard-boiled eggs, shredded chicken, or a smear of nut or seed butter. Even a sprinkle of seeds or chopped nuts boosts protein and satiety.
Comments