The Best After School Snacks
Simply tossing a bag of chips at the after-school hunger won’t solve anything in the long term. What you need is an arsenal of go-to snack solutions that will tame beastly appetites all the way until dinnertime. Are your snacks up to the challenge?
Here are a few of our faves.
1. Fancied-up apple slices
Spread apple slices with peanut butter and sprinkle with granola or dot with raisins.
2. Saltine sandwiches
Simple saltines are easily transformed into mini-sandwiches with the addition of sweet or savory fillings. Top one with peanut butter or hazelnut spread and add a sliced strawberry or banana. Or spread one with cream cheese and add a slice of ham and a slice of cucumber.
3. Taco crackers
Whisk 2 tablespoons taco seasoning with 1/3 cup oil. Toss with a box of oyster crackers. Bake in a 250 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 20 minutes then let cool for 10 minutes before enjoying.
4. Power-packed brownies
Add 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeezed to dry first) to your favorite boxed brownie mix and enjoy a pop of moistness and nutrition!
5. Cheesy pretzels
Place slices of cheddar between mini pretzels, line them up on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake in a 425 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes. To make these extra awesome, serve with honey mustard or ranch for dipping.
6. Almost-a-milkshake banana smoothie
Blend 2 frozen bananas (sliced first), 1/2 cup milk and 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup for 2 servings of deliciousness.
7. Edamame poppers
Microwave frozen edamame for 2 minutes and toss with a dash of sea salt or garlic powder. Your kids will love them! Just remember, edamame shells are not edible.
8. Sweet potato fries
With more vitamin A than traditional fries, their sweet flavor makes them feel like a real treat. Simply slice a sweet potato and toss with a bit of olive oil and salt. (Add a dash of chili powder if you’re feeling spicy!) Bake in a 425 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 20 minutes, turning once.
9. Homegrown granola
Keep on hand for on-the-go snacking. Mix 3 parts rolled oats to 1 part each mixed seeds and chopped mixed nuts. Toss in a pinch of salt and mix with a touch of honey and a drizzle of vegetable oil. Spread out onto a baking sheet and bake in a 325 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 25 minutes. Cool and toss with chopped dried fruit to taste.
10. Apple-dilla
Make a classic cheese quesadilla with a few slices of apple stuffed in the middle.