Are you tired of serving your kids the same old snacks every day? Do you want to encourage healthy eating habits, but don’t have a lot of time or patience to prepare elaborate meals? Look no further! We’ve got 18 delicious and easy-to-make snack recipes that are perfect for kids. From classic favorites like peanut butter banana roll-ups and ants on a log, to healthier options like veggie sticks with hummus and fruit and yogurt popsicles, we’ve got something for every taste and dietary need.
In this article, we’ll share our top 18 quick and easy snack recipes that are sure to be a hit with your kids. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a healthy munchie, these snacks are perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, or just because. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and give your kids the gift of deliciousness!
Peanut Butter Banana Roll-Ups
These bite-sized treats are a delicious combination of creamy peanut butter and ripe bananas wrapped in a flaky pastry. Perfect for a quick snack or as a healthy-ish dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread the peanut butter evenly over one half of the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
3. Arrange the sliced bananas on top of the peanut butter, slightly overlapping them.
4. Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal the edges.
5. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
6. Place the roll-ups on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Berries
A refreshing and healthy dessert or snack, this yogurt parfait is a perfect combination of crunchy granola, sweet berries, and creamy yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt (any flavor)
– 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought granola
– 1 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– Optional: honey or maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions:
1. In a tall glass or parfait dish, start with a layer of yogurt.
2. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of granola over the yogurt.
3. Add a layer of mixed berries on top of the granola.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of yogurt on top.
5. If desired, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed – simply assemble and serve!
Cheese and Crackers Kabobs
Transform a classic snack into a visually appealing appetizer with this simple recipe. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a quick snack, cheese and crackers kabobs are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup assorted crackers (e.g., wheat thins, club crackers, etc.)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 10-12 wooden skewers or kabob sticks
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Thread a few crackers onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Place a small amount of shredded cheese on top of the crackers.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of chopped parsley over the cheese.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all ingredients are used up.
6. Bake kabobs in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Ants on a Log (Celery with Peanut Butter and Raisins)
This classic snack is a favorite among kids and adults alike, with the combination of crunchy celery, creamy peanut butter, and sweet raisins. It’s an easy and healthy treat to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 stalks of celery
– 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
– 1/4 cup of raisins
– Optional: salt or honey for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Wash the celery stalks under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Spread about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter onto each celery stalk.
3. Place 2-3 raisins on top of the peanut butter.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This snack is ready in just a few minutes.
Mini Pizza Bagels
A fun twist on traditional pizza, these bite-sized bagel pizzas are perfect for parties or snacks. With a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in no time!
Ingredients:
– 12 mini bagels
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice each bagel in half and place on a baking sheet.
3. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each bagel half.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by chopped pepperoni.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Apple Sandwiches with Almond Butter
Apple Sandwiches with Almond Butter Recipe
Experience the perfect blend of crunchy apples and creamy almond butter on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
• 4 slices whole wheat bread
• 2-3 apples, sliced into thin pieces
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Pinch of salt
Fruit and Yogurt Popsicles
Beat the heat with these refreshing fruit and yogurt popsicles! Made with simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious treat all summer long.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 1 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries)
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 10-12 popsicle sticks
– Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine yogurt, mixed berries, and pineapple chunks. Blend until smooth.
2. Add honey to the mixture and blend until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or paper cups.
4. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. To unmold, run the popsicles under warm water or submerge in hot water for a few seconds.
Cooking Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Veggie Sticks with Hummus
A classic snack that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutritious goodness! This recipe is perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a healthy addition to your lunchbox.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup hummus
– 1 cup mixed veggie sticks (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
– Optional: paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Cut the veggie sticks into bite-sized pieces.
2. Serve the hummus in a bowl or ramekin.
3. Arrange the veggie sticks around the hummus.
4. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste (if desired).
5. Enjoy as is or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Trail Mix with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Get ready to fuel your adventures with this delicious and nutritious trail mix recipe that combines crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruits, and a hint of spice. Perfect for snacking on-the-go!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, apricots)
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed nuts and dried fruit.
2. Add the pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chips, honey, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just minutes!
Mini Pancake Skewers with Syrup Dip
Start your day with a sweet treat that’s both fun to make and delicious to eat! These bite-sized pancake skewers are the perfect breakfast or brunch option for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Vegetable oil for greasing
– Syrup of your choice (e.g., maple, honey, or fruit syrup)
– Fresh fruit and whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg and milk until smooth.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Grease the skillet with a small amount of vegetable oil.
6. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of batter onto the skillet, forming mini pancake “balls”.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with syrup dip and optional fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on number of skewers)
Enjoy your delicious Mini Pancake Skewers with Syrup Dip!
Cheese Quesadilla Triangles
Add a twist to the classic quesadilla by turning it into bite-sized triangles that are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. These crispy, cheesy treats are sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut each tortilla into three equal triangles.
3. Place a triangle on a flat surface and sprinkle with about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.
4. Fold the triangle in half to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges together to seal.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas and cheese.
6. Place quesadilla triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Hard-Boiled Egg Chicks (Decorated Eggs)
Create adorable egg chicks with just a few simple steps and some basic ingredients. Perfect for kids’ parties, Easter celebrations, or as a fun snack for the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs
– White vinegar (1 tablespoon)
– Food coloring (yellow and orange)
– Cotton balls
– Markers or black paint
– Construction paper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Hard-boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
2. Dye the eggs yellow by adding a few drops of food coloring to the whites vinegar mixture and soaking the eggs for about an hour.
3. Use orange food coloring to create beaks by dipping cotton balls in the dye.
4. Draw eyes and legs using markers or black paint on each egg.
5. Add construction paper wings (optional) by gluing them onto the eggs.
6. Let the eggs cool, then serve.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels
A classic combination of flavors wrapped up in a convenient pinwheel shape. These bite-sized treats are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or parties.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of tortilla wraps (8-10 count)
– 2 slices of deli turkey breast
– 1 slice of cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped lettuce
– 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Lay a tortilla wrap flat on a surface.
2. Place one slice of turkey breast along the center of the wrap, leaving a small border around it.
3. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the turkey.
4. Sprinkle chopped lettuce over the cheese.
5. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the top half of the wrap.
6. Fold the bottom half of the wrap up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a pinwheel shape.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
8. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None required! These pinwheels are ready to eat straight away.
Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the wholesome goodness of rolled oats, perfect for a snack or dessert. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a batch of warm, fresh-baked cookies in no time!
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Stir in egg until well combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Popcorn with Dark Chocolate Drizzle
Elevate your snack game with this rich and indulgent popcorn recipe featuring a velvety dark chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– Optional: chopped nuts or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add popcorn kernels and cover the pot with a lid.
3. Once popping begins, gently shake the pot to distribute heat evenly.
4. Cook until all kernels have popped (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle salt to taste.
6. Melt dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
7. Drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn, allowing excess to drizzle onto parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (popcorn) + 1 minute (chocolate melting)
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
A refreshing blend of sweet strawberries and creamy bananas, perfect for a healthy breakfast or post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt (low-fat or nonfat)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, strawberries, yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker, colder smoothie.
4. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the desired consistency is reached.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
A refreshing twist on the classic sandwich, these cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are perfect for a light lunch or afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh dill or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Lay out the slices of bread on a flat surface.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese on each slice of bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Arrange the cucumber slices on top of the cream cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with another slice of bread to create a sandwich.
6. Cut in half or quarter, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! Simply assemble the sandwiches just before serving.
Homemade Granola Bars
Get the kids involved or whip up a batch for yourself – these easy-to-make granola bars are perfect for a quick energy boost. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying crunchy, chewy goodness in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts work well)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get your kids snacking with these 18 quick and easy recipes! From classic favorites like peanut butter banana roll-ups and cheese and crackers kabobs, to fun twists like mini pizza bagels and trail mix with nuts and dried fruit, there’s something for every little palate. With ingredients you likely already have on hand, these snacks are perfect for a busy day or a quick pick-me-up after school. Plus, many of them can be customized to suit your child’s tastes and dietary needs.
