There’s no question that our kids can be hungry a lot. Otherwise, why do they always make a beeline for the kitchen when they get home from school? To help satisfy their craving for afterschool snacks or munchies, consider the snack ideas below, which take five minutes or less to prepare:
1. Apple Nachos
Mm-hmm, what’s better than apple slices and a touch of sweetness? Drizzle some honey or caramel sauce over sliced apples, sprinkle with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, then pop these tasty treats in the microwave for 30 seconds. And voila! You have a delicious, healthy snack your kids will drool over. Alternatively, smother the sliced apples with peanut butter and top with dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips for an equally delicious snack.
2. Ranch Pretzels
Instead of heading to the store to grab ranch-flavored pretzels, consider making a healthier version at home. The ingredients?
A bowl of pretzels, a tablespoon or two of ranch salad dressing powder, half a teaspoon of dill weed, garlic powder, and some olive oil. Mix them in a large bag or bowl and shake until the pretzels are coated.
These healthy, savory, bite-size appetizers will satisfy your kids until dinner time. Once they’re done eating, dry the leftovers by placing them on a cookie sheet and baking them in the oven for roughly 50 minutes.
3. Ants on a Log
This classic childhood favorite is as easy as it is delicious. Add a burst of flavor to your child’s snack time routine by smothering crunchy celery sticks with creamy peanut butter or rich cream cheese.
Then, top with raisins or dried cranberries, and let them enjoy. You can also try variations like almond butter, dried banana chips, cream cheese with chia seeds, or dried apricots.
4. Frozen Yogurt Berry Bites
In a blender, blend some Greek yogurt, honey, and a handful of berries of your choice until smooth. Carefully pour the mixture into ice cube trays, then place in your freezer for about three hours (or overnight). Then pop out the cubes, sit back, and watch as the feeding frenzy ensues.
5. Avocado Toast
If your kiddos can’t get enough of avocado toast, why not let them get in on the action? Toast some bread and spread with mashed avocado. Then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a few drops of your favorite hot sauce. Serve with some cheese cubes or diced tomatoes for an extra-special treat. If they like an extra kick, cut the toast into strips and serve with salsa or sriracha.
6. Cheese Quesadillas
This is a simple yet oh-so-yummy treat. Heat a skillet, add some grated cheese, and let it melt. Then, place a tortilla on top and cook until everything is melted together. Cut into strips or wedges and serve with your favorite salsa or guacamole.
You can also showcase your creativity by adding some finely chopped veggies like tomatoes – whatever your little ones fancy. While at it, ensure the servings aren’t too filling. Otherwise, your kids won’t enjoy their evening meal.
7. Cheese Crackers
Sure, your kids love crackers. But that doesn’t mean they should be eating unhealthy ones. For a healthy option, cut cheese slices into small squares or rectangles, top with some veggies, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for about five minutes until the cheese melts and you have a quick and nutritious snack.
Crackers also go well with homemade fruit cups, lemonade, bananas, and sliced pear. Whichever pairing you pick, ensure it’s healthy and full of flavor.
8. Banana Smoothie
Don’t have much time to make a snack? Whip up a creamy and healthy banana smoothie for a quick drink. You only need two bananas, a cup of yogurt, and some almond milk. Toss the ingredients into a blender, let it do its thing until smooth and serve.
Your kids will love the light sweetness and creamy texture of this snack. Plus, it’s full of vitamins and minerals that’ll energize them throughout the afternoon.
Plus, you can add different fruits like strawberries or blueberries for added flavor. Or, you may top the smoothie with dried cranberries and mini chocolate chips for a treat they’ll love.
9. Fruit Popsicles
There’s nothing better than having a cool treat on a hot day. Make some fruit popsicles using strawberries, water melon, blueberries, bananas, or mangos and blend them with some yogurt for extra nutrition.
Pour your mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. Your kids will love having these sweet treats on hand when they’re feeling hot or thirsty. Let them pick the fruits and mix and match flavors for extra fun.
It takes little to whip up a delectable yet healthy treat for your kiddos. So, don’t let the clock stop your kids from enjoying delicious after-school snacks. Let out your inner chef – even if the kitchen isn’t your usual hangout – and surprise them with these easy, yummy treats. They’ll have a blast munching, and you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing their bodies are fueled and ready to handle whatever the afternoon has in store.
