We all know that when the kids come rushing in the door at 4 p.m., they need to be fed. And FAST. Keep these super-easy, whole-ingredient snack ideas in your back pocket to make sure that your kiddos are healthy, full, and happy. From a fun spin on Ants on a Log to a DIY version of a lunchtime favorite, these ideas are so simple that you can even get the kids involved in making them. Here, some after-school snack ideas to make again and again.
Tropical Agave Kettle Corn
Kettle corn can contain a lot of unwanted sugars and oil, but this tropical agave recipe from Furthermore has all the flavor but far less sugar! Made in coconut oil and sweetened with agave nectar, this popcorn is loaded with good-for-you fiber, with pistachios, coconut, and dried pineapple for a tropical vibe.
Apple Nachos with Peanut Butter
We love this clever recipe from I Am Baker. It’s filling, healthy, and your kids will love it. The sweet riff on nachos uses sliced Fuji apples smothered in warm peanut butter sauce and sweetened granola. Chopped peanuts add a salty crunch.
English Muffin Pizza
Let your little ones have some independence and be in charge of what they’re eating with these customizable mini pizzas! This recipe from Well Plated by Erin is easy, healthy, and fun to get the kids involved. All you need are whole-wheat English muffins, sauce, and toppings of your choice.
Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
A few convenience items like low-fat mozzarella string cheese and store-bought pizza dough make these fresh-baked pizza sticks from I Wash You Dry come together in minutes. Get the kids involved with the rolling and brushing on the butter. Bonus: This hearty snack also works for a last-minute dinner.
Strawberry and Yogurt Parfaits
These protein-packed Greek yogurt parfaits can be made ahead or assembled right before the kids come in the door. For extra-juicy berries, let them macerate with the sugar for at least 20–30 minutes. This recipe calls for strawberries, but you could easily swap in halved blackberries or cubed peaches. Even a quality, low-sugar jam works in a pinch!
Celery Snails and Caterpillars
Take Ants on a Log to the next level with these playful snails and caterpillars from Woman’s Day. Use peanut butter or cream cheese (for a savory spin) to fill your celery sticks, then top with whatever fruit or vegetables you have on hand. Pro tip: For no-mess prep, scoop creamy peanut butter or room-temperature cream cheese into a small resealable plastic bag. Press into the corner of the bag, then snip off a small tip of the corner to use like a piping bag.
Crispy Buffalo Potatoes
Oven fries meet Buffalo wings for a killer snack for kids who like a bit of a spicy kick. Pop the potatoes in the oven 20 minutes before the kids get off the bus, then toss them in the two-ingredient Buffalo sauce right before serving.
Homemade Lunchables
Be the most popular mom on the block by making your own Lunchables snacks. Buy thick-sliced cheese, turkey, ham, or salami from your deli counter, then put the kids to work cutting the slices into fun shapes with cookie cutters.
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